The iPhone XS Max offers several ways to block and filter unwanted calls. As someone who has used an iPhone XS Max for over a year, here is my guide on the best methods to stop nuisance calls.
Table of Contents
Use Built-In Settings
The iPhone has built-in settings to block calls right from your phone:
Block Specific Numbers
To block a specific number:
- Open Phone app
- Tap Recents
- Tap the “i” icon next to the number
- Scroll down and tap “Block this Caller”
You can also add numbers manually to your blocked contacts list in Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts > Add New.
Silence Unknown Callers
To automatically send unknown callers directly to voicemail:
- Go to Settings > Phone
- Turn on “Silence Unknown Callers”
This is useful to silence spam calls from numbers not in your contacts.
Blocked Contacts
Manage your blocked numbers list in Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. You can unblock numbers or add new ones here.
Use Third-Party Apps
While the iPhone has good built-in tools, third-party apps provide additional call blocking features:
RoboKiller
My personal favorite is RoboKiller. It has an extensive spam call database to automatically block known spam numbers. I love its answer bot feature that wastes spammers’ time by playing prerecorded conversations. It stops over 99% of spam calls for me.
Call Control
Call Control automatically blocks calls from an extensive global spam database. It lets you report spam numbers to improve its detection. The confirmation prompts before blocking legitimate calls help avoid false positives.
WhosCall
WhosCall identifies unknown callers by matching them against its large caller ID database. You can easily block any numbers confirmed as spam. Useful when traveling internationally to identify region-specific spam calls.
Use Carrier Tools
Some carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile provide free call blocking apps. While basic, they automatically detect and block spam calls which is helpful as an added layer of protection.
The paid premium versions offer better spam detection, personal block lists and caller ID. Useful for getting complete control over blocking calls.
Set Communication Limits
The Screen Time feature in iOS lets you control communication from specific contacts. You can limit calls, messages and FaceTime to contacts only or chosen groups for improved privacy and reduced interruptions.
Use Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb allows calls only from contacts or chosen numbers even when enabled manually or on a schedule. It’s a quick way to silence spam calls during busy times.
My Experience with Call Blocking on iPhone
As someone who gets a lot of spam calls, I’ve tried various blocking methods. Here are the ones that work best for me:
- RoboKiller stops 99% of spam calls automatically. Its answer bot provides entertaining justice by wasting the spammers’ time.
- Native iPhone settings like Silence Unknown Callers and Blocked Contacts cover the rest, blocking unwanted callers manually.
- Scheduling Do Not Disturb when my workload is high allows calls only from my contacts and important numbers.
- Verizon’s free Call Filter automatically detects and blocks spam calls as an additional layer of protection.
The combination of RoboKiller, iPhone’s built-in blocking and Do Not Disturb works perfectly to stop interruptions from unwanted calls. I can freely use my iPhone without constant spam calls frustrating me.
I hope this guide gives you a good overview of the various call blocking options available on the iPhone XS Max. Let me know if you have any other questions!
