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| 5 Hidden Call Blocking Features You Didn’t Know Your Phone Had |
Discover 5 hidden call blocking features on Android and iPhone you probably didn’t know about. Learn how to stop spam calls, unknown numbers, and telemarketers effortlessly.
We’ve all been there—your phone rings, and it’s yet another spam call, telemarketer, or scammer pretending to be “your bank.” Annoying, right? What most people don’t realize is that their smartphones already come with powerful hidden call blocking features that can stop these unwanted calls instantly.
Whether you use an Android or an iPhone, these features are built-in—you just need to know where to find them. Let’s explore 5 hidden call blocking tricks you probably didn’t know your phone had.
1. Silence Unknown Callers
On iPhones (iOS 13 and above), there’s a secret feature called Silence Unknown Callers. When enabled, calls from numbers not saved in your contacts go straight to voicemail—no ringing, no disturbance.
How to Enable:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers
- Toggle it ON
This is perfect for blocking spam calls while still allowing friends, family, and work contacts to reach you.
2. Block Calls Based on Area Codes
Some Android devices have an advanced setting that lets you block calls from entire area codes. This is especially useful if scammers are using numbers from a specific location.
How to Enable (Samsung & some Android models):
- Open Phone App > Settings > Block Numbers
- Select Block Area Codes
- Enter the code (e.g., 800, 234)
Now, your phone will automatically reject calls from those numbers.
3. Do Not Disturb with Exceptions
Most people only use Do Not Disturb at night, but here’s the hidden power: you can customize it to allow only your contacts to reach you. That means spammers, unknown callers, and robocalls won’t even get through.
How to Enable:
- On iPhone: Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb > Allowed People
- On Android: Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb > Exceptions
This way, you’ll never miss important calls but block strangers automatically.
4. Block Private/Hidden Numbers
Scammers love using “No Caller ID” or private numbers to bypass normal call blocking. Luckily, both iPhone and Android have a hidden option to block them.
On Android (Samsung/Google Pixel):
- Go to Phone App > Settings > Block Numbers
- Turn ON Block Unknown/Private Numbers
On iPhone:
Apple doesn’t allow direct blocking of hidden callers, but you can create a Do Not Disturb contact whitelist trick to silence them.
5. Built-in Spam Detection & Auto-Block
Modern phones have AI-powered call detection that automatically blocks known spam numbers. For example:
- iPhone uses Silence Junk Callers (integrated with carriers).
- Google Pixel & Samsung use Caller ID & Spam Protection, showing warnings like “Scam Likely.” How to Enable on Android:
- Open Phone App > Settings > Caller ID & Spam
- Turn ON Filter Spam Calls
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification
- Enable spam filters if supported by your carrier.
Use Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
If your built-in options aren’t enough, apps like Truecaller (Download on Play Store) and Hiya (Download on App Store) take blocking to the next level by identifying spammers in real-time.
Your phone is smarter than you think. With these hidden call blocking features, you can finally enjoy peace of mind without constant spam calls disturbing your day.
Next time your phone rings, make sure it’s someone who actually matters—not a scammer trying to sell you “extended car warranties.”
