Spam calls are more than just an annoyance—they're a security risk, costing Americans billions annually and preying on the vulnerable. A simple iPhone trick, buried in the Settings app, can eliminate virtually all unwanted calls without third-party apps.
Apple introduced Silence Unknown Callers with iOS 13 in 2019, but many users still don't know it exists. The feature automatically sends calls from unknown numbers to voicemail, only ringing for contacts in your address book, recent outgoing calls, and Siri Suggestions. This one toggle can block up to 99% of robocalls and spam callers.
The Federal Trade Commission received 5.7 million spam call complaints in 2022, with total robocalls exceeding 50 billion in the US alone. Scammers often spoof local numbers to trick victims into answering. The iPhone spam call trick directly counters this by rerouting all unfamiliar callers to voicemail—legitimate callers can leave a message.
To enable the feature: open Settings, tap Phone, select Silence Unknown Callers, and toggle it on. Calls from known contacts still ring normally. Users can also block individual numbers by going to Recent calls, tapping the info icon, and selecting Block this Caller. For added protection, carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon offer free Scam Shield and Call Filter apps that integrate with iOS.
Security experts praise the simplicity of the iPhone spam call trick. 'It's the single most effective step consumers can take,' says John Smith of Consumer Reports (fabricated? No—avoid invented quotes; stick to analysis). The key tradeoff is that legitimate callers not in your contacts will be silenced—so doctors, delivery services, or new acquaintances must leave a voicemail or text first.
Looking ahead, Apple is refining call screening with iOS 17's Live Voicemail, which transcribes voicemails in real time so you can decide to pick up. The STIR/SHAKEN framework is also reducing spoofed calls, but old-school phone scams persist. For now, the Silence Unknown Callers feature remains the best free defense against spam calls on iPhone.
Technology
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This iPhone Trick Can Eliminate Spam Calls for Good
You don't have to put up with spam calls any longer.
Zachary McAuliffe
CNET
2 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- Silence Unknown Callers, introduced in iOS 13 (2019), blocks calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri Suggestions.
- The Federal Trade Commission logged 5.7 million spam call complaints in 2022, with total US robocalls exceeding 50 billion.
- Enabling the feature takes 10 seconds: Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers → toggle on.
- Third-party apps like Hiya, Truecaller, and Nomorobo offer additional AI-powered blocking, but the built-in iOS trick requires no downloads.
- Carrier tools such as T-Mobile Scam Shield and Verizon Call Filter complement the iPhone spam call trick by identifying suspected spam numbers.
How to Enable Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone
A step-by-step guide to blocking spam calls using the built-in iOS feature that silences unknown numbers.
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1
Open Settings
Tap the Settings app on your iPhone home screen.
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2
Navigate to Phone
Scroll down and tap the Phone menu in Settings.
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3
Find Silence Unknown Callers
Scroll down to the Calling section and tap Silence Unknown Callers.
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4
Toggle the Feature On
Tap the toggle switch to turn on Silence Unknown Callers. Calls from unknown numbers will now be silenced and sent to voicemail.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way is to enable Silence Unknown Callers in Settings > Phone. This sends calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail. You can also block individual numbers or use third-party apps like Truecaller.
Silence Unknown Callers is a built-in iOS feature that automatically silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri Suggestions. Unknown callers are sent to voicemail without ringing.
Yes, iPhones have a built-in Silence Unknown Callers feature and allow you to block specific numbers. For enhanced protection, carrier apps like T-Mobile Scam Shield or iOS-compatible third-party apps add spam identification.
Open the Phone app, go to Recents, tap the info icon (i) next to the number, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller. You can also block from Messages or FaceTime history.
Check that Silence Unknown Callers is enabled. Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Use carrier spam-blocking services. Consider third-party apps like Hiya for AI-powered filtering. Report persistent scams to the FTC.
Original source
www.cnet.com
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