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How to Screen Calls on an iPhone
Staying on top of unwanted calls is a constant struggle in today’s digital age. With the rise of spam and fraudulent activities, it’s more crucial than ever to find ways to manage your incoming calls effectively. Fortunately, Apple has implemented some robust features to help you screen calls on your iPhone.
Firstly, flag unknown callers
One of the most straightforward ways to filter out unwanted calls is by marking unknown numbers as spam. To do this, head to Settings > Apps > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on. This feature will silence any unfamiliar caller and send them straight to voicemail. However, keep in mind that this method isn’t foolproof, as some spammers may still manage to get through.
Secondly, use Live Voicemail
Another useful tool at your disposal is the iPhone’s built-in Live Voicemail feature. By turning it on (Settings > Apps > Phone > Live Voicemail), you’ll receive real-time transcriptions of voicemails, allowing you to quickly identify and dismiss any suspicious messages. Moreover, this feature enables you to join a call while it’s being recorded, ensuring you’re not missing important conversations.
Thirdly, block numbers
For those who prefer a more drastic approach, Apple has made it easy to block specific contact numbers or unknown callers from your iPhone. To achieve this, go to the Recents tab within the Phone app and tap on the blue “i” button next to a recent call. Then, select Block Caller, and confirm by tapping on Block Contact. You can view and unblock these numbers in Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
Lastly, utilize third-party apps
In addition to Apple’s built-in features, there are numerous third-party applications available that can assist you in screening calls. Two popular options include Truecaller and Call Blocker. These apps employ advanced algorithms to identify suspicious or fraudulent callers before you even answer the call. While some of these features may come with a premium subscription or require manual number lookups, they can significantly enhance your ability to filter out unwanted calls.
Truecaller, for example, offers a free version that allows users to manually lookup numbers and utilize SMS/MMS filtering tools. However, its live ID check (during the call) requires a monthly subscription of $4.49. Call Blocker takes a similar approach, providing call identification for free but requiring a paid plan ($6.99 per month) to block suspicious numbers automatically.
Lastly, don’t forget to explore your carrier’s offerings
If you’re not satisfied with Apple’s or third-party app solutions, it’s worth investigating if your carrier offers any call spam filtering apps. For instance, AT&T has ActiveArmor, Verizon has Call Filter, and T-Mobile has ScamShield. These apps may offer more advanced features at a cost.
In conclusion, by leveraging these methods – flagging unknown callers, utilizing Live Voicemail, blocking numbers, and embracing third-party solutions or carrier offerings – you’ll be significantly better equipped to screen calls on your iPhone and protect yourself from unwanted communication.
Source: www.theverge.com
