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How to Block Incoming Calls on the Apple iPhone 8 and 8 Plus Models

Key takeaways:

  • You can easily block individual numbers from the Recents or Contacts list on your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus
  • The “Silence Unknown Callers” feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail
  • Third-party apps and carrier services provide additional spam call filtering options
  • Registering on the National Do Not Call Registry can reduce unwanted telemarketing calls

Introduction

Unwanted calls from telemarketers, scammers, and robocallers can be a major nuisance. Fortunately, Apple’s iPhone 8 and 8 Plus models offer several built-in features to help you block these annoying calls. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to stop spam calls from reaching your iPhone, giving you peace of mind and a distraction-free experience.

Block Individual Numbers

The simplest way to block a specific number is directly from the Phone app:

  1. Open the Phone app and tap on the “Recents” tab
  2. Find the number you want to block and tap the “i” icon next to it
  3. Scroll down and tap on “Block this Caller”
  4. Confirm by tapping “Block Contact”

You can also block numbers from your Contacts list:

  1. Open the Contacts app
  2. Select the contact you want to block
  3. Tap “Edit” in the top-right corner
  4. Scroll down and tap “Block this Caller”
  5. Confirm by tapping “Block Contact”

Blocked numbers can still leave voicemails, but you won’t receive notifications. They also won’t know they’ve been blocked.

Silence Unknown Callers

iOS 13 introduced the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature, which sends calls from numbers not in your contacts, Mail, or Messages straight to voicemail. Here’s how to enable it:

  1. Go to Settings > Phone
  2. Scroll down and toggle on “Silence Unknown Callers”

Keep in mind that this feature might cause you to miss important calls from numbers not yet in your contacts, such as a doctor’s office or a delivery service.

Use Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps available on the App Store can help filter spam calls. Some popular options include:

  • Truecaller: Identifies and blocks spam calls, and provides caller ID for unknown numbers
  • RoboKiller: Uses machine learning to adapt to the latest spam call techniques and block them
  • Hiya: Automatically identifies and blocks scam calls, telemarketers, and robocalls

These apps often come with additional features like reverse number lookup and spam reporting.

Check with Your Carrier

Major cellular carriers offer their own spam call filtering services:

  • AT&T: Call Protect (free) and Call Protect Plus (paid)
  • Verizon: Call Filter (free) and Call Filter Plus (paid)
  • T-Mobile: Scam Shield (free) and Scam Shield Premium (paid)
  • Sprint: Call Screener (free) and Premium Caller ID (paid)

Contact your carrier or visit their website to learn more about the specific features and pricing of their call filtering services.

Register on the National Do Not Call List

While not foolproof against scammers and dishonest telemarketers, registering your number on the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry can help reduce unwanted sales calls:

  1. Visit donotcall.gov
  2. Enter your phone number and email address
  3. Click “Submit” and verify your registration via email

It can take up to 31 days for sales calls to stop after registration. Keep in mind that some organizations, such as charities and political groups, are still permitted to call you even after registering.

Conclusion

By using the built-in blocking features on your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus, third-party apps, carrier services, and registering on the National Do Not Call list, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. While no method is 100% effective, combining these strategies will help you take control of your phone experience and minimize interruptions from spam callers.

FAQ

Can I block calls from unknown or private numbers on my iPhone 8?

Yes, you can use the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature to send calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail. Go to Settings > Phone and toggle on “Silence Unknown Callers.”

Will blocked callers know they’ve been blocked?

No, blocked callers will not receive any notification that they’ve been blocked. Their calls will go straight to voicemail without ringing your phone.

Can I block all calls except those from my contacts?

The “Silence Unknown Callers” feature essentially achieves this by sending calls from numbers not in your contacts, Mail, or Messages directly to voicemail.

How do I see a list of numbers I’ve blocked on my iPhone 8?

To view your blocked contacts, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. Here, you can add or remove numbers from your block list.

Will registering on the National Do Not Call Registry stop all unwanted calls?

While registering can help reduce telemarketing calls, it won’t stop scammers and dishonest telemarketers from calling you. Some organizations, like charities and political groups, are also exempt from the Do Not Call list.

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