How do I block a spam caller on my phone?

[liza89]

It can be incredibly frustrating to receive unwanted spam calls on your phone. Thankfully, most modern smartphones and service providers offer several ways to block these annoying interruptions. Here's a breakdown of common methods for both smartphones and landlines:

For Smartphones (Android and iOS):

1. Blocking Individual Numbers:

During or After a Call:
iPhone: While on a call, you can't directly block, but after receiving a spam call, go to the "Phone" app, tap "Recents," find the number, tap the "i" icon (information), scroll down, and tap "Block Caller."
Android: Open the "Phone" app, go to "Recents," tap and hold the number you want to block, and then select "Block" or "Block number." The exact wording might vary depending on your phone manufacturer.
From Contacts or Messages: You can also block numbers belarus mobile phone number list directly from your contact list or within a message thread. The process is similar to blocking from the recent calls list.
2. Using Built-in Spam Filtering and Caller ID:

iPhone (Silence Unknown Callers): Go to "Settings" > "Phone," scroll down to "Silence Unknown Callers," and toggle it on. This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri Suggestions directly to voicemail. Be cautious, as this might also block legitimate calls from new contacts.
Android (Caller ID & Spam Protection): Open the "Phone" app, tap the three dots (menu), select "Settings," then "Caller ID & spam." Ensure "See caller ID & spam" is turned on. You may also have an option to "Filter spam calls" which automatically blocks suspected spam.
Samsung (Smart Call): Samsung phones often have a "Smart Call" feature in the Phone app settings that can identify and block potential spam calls.
3. Utilizing Third-Party Apps:
Numerous third-party apps specialize in identifying and blocking spam calls. Some popular options include:

Hiya: Often pre-installed on some Samsung and other Android devices.
Truecaller: Has a large database of identified spam numbers. Be mindful of privacy considerations as it often requires access to your contacts.
Nomorobo: Blocks robocalls and telemarketers.
Robokiller: Uses AI to block and even "answer" spam calls with funny robot voices to waste spammers' time.
Your Carrier's App: Many mobile carriers (e.g., AT&T Call Protect, T-Mobile Scam Shield, Verizon Call Filter) offer their own apps and services for spam blocking and call identification. Check with your provider.
4. Reporting Spam Numbers:

Most phone operating systems and third-party apps allow you to report spam numbers. This helps improve their databases and protect other users. On Android, when blocking a number, you often have the option to "Report as spam." On iPhones, you can report spam SMS/iMessages.
For Landlines:

Blocking spam on landlines can be more challenging, but several options exist:

Call Blocking Services/Devices:

Many phone service providers offer call-blocking features or devices that you can purchase and connect to your landline. These devices often have databases of known spam numbers or allow you to create your block lists.
Some devices intercept calls and require callers to press a button before your phone rings, which automated robocallers typically cannot do.
Using Star Codes:

Some landline providers offer temporary call blocking using star codes:
*60: Often used to block the number of the last incoming call. Follow the prompts. You typically have a limit on the number of calls you can block this way.
*77: May activate a service that automatically rejects calls from private or blocked numbers (no caller ID). Be cautious, as this might also block legitimate calls. To deactivate, you might dial *87. Check with your provider for availability and specific codes in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
National Do Not Call Registry:

In some regions (like the USA), you can register your landline number on the National Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov). While this won't stop all spam calls (especially those from scammers), it can reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive. It's worth checking if a similar registry exists in Bangladesh.
Call Blocking Phones:

Some modern landline phones come with built-in call blocking features that allow you to block specific numbers or categories of callers.
Important Considerations:

Spammers Change Numbers: Be aware that spammers frequently change their phone numbers, so blocking individual numbers is often a reactive measure.
Legitimate Calls Might Be Blocked: Be cautious when using aggressive blocking features like "Silence Unknown Callers" or blocking all private numbers, as you might miss important calls.
Review Blocked Lists: Periodically review your blocked lists to ensure you haven't accidentally blocked a legitimate contact.
By utilizing a combination of these methods, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive on your phone. Remember to explore the specific features available on your device and through your service provider in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for the most effective results.