What Is a Restricted Call, and How to Block It?

Posted on July 16, 2024 DevLatest In Blogs

What Is a Restricted Call, and How to Block It?

In the era of digital communication, receiving calls from unknown or restricted numbers can be both puzzling and frustrating. This guide will help you understand what restricted calls are, why you might receive them, and how to block them effectively on various devices.

What Is a Restricted Call?

A restricted call is one where the caller’s phone number is hidden or not displayed on your caller ID. Instead of showing the actual phone number, your phone might display “Restricted,” “Private,” “Unknown,” or “No Caller ID.” There are several reasons why a caller might restrict their number:

Reasons for Restricted Calls

Privacy: The caller wants to keep their phone number confidential for personal or business reasons.
Telemarketing: Some telemarketers or spammers hide their numbers to prevent being identified or blocked.
Security: Institutions like banks or government agencies might use restricted numbers to protect the identity of the caller.

How to Block Restricted Calls

Blocking restricted calls can help reduce unwanted interruptions and enhance your sense of privacy. The methods for blocking these calls vary depending on the type of device you use. Here are some common ways to block restricted calls on smartphones and landlines.

Blocking Restricted Calls on Smartphones

1. iPhone

Steps:

Use Do Not Disturb Mode:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Do Not Disturb.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb and set it to Allow Calls From your contacts only. This will block all calls from unknown or restricted numbers.
Contact Your Carrier:
- Some carriers offer services to block restricted calls. Contact your carrier’s customer service for assistance and ask about options for blocking these calls.
Third-Party Apps:
- Download and install a third-party call-blocking app from the App Store, such as Hiya, Truecaller, or RoboKiller.
- Follow the app’s instructions to block restricted calls.

2. Android

Steps:

Use Call Blocking Features:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three dots or the menu icon to access settings.
- Go to Call Settings or Call Blocking.
- Select Block Numbers or Block Unknown Callers to block calls from unknown or restricted numbers.
Contact Your Carrier:
- Similar to iPhone users, Android users can contact their carriers for options to block restricted calls.
Third-Party Apps:
- Install a call-blocking app from the Google Play Store, such as Truecaller, Hiya, or Call Control.
- Set up the app to block restricted calls according to its instructions.

Blocking Restricted Calls on Landlines

Blocking restricted calls on landlines can be done through your phone service provider or by using specific phone features.

1. Contact Your Phone Service Provider

Steps:

Call Customer Service:
- Contact your landline service provider’s customer service.
- Request a service to block restricted or anonymous calls. Providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast offer such services.
Activate Anonymous Call Rejection:
- Some providers offer Anonymous Call Rejection (ACR) as a feature.
- Dial a specific code provided by your carrier to activate ACR, which will block calls from numbers that have been restricted.

2. Use Phone Features

Steps:

Enable Call Blocking on Your Phone:
- Some landline phones have built-in call-blocking features.
- Consult your phone’s manual or settings menu to enable call blocking for restricted numbers.

Restricted calls can be a nuisance, but there are effective ways to block them on both smartphones and landlines. By using built-in features, contacting your service provider, or installing third-party apps, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted restricted calls you receive. Understanding the options available for your specific device will help you choose the best method to maintain your privacy and peace of mind.