iPhone users can significantly reduce spam calls using Apple's built-in Silence Unknown Callers feature. The setting blocks calls from numbers not in your contacts and helps protect against fraudsters seeking personal details and bank access.
The feature works on iOS 13 or later versions by automatically silencing calls from unrecognised numbers. These blocked calls are sent to voicemail and appear in your recent calls list, while contacts and previously contacted numbers ring through normally.
Important safety considerations
Scams increasingly target younger people as fraud tactics become more sophisticated, according to multiple technology sources. Tech-savvy users should not consider themselves immune to these evolving risks.
Apple Support UK explains that calls will go through if you've previously texted someone or if they've shared their number via email. Emergency calls temporarily disable the feature for 24 hours to ensure your iPhone remains reachable.
Before enabling the feature, you must save all important numbers in your contacts. Missing a wanted call means you'll only see it in voicemail and recent calls without receiving a notification.
How to activate the feature
Navigate to Settings, then Apps, followed by Phone. Scroll down to the Calls section and tap Silence Unknown Callers to enable the feature.
Third-party spam detection apps offer an alternative approach. Download these apps from the App Store, then configure them through Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
These apps compare incoming numbers against known spam databases and display labels like "Spam" or "Telemarketing". You can prioritise multiple apps and manually block additional numbers, which appear in your Blocked Contacts list.
Sources used: "Daily Record", "Mirror", "Liverpool Echo" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
