If you want the shorter version. Yes་. You can block unknown numbers from calling your phone. On Apple, go to Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers. After that, calls from unsaved numbers in your contacts will go straight to voicemail. You can still see them in the list of recent calls. [Apple Support†source].
On Android, open the Phone app → Settings → Blocked Numbers and turn on the option to block “unknown callers”. This usually includes personal or secret numbers. For spam messages, turn on caller ID and spam messages.
Using WhatsApp? Go to Settings → Privacy → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers. Strangers won’t bother you. But their efforts will still show up in your call history. 【WhatsApp†Source].
Quick, clean, and ready.
2) iPhone: Block/Silence/Screen unknown callers
Random calls from numbers you don’t recognize can be annoying. While Apple offers a few tools to deal with this, these steps depend on the iOS version of your iPhone. We will explain it in a simple step.
Silence unknown callers. (iOS 16–17)
If you’re using iOS 16 or 17, you’ll need to update the app. To implement it
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and press Phone.
- Find Unknown Caller Silencing and enable it.
After doing so, you will be able to remove unsaved numbers, emails, and contacts from your contacts. Recent calls or direct calls to the voicemail from Siri suggestions. Your phone won’t ring. But you can still see the missed call in the most recent call.
This is great if you’re tired of telemarketing. But remember that you can also silence important phone calls, such as text messages from your bank or delivery driver. because་. Always check your voicemail or phone logs.
New Phone Filter in iOS Latest
In the latest version of iOS, Apple added something even better. You can find it in the same place. Go to Settings → Call → Unknown Call Filter. Here you have three options.
- Never – Unknown numbers sound normal.
- Ask the reason – The caller should tell you the reason for the call before hanging up. You see the reason on the screen and decide whether to respond.
- Silence – The phone stops ringing and goes straight to voicemail.
- Silence – The phone stops ringing and goes straight to voicemail. “Ask why” is very helpful. This feature may not be available on all iPhones yet. Because it is being implemented with the latest software.
Expert advice
- Family and job་. Or add VIP numbers to fans.
If you use no-interference or focus, you’ll be able to see the results.
Some things to remember
These settings will permanently block unknown calls. They silence or filter. If emergency services or a one-time password are trying to contact you. Therefore, it is important to check your Recents and Voicemail from time to time.
3) Android (Google Phone app & OEMs): Block private & unknown calls
Random calls from numbers you don’t recognize can be annoying and frustrating. Sometimes it can be scary. There are a few simple ways to deal with this on Android phones. The steps may vary slightly depending on the brand of your device. But the principle is the same. Let us explain in plain English.
Using the Google Mobile App
Most Android phones now come with the Google Phone app. In it, you will find an option to block calls that do not show numbers. Here’s a quick fix.
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top corner.
- Go to Settings → Blocked Numbers.
- Open the unknown.
This option blocks private or secret codes. Important Note: It does not block all unsaved contacts. If your cousin buys a new SIM card and calls you, then you will be able to get a call. But if someone calls you and hides the number, your phone will not bother you.
Another feature in the same app is caller ID and spam. You can enable the spam call filter. When enabled, suspicious spam calls are blocked, or at least a big red alert is displayed on the screen. It’s not perfect, but it reduces a lot of unwanted calls. [Google Scholar†L6-L10].
Pixel phones and phone filters.
If you have a Google Pixel, you have an additional feature called Call Screening. If you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize, your phone’s Google Assistant will answer. The caller heard a brief message. “Hi, it’s Google Assistant. Your caller is using a call filter.” They should then tell you who they are and why they are calling.
You can see their answers as text on the screen. You answer and send it to Voicemail. Alternatively, they can be marked as fake. In the new Pixel, you can set the phone display to “maximum” so that almost all unknown calls are filtered out first. Note that this option is not available everywhere. Some countries still don’t support it. 【Android Support†L13-L18】.
Samsung and other Android phones
Not all Android phones use the Google Phone app. If you have a Samsung, OnePlus, or any other brand, you’ll be able to find it. On a Samsung phone, open Phone Apps → Settings and search for Block Unknown or Private Numbers. The wording may be slightly different. But the functionality is the same. Once enabled, personal or secret codes will no longer bother you.
Important takeaways
- Unknown and Unsaved Unknown usually refers to a “secret” or “private” caller ID.
- Spam filter helps: Enabling the spam filter is an extra layer of security.
- Pixel users get: If you have a Pixel.
No matter what Android phone you have. The option is available in the settings of the phone app.
So when you see “Private Number” or “Unknown” flashing on your screen, you know your phone can handle it without lifting a single finger.
People often search for this.
*“Private Number Android Block” *“Google Phone Block Unknown Call Change” *“Difference Between Private Number and Unknown Caller Android”
4) WhatsApp & VoIP apps: Silence/Block unknown callers
Have you ever been in the middle of eating lunch and suddenly gotten a shock from a call on your phone from a number you had never seen before? It’s annoying, isn’t it? There is a simple solution on WhatsApp called Mute Unknown Callers. You can find it here.
Settings → Privacy → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers
Here’s how it works: The phone will not ring on your phone. So even if there is no sudden interruption, the number will still appear in your call log. If it’s important, maybe a delivery person or a friend with a new number. Think of it like putting a mask on your door. Outsiders cannot enter. But you’ll still know they’re open.
Now you may be wondering, “Should I mute or mute?” Silence is generally safer. You should avoid spam without the risk of ignoring real calls. Block, on the other hand, is better when you are sure that you do not want to receive calls from that number again.
Telegram and Signal, Other apps like Viber also have call privacy settings. But the names may be slightly different. It’s worth checking your app’s privacy or call settings to see if you can silence or filter unknown callers.
because་. Next, you can Google “How to block WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers.” Or remember “How to block unknown calls on WhatsApp for iPhone/Android”. [Source: WhatsApp†].
Read Next: How to Remove WhatsApp Spam?
5) India-specific: TRAI DND (Stop promotional/telemarketing calls)
If you live in India. Loans and credit cards on your phone. Credit cards. Or maybe you know when you get a promotional call about a “special offer.” That’s where TRAI’s DND (Do Not Disturb) service comes into play. It is a system developed by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India.
What exactly is DND?
In simple words, it’s like saying to your caller, “Hey, don’t let those marketing people bother me.” Once you activate DND, most advertising calls and messages are blocked by your carrier.
How to enable Do Not Disturb (DND) in India?
There are two easy ways you can do this:
Option 1 Call or text 1909
- Dial 1909 from your mobile phone and follow the voice prompts.
or send the word START 0 to 1909. This blocks all promotional calls and text message categories.
Option 2: Using the TRAI DND App
- Download the TRAI DND app from the Play Store or App Store.
- Open it, enter your mobile number, and then register the OTP.
- You will see different categories. (e.g., real estate, banking, education, healthcare, tourism) You can leave them all out or choose only the ones you don’t want.
If you still receive spam calls, you can report them once in the app. This sends a request to your carrier for action.
A note about carriers.
India’s main airline, Jio, and Ethel. V and all must follow the Do Not Disturb (DND) rule. Once registered, it takes 7 days for your request to be fully processed. After that, most of the annoying promotional calls should stop.
—
why་.
Signing up for Do Not Waste Time (DND) saves you time and saves you a lot of time. And the best part? It’s completely free.
—
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you want to block certain categories. (like real estate ads) But still want to get bank alerts.
Search query entered by the reader
- *Promotional calls should be banned in India.
- How to use the TRAI DND app
- How to report spam calls in India 1909
source་. Official guidelines from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Step-by-step guide published in The Times of India
6) US & other regions: National Do Not Call & regulators
If you live in the United States. It is a free government-run service. Adding your phone number to a list tells telemarketers that they cannot call you. The goal is to reduce the number of attempts to sell dinner.
But here’s the problem. This list does not exclude scammers or robocalls. Because criminals don’t care about the rules, they still sneak in.
Well, what can you do? First, make sure your number is listed on the official do-not-call website (https://www.donotcall.gov/). second་. Don’t answer when the cell phone rings. If you answer yes, the system reports your number as “active.” Instead, let the phone go to voicemail.
Bad calls can also be reported, and the Federal Trade Commission has a quick online form where you enter the number you called. Over time, those reports help regulators track patterns and prevent large-scale fraud. If you’re dealing with unwanted calls, it’s a good idea.
The last word is: “Do Not Call” lists are good for honest business. Use the registry and Block numbers on your phone. Bad numbers are being reported. Gradually, this helps reduce noise.
7) Pro tips, safety & edge cases
Blocking unknown numbers is fine until you realize that some of those calls are actually serious: one-time passwords from your bank, and unknown passwords. A carrier calls because they can’t find your address. Or think of a new job interview code you haven’t saved yet. Calls may go straight to voicemail or go silent if you press wide. A useful little trick: record a brief voicemail greeting.
Another thing to know is that on Android phones, Google has recently added protections that ensure that if someone tries something suspicious. If you see a pop-up warning, it’s worth it. Scammers love to pretend to be from “banking” or “customer service.” Don’t share screen passwords or bank details during calls.
If you don’t want to forget important people during working hours, on the iPhone, the feature is called Focus. On Android, it says Do Not Disturb, Special. Basically, you can keep unknown callers silent, but contact the person and family་་. Or let your boss go. That way, even if your phone is silent during a message storm, it’s still active. You can’t forget the real emergency.
Do you have two SIM cards? The problem is that the blocking rules don’t always synchronize between the two. You may need to change the settings for SIM 1 and SIM 2 separately. And about “voicemail and a complete ban.” If you block someone manually, either way, the caller doesn’t get a clear message that they’ve been blocked. If you’ve ever wondered, Will the blocked caller know? — Most of the time, they don’t.
Finally, a big one: you can’t “open” private or restricted numbers. Callers and handset manufacturers do not grant this power for legal or privacy reasons. If someone hides the caller ID. Seeing you is private or unknown. The only thing you can do is block these groups altogether or let the person go to voicemail.
8) Troubleshooting
Sometimes the setting to block or silence unknown callers doesn’t work. Maybe the option is greyed out. Maybe it doesn’t exist. Or it acts like your phone never got the update. Don’t be afraid. Most of the time, it’s a minor flaw that you can fix.
If the “Mute Unknown Callers” or “Call Screen” option doesn’t appear on your iPhone, it’s a good idea. Make sure your iOS is up to date. Apple often hides these features in new versions. So the reason you can’t see them is probably an outdated system. If they are there but grayed out. Go to Settings → Screen Time. → Go to Content and Privacy and make sure you have unrestricted calling permissions. 【Apple Support】
On Android, the Google Phone app may conflict with your smartphone’s carrier (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.). If the “Block Unknown Callers” option is not available. First, make sure that you are using the Google Phone app by default. If your phone has its own caller, you can use it. Some carriers and regions may disable the feature altogether. Also, enable caller ID and spam protection. 【Google Support】
Common quick fixes.
Update the mobile operating system and mobile app to the latest version.
If you’ve switched callers before. Restore the default settings of the app.
Check the software license. (phone and contact, phone log).
If your caller has not enabled caller ID services, you may not be able to receive a call. The unknown caller blocker does not appear until you contact support.
If nothing works, restart your device and try again. Nine times out of ten, this solves the problem.
9) FAQs
Unknown, Private, and Unreserved — What’s the Difference?
Although people often confuse these terms, Unknown means your phone can’t communicate with the caller’s number, so it says “unknown.” Private or hidden means that the caller has deliberately blocked the number. Unsaved is easy. It’s a number that appears on your screen even though it’s not stored in your contacts.
Blocked Unknown Call Goes to Voicemail?
If you use the new Silence Unknown Callers or Filter Unknown Callers on the iPhone, you will not be able to access the phone. They usually go straight to Messenger or appear in your “recent” list so you can check them later. On Android, it depends on your phone and carrier. Some phones send restricted or private numbers to voicemail, and some phones send blocked or private numbers to voicemail. Some phones avoid them altogether.
Did the caller know they were blocked?
Not most of the time. If someone calls you and blocks you, you’ll be able to do it. You have a busy voice, voice་. Then there was silence. The person feels like your phone is turned off or unreachable.
Can emergency services be stopped?
Not really. Both iPhone and Android are designed to allow emergency numbers (like 911 or 911) to continue to be answered even if you block unknown callers. If an emergency service calls from a private phone, if you have configured it to block unknown or private numbers. That’s why it’s important to check your phone, text messages, etc.
Does ” Do Not Disturb prevent unknown calls?
Do Not Disturb (DND) is a different feature. It silences all calls unless you set exceptions like favorites or call repeats. It is not limited to the number of unknowns. If you only want to block unknown calls, you should use the specific “Block” or “Unknown Call Silence” settings on your phone.
10) Step-by-Step Checklists (copy-paste friendly)
Sometimes a long guide is not needed. You need steps that you can copy and test right away. Here’s the iPhone and Android. There is a fast version of WhatsApp.
📱 iPhone (Four Quick Steps)
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Phone.
- Silent search for unknown callers. (Or filter unknown calls on new iOS devices).
- Turn it on. Now the unknown number will be sent directly to the voicemail.
🤖 Andor (four quick steps)
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three dots or menu and select Settings.
- Go to the blocked number.
- Turn on Block calls from unknown or private numbers. Message filtering can also be enabled here.
💬 WhatsApp (three quick steps)
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings→Privacy→Phone.
- Turn on Unknown Caller Silence. Unknown phones cannot make calls. But they will still appear in your call list.
That’s it. Copying these options and trying them out on your phone will stop you from getting annoying random calls.
11) Wrap-up & CTA
If you’re tired of weird numbers flashing on your screen, you’re probably not going to be able to do it. Don’t worry, the easiest way to do this on your iPhone is to silence unknown callers or use the new unknown caller filter option. If you use Android, block unknown numbers. For all those endless WhatsApp ringtones from other people, tap Silence Unknown Callers in the app. Your phone is smooth when it moves. hurry་. And there is no inertia.
Depending on where you live and your carrier, each phone works a little differently. That’s where you came from. Name and country of your device. Comment below, including the area, and I will help you figure out the exact steps. Your little message might help someone else going through the same issue.