Information in this article applies to landlines,iPhones, andAndroidphones made by various manufacturers.
One example is PrivacyStar, which is also available foriOS.
PrivacyStar gives you control over calls and texts from specific numbers and those that are unknown or private.
Call and text blocking for iOS aren’t available because ofiPhone app restrictions.
However, reverse phone lookup and complaint filing work fine.
iPhone: Silence Unknown Callers
You canblock numbers on iPhoneson a case-by-case basis.
For preemptively blocking unwanted callers, apps likeRoboKillercan purportedly block 99 percent of spam calls.
Additionally, iOS 13 has a feature calledSilence Unknown Callers.
To enable this feature, go toSettings>Phone>Silence Unknown Callers.
Any unknown numbers are sent to your voicemail and are visible in your list of recent calls.
For example, Verizon has an option to block anonymous callers.
However, it’s not very reliable since private numbers can still come through.
You should hear a confirmation message.
Tap thethree-dotmenu in the Phone app and chooseSettings, then look for an option to block unknown callers.
If your phone doesn’t have this option, use an app like PrivacyStar.
Google Pixel: Spam Call Blocking
Google Pixel phoneshaveCall Screenenabled by default.
So, when you get a call from an unknown number,Google Assistantanswers for you.
If the call is legitimate, your phone rings.
However, if it’s a robocall, the call is dropped.
You’ll receive a notification, and you’re able to review the call in your call log.
Smart Call lets you know the identity of unknown callers.
To turn on Smart Call, kick off the Phone app’s setting and enableCaller ID and spam protection.
