How To Block Unknown Callers on Your iPhone: A Complete Step-by-Step Method

How to Block Unknown Callers on Your iPhone

So, dealing with unwanted calls from folks you don’t recognize can be a real pain, right? Thankfully, there’s a neat trick tucked away in your iPhone’s settings. Instead of outright blocking every unknown number—which could mean missing some important calls—this feature just sends them directly to voicemail. You get to carry on with your day and check voicemail later if needed. Here’s how to get this set up.

Access Your Settings

First, unlock that device and find the Settings app (it’s that little grey gear icon chilling on your home screen). You might just scroll through your icons or, for the life of you, use the search function to find it faster. Getting into Settings is key to changing how your iPhone handles what comes ringing in.
Quick Tip: You can open Settings with a swift Swipe down from the top right corner if you’ve got Face ID, then hit that gear icon in your Control Center, if it’s there.

Jump into the Phone Settings

In Settings, scroll down until you hit “Phone.” That’s where all your call-related goodies are. It’s kind of the command center for everything to do with calls—especially if you wanna quiet down those unknown botherers.
Path: Settings > Phone

Turn on Silence Unknown Callers

Find “Silence Unknown Callers” in there and tap it. This feature’s been around since iOS 13, so if you don’t see it, your phone might need an update (which – surprise – is a common thing with Apple).
Settings > General > Software Update
And hey, if you miss it, make sure your iPhone is on iOS 13 or newer.
Pro Tip: Want to find it fast? Just type “Silence Unknown Callers” in the search bar at the top of Settings.

Turn the Switch On

When you spot “Silence Unknown Callers,” just flip that switch to activate it. If it’s green, it’s live!
Shortcut: You can toggle it directly in the Phone settings or via Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.
From that point, any unrecognized numbers will be silenced and sent right to voicemail. Goodbye interruptions, right?

Check If It’s Working

Just double-check that the switch is still green—that’s your confirmation that it’s doing its thing.
Side Note: This feature doesn’t fully block unknown calls; it merely silences them, so if you feel like a caller might be legit, you can still catch their voicemail later.

Extra Tips for Managing Unknown Calls

It’s pretty smart to keep your contacts updated. Otherwise, important calls might get lost in the shuffle.
Tip: You can manage your contacts through the Contacts app or via the Phone > Contacts menu.
Since silenced calls still leave voicemails, you’re not going to miss out on anything critical. If spam calls are a chronic issue, consider trying out third-party apps like Hiya or Truecaller. They can step in and help too.
Keeping your iOS updated is a good move because Apple tends to tweak and improve its call features.
Check Here for Updates: Settings > General > Software Update
And if you’re waiting for a call from a delivery driver or your doctor’s office, you can quickly flip off “Silence Unknown Callers” to let them through.

Common Questions About Blocking Unknown Callers

Will this block emergency calls?

Nope. Emergency services still get through no matter what. iOS makes sure of that.

Can I see missed calls from unknown numbers?