How to Block Unwanted Calls on a Smartphone (2024) – Complete Guide

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Why Should You Block Unwanted Calls?
3. How to Block Unwanted Calls on Android Smartphones
4. How to Block Unwanted Calls on iPhone
5. How to Recover Deleted Files from a Smartphone (Related Insight)
6. Advanced Methods to Block Unwanted Calls
7. Third-Party Apps to Block Unwanted Calls
8. How to Block Calls from Unknown Numbers
9. How to Block Spam Text Messages Along with Unwanted Calls
10. How to Recover Deleted Files from a Smartphone if Blocked Call Information Is Deleted
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
12. Conclusion

1. Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, smartphones are integral to our lives. However, with the convenience of being constantly connected comes the annoyance of receiving unwanted calls. Whether they are from telemarketers, scammers, or persistent unknown numbers, these calls can be disruptive and frustrating. Fortunately, there are effective ways to block unwanted calls on your smartphone.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to block unwanted calls on both Android and iPhone devices, as well as how to recover deleted files from a smartphone, should you ever lose important call-related data. With simple solutions and tips, you’ll regain control over your incoming calls and enjoy a more peaceful smartphone experience.

2. Why Should You Block Unwanted Calls?

Unwanted calls are more than just a nuisance; they can pose risks to your privacy and security. Scammers often use fraudulent calls to steal personal information or install malicious software on your smartphone. Furthermore, repeated calls from unknown numbers can disrupt your work, sleep, and personal time.

Blocking unwanted calls not only safeguards your privacy but also saves time and mental energy. However, if during the process you accidentally delete important call logs or other data, it’s essential to know how to recover deleted files from a smartphone.

3. How to Block Unwanted Calls on Android Smartphones

Blocking unwanted calls on Android smartphones is straightforward. Android offers a built-in feature that allows users to block specific numbers.

Steps to Block Calls on Android:

1. Open the Phone App: Start by opening the phone dialer app on your Android smartphone.
2. Select the Unwanted Number: Locate the unwanted number in your call history or contact list.
3. Block the Number: Tap on the number, then select the “Block” or “Report Spam” option from the menu.
4. Confirmation: A pop-up will ask for confirmation. Tap “Block” to confirm.

Now, calls from this number will be blocked, and you won’t be bothered by it again. However, if you delete any call logs accidentally while performing these steps, don’t worry – there are methods to recover deleted files from a smartphone, which we’ll cover later in the guide.

4. How to Block Unwanted Calls on iPhone

iPhones also provide a simple process for blocking unwanted calls. Whether the number is in your contacts or not, the iPhone’s blocking feature is very efficient.

Steps to Block Calls on iPhone:

1. Open the Phone App: On your iPhone, open the Phone app.
2. Find the Number: Go to your call history and find the unwanted number.
3. Block the Number: Tap on the “i” next to the number and scroll down to select “Block this Caller.”
4. Confirm the Block: Tap “Block Contact” to confirm.

Blocking unwanted calls on iPhone is that simple. And if you ever accidentally lose any important information during this process, like call history, you can recover deleted files from a smartphone through iCloud or a data recovery app.

5. How to Recover Deleted Files from a Smartphone (Related Insight)

If, while blocking unwanted calls, you delete essential call logs or contacts, don’t panic. Here’s how to recover deleted files from a smartphone on both Android and iPhone:

Recovering Deleted Files on Android:

1. Use Google Backup: If you have automatic backups enabled, you can restore the deleted data from Google Backup.
2. Data Recovery Apps: Download a reputable data recovery app like Dr.Fone or DiskDigger to retrieve the lost files.
3. Check the Trash Folder: Some phone models store deleted files in a trash folder for 30 days before permanent deletion.

Recovering Deleted Files on iPhone:

1. Use iCloud Backup: If you’ve enabled iCloud backup, restore the deleted files by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. After resetting, restore from your iCloud backup.
2. iTunes/Finder Backup: You can recover deleted files from an iTunes or Finder backup by connecting your iPhone to your computer and choosing the backup option.
3. Third-Party Apps: Apps like PhoneRescue can help recover deleted files from an iPhone without much hassle.

6. Advanced Methods to Block Unwanted Calls

While basic blocking features are effective, sometimes unwanted callers find ways to bypass simple blocking mechanisms. In such cases, more advanced methods can come in handy:

Enable “Do Not Disturb” Mode:

Both Android and iPhone offer a “Do Not Disturb” feature, which allows you to silence all calls except those from people in your contact list. This is useful if unknown callers continue to ring you despite blocking individual numbers.

Silence Unknown Callers:

On iPhone, you can enable the feature “Silence Unknown Callers” by going to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This ensures only numbers saved in your contacts can ring your phone.

7. Third-Party Apps to Block Unwanted Calls

Several third-party apps specialize in blocking unwanted calls more effectively than built-in features. These apps often have additional features like spam call detection and detailed call logs:

Top Call Blocking Apps:

1. Truecaller: Identifies and blocks spam calls based on a database of known spam numbers.
2. Hiya: A free app that automatically blocks spam and telemarketing calls.
3. Mr. Number: Allows you to block specific numbers, area codes, or even entire countries.

By using these apps, you can take more control over who can contact you. If you ever accidentally delete the call logs from these apps, you can recover deleted files from a smartphone using the same methods outlined earlier.

8. How to Block Calls from Unknown Numbers

Blocking calls from unknown numbers is critical, especially when the call is not tied to any specific phone number. Both Android and iPhone offer features to silence or block such numbers:

On Android:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to Settings > Blocked Numbers.
3. Enable the option “Block Calls from Unknown Numbers.”

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Phone.
2. Scroll down to “Silence Unknown Callers” and toggle it on.

9. How to Block Spam Text Messages Along with Unwanted Calls

In addition to calls, you may also want to block unwanted text messages, especially from telemarketers or spammers. Both Android and iPhone have built-in features to filter or block spam texts:

On Android:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap on the three dots and go to Settings > Spam Protection.
3. Enable “Spam Protection.”

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings > Messages.
2. Scroll down to “Filter Unknown Senders” and toggle it on.

If important text messages are accidentally deleted during this process, the same methods of recovering deleted files from a smartphone apply here as well.

10. How to Recover Deleted Files from a Smartphone if Blocked Call Information Is Deleted

Sometimes, while managing blocked numbers or spam messages, you may accidentally delete important call-related data. Here’s how to recover deleted files from a smartphone if blocked call information is lost:

1. Use Backups: Both Android and iPhone offer cloud-based backups. Regular backups ensure that any lost data, including blocked call information, can be restored.
2. Use Data Recovery Software: If the data is not backed up, you can use software like EaseUS or FonePaw to recover deleted call logs and contacts.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I unblock a number after blocking it?

Yes, both Android and iPhone allow you to unblock a number through the same menu where you initially blocked it.

Q2: Will the blocked number know I blocked them?

No, when you block a number, the person will not receive any notification that they have been blocked.

Q3: Can I block private numbers?

Yes, most smartphones offer an option to block calls from private or hidden numbers.

Q4: Can I recover deleted call logs?

Yes, if you accidentally delete call logs, you can recover them using backup services or data recovery software.

Q5: How to recover deleted files from a smartphone if I accidentally delete blocked numbers?

You can use cloud backups or third-party data recovery apps to retrieve any deleted files or blocked numbers.

12. Conclusion

Blocking unwanted calls on your smartphone is essential for maintaining peace of mind and security. Whether you’re using an Android or iPhone, the built-in features, third-party apps, and advanced methods ensure you can manage your call list effectively. Additionally, knowing how to recover deleted files from a smartphone ensures you won’t lose any important call-related data during the process.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to block unwanted calls, recover deleted files, and enjoy a more secure and uninterrupted smartphone experience in 2024.