How To Block Unwanted Calls?
Unwanted phone calls may be very disruptive and annoying. They pose a threat to your safety and disrupt your daily activities. Calls from unfamiliar numbers might be telemarketers, fraudsters, robocalls, or just plain annoying. It is critical to take action to regain control of your phone and stop the influx of unwanted calls.
If you want to stop getting telemarketing calls, put an end to robocalls, or just block calls from unknown numbers, you have several options to choose from. This article will go through the many options available to stop unwanted phone calls. With the right strategies and tools, you can take back control of your phone and restore your privacy and peace of mind.
1. Use your phone’s in-built call-blocking features to ignore incoming calls.
The vast majority of today’s smartphones have a call blocking feature that allows the user to prohibit calls and texts from certain numbers. Access to this feature is often buried in the depths of the phone’s settings or its call history. To utilize this feature, find the option to block or refuse calls in your phone’s settings, and then enter the numbers you wish to block into the corresponding fields.
2. Get yourself an app that will prevent you from receiving calls from competing businesses.
There are many call-blocking apps compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices. Using one of these applications, you may prevent calls from certain numbers, establish a blacklist, and, in some circumstances, even block calls from unknown callers. Popular smartphone apps include Call Blocker, Mr. Number, and Truecaller. These apps are very user-friendly, with straightforward interfaces and one-click installation from the App Store or Google Play.
3. Make advantage of your wireless service’s call-blocking features.
Many phone carriers offer call filtering features, but activating them often requires contacting customer care. While these services may come with a monthly fee, they may be the most effective way to stop unwanted calls. Some phone companies allow you block specific numbers, while others will block all calls from unknown numbers. Robocall blocking is a feature offered by certain service providers that helps you avoid unwanted automated phone calls.
4. Add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry.
In order to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls, the Federal Trade Commission maintains this registry. After registering your number, telemarketers are required to stop calling you within 31 days, but it may take longer for your number to be permanently removed from call lists.
5. Take use of caller id and call blocking features on your landline phone.
Many newer landline phones already have a caller ID function and the option to ignore calls that you don’t wish to take. There are even more complex options available for limiting incoming calls if you purchase a device that connects to your landline. These gadgets often have an intuitive user interface and allow you to block certain numbers, whole area codes, or all unknown callers.
6. Take use of a call-forwarding service, and you can avoid this.
Certain service providers provide a feature called “call forwarding.” Any calls made to this number will be forwarded to the number you choose, whether it’s a voicemail, an answering machine, or another phone line. You may pick and choose from the available alternatives. If you don’t want to talk to the person who calls, you may just ignore the call and hope they leave a message.
7. Try using a service that can filter them out.
Robocall blocking services, which utilize cutting-edge technology to identify and obstruct automated calls before they reach your phone, are now offered by a number of companies. One may get these services from the aforementioned suppliers. These services often use a variety of approaches, including as algorithms, blacklists, and whitelists, to determine which calls should be banned.
8. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb”
Many current cellphones include a “Do Not Disturb” setting. When your phone is locked, or at specified intervals, this mode will silence incoming calls and notifications. You may also set exceptions for particular numbers, so calls from those numbers will still go through even if “Do Not Disturb” is on. Entering your mobile device’s configuration options will provide you access to this feature.
9. Take use of your VoIP service’s call filtering features.
It is possible to limit telemarketing calls from reaching your Skype or Zoom account by changing the provider’s call settings. The app’s “settings” or “settings menu” is usually where you’ll find these customization options.
10. Make a formal complaint
If unwanted calls persist, you may contact the FTC or your state’s attorney general’s office to lodge a formal complaint. They may look into companies that break telemarketing regulations and take legal action against them. You may file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or with your state’s attorney general.
Conclusion
When answering calls from unfamiliar numbers, it is important to take extra precautions in addition to the measures that have already been discussed. Do not take calls from unfamiliar numbers, especially if the caller ID does not seem familiar, even if the number is not on your list of numbers to block. A caller who thinks their call is urgent should leave a message or try again later.
However, keep in mind that there is no assurance that these methods will always be effective, even if they may assist reduce unwanted calls. Some con artists would use several phone numbers or fake caller ID information to get around call screening technologies. However, if you use many methods, you may significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls you get and reclaim your phone.
Finally, unwanted calls may be a major annoyance, but you can regain control of your phone and significantly reduce the number of them by blocking their numbers. By blocking annoying calls, whether using the built-in feature on your smartphone, third-party software, or any other method, you may reclaim control of your phone and lead a more peaceful and productive life.