The iPhone X allows you to block and filter incoming calls from certain numbers or contacts to prevent unwanted calls or spam. Here are some tips on how to make the most of this useful feature.
Set Up Blocked Contacts
You can add specific contacts to a Blocked Contacts list so their calls go straight to voicemail. Here’s how:
- Open Settings > Phone on your iPhone X
- Scroll down and tap Blocked Contacts
- Tap Add New. This brings up your contacts list
- Select the contact you want to block
- Confirm your selection
Once a contact is blocked, their calls will go straight to voicemail when on silent mode. If your ringer is on, you won’t receive notifications for their calls.
Block Unknown Callers
You can automatically block all calls from unknown numbers not already in your contacts list:
- Go to Settings > Phone
- Turn on the toggle for Silence Unknown Callers
With this enabled, you won’t receive calls or notifications from numbers not saved in your contacts. They’ll go straight to voicemail instead.
Create Custom Filters
For more advanced call blocking, you can set up custom filters based on certain criteria. Here’s how to create one:
- Open the Phone app
- Tap the Recents tab
- Tap the information icon (i) next to any number
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller
- Customize your filter from the options:
- All Contacts: Block calls from everyone
- All Unknown: Block unknown numbers
- Specific Numbers: Enter numbers to block
You can create multiple custom filters as needed. Just repeat these steps.
Use Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
The iPhone App Store offers call blocking and spam protection apps with additional features. Popular options include Truecaller, RoboKiller, and Hiya.
Key features of third-party call blockers include:
- Real-time spam detection
- Crowdsourced caller ID
- Automatic blocking of known spammers
- Reverse phone lookup
- Blacklists/whitelists
- Call recording
- Reporting tools
Review each app’s permissions before installing. Subscription fees may apply for premium features.
Temporarily Disable Call Blocking
You can quickly disable your call blocking settings if you’re expecting an important call:
- Open Settings
- Tap Phone
- Turn off Silence Unknown Callers and any other call blocking toggles
Your previously blocked contacts and numbers will now ring through normally. Remember to re-enable the settings when finished.
Check Voicemail for Blocked Calls
If you have voicemail enabled, callers you’ve blocked can still leave messages:
- Open the Phone app and select Voicemail tab
- Enter your voicemail password if prompted
- Listen to any new voicemails from blocked contacts
You can then decide whether to add their numbers to your contacts or leave them blocked.
Conclusion
- The iPhone X provides customizable tools for blocking nuisance calls and filtering out spam.
- Make use of built-in settings like Blocked Contacts and Silence Unknown Callers.
- Create custom filters to block specific numbers not already in your address book.
- Check voicemail periodically for messages from blocked callers.
- Consider a spam blocking app from the App Store for extra call screening features.
