This article has been updated since it originally published on June 24, 2023.
Even though we’ve come a long way in terms of spam calls and ways we can protect ourselves from getting them, there are still ways to get around these settings. So when you’re sitting on the couch, relaxing for a change, and you see an “unknown number” pop up on your phone, naturally you’re going to feel pretty annoyed. You may ignore these numbers, or mistakenly answer them on occasion and know even before you hear the automated voice start speaking: this is yet another spam call.
Don’t surrender all hope and assume you’re stuck with these calls. Tech Expert Yash Giri, owner/blogger at Technographx, says if you keep getting pesky phone calls with no call ID, these are some ways to block these numbers.
Enable Call Blocking
Check Call Blocking Features: “First, ensure that your mobile device or landline phone supports call-blocking features,” Giri instructs. “Different phone models and service providers may have varying options and methods to block calls.”
Activate Anonymous Call Rejection: Many phones offer the option to activate “Anonymous Call Rejection.” “This setting automatically rejects calls from numbers that do not provide caller ID information,” Giri says. “Access your phone settings or contact your service provider to enable this feature.”
Utilize Do-Not-Disturb Mode
Activate Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Mode: Enable the Do-Not-Disturb mode on your smartphone or landline phone, Giri suggests. “While this feature is primarily designed to silence calls and notifications, it often includes an option to block calls from unknown or hidden numbers,” Giri says.
Customize DND Settings: “Explore the settings within the Do-Not-Disturb mode to adjust call-blocking preferences,” Giri says. “Some devices allow you to specify which calls are allowed through, such as contacts in your phonebook, while blocking all other unidentified or hidden numbers.”
Consider Third-Party Apps and Services
Install Call Blocking Apps: For additional control and customization, Giri recommends considering installing call-blocking apps available on your device's app store. “These apps often provide advanced features, including the ability to create block lists, set specific call-blocking rules, and identify spam or fraudulent calls.”
Check Carrier Services: “Some mobile service providers offer call-blocking services as part of their plans,” Giri says. “Contact your carrier to inquire about any available options or services they provide to block calls without a caller ID.”
Additional Considerations
False Positives: “Keep in mind that blocking calls without a caller ID may also prevent legitimate calls from reaching you,” Giri warns. “Some personal or business calls may come from numbers that do not display caller ID information due to various reasons. Regularly review your blocked call list and make adjustments as needed.”
Call Filtering and Reporting: And, finally, explore call-filtering features that automatically screen and label potential spam calls. “Some devices and apps use databases of known spam numbers to identify and block such calls,” Giri says. “Additionally, report spam or unwanted calls to your service provider or relevant authorities to contribute to a larger effort in combating these nuisance calls.”
