iPhone 7 and 7 Plus – How to Block and Filter Calls

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus have several useful features to block and filter unwanted calls. Here are the main methods:

Block Calls from Specific Numbers

You can easily block calls from specific numbers right from the Phone app:

  • Open the Phone app and go to Recents
  • Tap the “i” icon next to the number you want to block
  • Select Block this Caller

To block contacts or numbers manually:

  • Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked > Add New
  • Enter the phone number or select the contact
  • Tap Block Contact to confirm

Benefits:

  • Blocks all calls and texts from that number
  • Easy to unblock later if needed

Use Silence Unknown Callers

This feature auto-blocks calls from:

  • Numbers not in your contacts
  • Numbers you haven’t recently called
  • Numbers not suggested by Siri

To enable:

  • Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers
  • Toggle on

Now only callers from your contacts, recent calls, and Siri suggestions will ring through. The rest will go straight to voicemail.

Benefits:

  • Great for reducing unwanted calls from unknown numbers
  • Calls from important numbers will still come through

Download a Call Blocking App

Apps like Truecaller and RoboKiller have advanced algorithms to identify and block spam calls.

Key features include:

  • Real-time spam detection
  • Personal block lists
  • Reverse phone number lookup
  • Blocked call logs

Many paid options available too for added protection.

Benefits:

  • Very effective at reducing spam calls
  • Extra tools like reverse lookups

Contact Your Carrier

Most carriers now offer free spam identification and blocking tools, like:

  • Verizon Call Filter
  • AT&T Call Protect
  • T-Mobile Scam Shield

Features vary but can include:

  • Known spam number blocking
  • Suspicious call alerts
  • Personal block lists

Check with your carrier to see if they offer a built-in call protection service.

Benefits:

  • Free for most carrier customers
  • Easy to set up

Conclusion

The iPhone has great built-in tools and third party apps to block unwanted calls. Key options:

  • Block specific numbers
  • Use Silence Unknown Callers
  • Download advanced call blocking apps
  • Utilize carrier-provided services

Using a combination of these methods will help minimize disruptions from spam and robocalls.