In recent years we all have become so familiar with seeing caller ID that we now demand it. It’s annoying to see a number that has not allowed its caller id to be revealed, and it is scary to receive restricted phone calls. People feel uneasy about whether or not to accept those restricted calls on cell phones.
Your phone numbers are private and confidential, but it’s shocking how individuals or businesses obtain them and call you at any time. If you regularly get spam calls from restricted numbers, you may get bothered and even change your phone number.
It is hard to locate the original number or determine who owns those numbers. As a result, the majority of people block those restricted calls. It is ideal to understand how to block restricted calls on Android and iPhone, what it is, and how it functions on Android and iPhones.
Please continue reading to find more about restricted phone calls, including what they are and how to block Restricted calls on Android and iPhone.
What is a Restricted Call?
Restricted calls are unknown calls with no Caller ID and are often displayed as Unknown Call or Restricted Calls on the recipient’s cell phone. It doesn’t show a phone number or a caller ID and is usually done by someone who does not wish to be tracked.
Since it is difficult to determine the specific number of the Restricted Calls, the only option left is to block those numbers.
Blocking restricted calls is a function that most mobile phones allow you to enable permanently or on a per-call basis by dialing a code. You can restrict your number by dialing *67, which will temporarily disable your caller ID.
When a phone number is restricted, it simply implies that the individual calling you has requested that their caller ID not be revealed. It means that your phone number will be displayed as “Unknown” or “Private Number” on the other end.
However, not every call from a restricted number is harmful, but some malicious people use prohibited calls to hide their identity. It isn’t always the case, though; some of the reasons people choose to restrict their numbers are given below.
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For Confidentiality and Security
The cyber-world is so vast and risky that you never know who has access to your personal information. People are cautious when sharing personal and private information, such as phone numbers, and it is crucial to protect their privacy and security.
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To Avoid Unwanted Callbacks
To avoid receiving callbacks, callers deliberately disguise their information. These cases are usually seen in well-established businesses, government entities, or collecting agencies, and they typically use this feature to avoid people’s inquiries.
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Due To Accidental Activation
It is rare and strange that there have been cases where a caller has accidentally hidden their identity before dialing a number. They may have enabled a built-in phone setting or sent a request to their network carriers accidentally.
How To Block Restricted Calls On Android and iPhone?
Restricted calls on cell phones can be frightening if they come out of nowhere or irritate if they come in too frequently. So for these reasons, it is essential to look for efficient and effective solutions to prevent a restricted call.
Even if there are methods to reveal the identity of restricted callers, people often choose to block restricted numbers on cell phones. You could also Track an iPhone Location Using Phone Number.
Most people prefer iOS devices over Android devices due to Apple’s tight and robust security safeguards. However, they are still vulnerable to online threats, regardless of how good their built-in filters are. There are two proven methods for blocking restricted calls and numbers on iPhones, and they are given below.
Use Your Phone Call History to Block Restricted Calls on Android and iPhone
The first step is to tap the Telephone Handle icon/app to open the Phone Settings page.
Secondly, locate the restricted call from your phone call logs and click the blue question mark next to it. Lastly, choose a “Block this caller” option to block the calls.
Block Restricted Calls with the iPhone’s Do Not Disturb feature
The steps are mentioned below.
- Open the General Settings tab on your iPhone by pressing on the Gear icon/app.
- Find the Do Not Disturb option, then scroll down to the Allow Call From option and tick it.
- You get to choose who you wish to accept calls from, such as your Favorites or All Contacts.
- While on the Do Not Disturb screen, double-check that all other settings and functions are configured correctly.
- To block incoming calls, turn on or toggle on the Do Not Disturb button at the top of the page.
How To Block Restricted Calls On Android?
It is easy and requires only a few steps to restrict calls on Android devices. Android is much riskier, and cyber risks are more likely to affect users since it is an operating system.
Like iOS devices, it also has a high risk of online threats, hacking, etc. It is why most people are aware of the dangers of answering unknown or restricted calls without thinking. Hence it’s preferable to block restricted numbers or take preventative precautions.
For instance, you can try a reverse phone number lookup or call your phone or network provider. But the methods may differ depending on the phone model or the Android version.
Here’s a step-by-step description of how to prevent restricted calls on Android in most situations.
- Select the Telephone Handle icon to view the Phone Settings page on your home screen.
- Look through your phone call history for the restricted call you want to reject.
- To see the alternatives, click the blue question mark next to the restricted call.
- Choose Block Number from the drop-down menu at the bottom of the screen.
How To Block Restricted Calls On Landline?
Like Android and iOS devices, it is possible to block a restricted number on your landline. You can turn on the caller ID on your device, dial *77, and listen for a confirmation message.
In the future, if you receive any calls from a restricted number, they will be answered by an automated message and ask them to unlock the caller ID and give it another try. As a result, they won’t be able to phone you unless they unblock their restricted number.
Later if you wish to disable this option, it’s simple. You need to dial *87 from your phone and continue until you hear a confirmation message. Now, you will be able to receive the restricted calls.
Call Blocking Apps For Restricted Calls
You can use a few third-party apps available for iOS and Android phones to disable restricted calls, a dependable and effective technique. These third-party apps use algorithms and coding expressly designed for phone calls.
In addition to permanently blocking the numbers you’ve added to be blocked, its premium application consists of its lists of dangerous and questionable phone numbers. They have databases that cross-reference phone calls proactively to filter out the problematic ones. Here are a few best third-party apps you can rely on.
1. Hiya Caller Id App
It is one of the most popular and effective iPhones and Android caller ID blocking apps. It has over ten million users who trust it because of its ease of use and outstanding features.
Even well-known phone companies, large network carriers, and well-established corporations like Samsung, AT&T, Telenor, Safelite, Assurance, Penske, AA, and Just Eat trust it.
With this application, you can see who just phoned you and stop spam and restricted calls. So, it is excellent software for both company owners and homeowners.
2. Calls Blacklist-Call Blocker
It allows Call and SMS blocking, which is quick and straightforward. It keeps you safe from uninvited, unidentified, or unknown phone calls.
This third-party application also has a fully working SMS messenger to send and receive private messages and secure discussions. You can also modify your settings, manage your phone numbers’ blocklist, and retrieve restricted calls.
3. RoboKiller App
The cost of this third-party application is determined by the options you choose. It blocks spam calls and sends you a time-wasting message that encourages you to react against Scammers. After a free trial, you must pay a charge to continue using the service.
Other Options for Dealing with a Restricted Call
Aside from banning a restricted call, you can have other options for dealing with restricted calls. If the person contacting you has been bothering you for a long time, you might want to know more about them. So these are the alternatives for dealing with difficult callers.
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Obtaining Data From Your Phone Bill
You can find out the number of the restricted call by looking at your phone bill. For this method, make sure to keep track of the time and date of your restricted call. You can compare the limited call’s time and date to the phone number on your bills once you get your bills at the end of each month.
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Reverse Phone Lookup
You can learn more about the caller by using Suspicious Phone Number Lookup Services. This service is usually applied after discovering the restricted phone number.
It shows information such as the person’s current and previous addresses, alternate phone numbers, email addresses, and, in some cases, social media accounts too.
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Toll-Free Numbers
It is inconvenient to block every single restricted call you receive. So the best option is to use toll-free numbers with automatic number identification (ANI). Caller ID blocking is overridden by ANI, which allows you to see who is contacting you even if they have blocked their number.
But, you need to pay a monthly subscription for your phone service. So, think wisely while purchasing this service.
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Report The Call
Finally, suppose you constantly receive threatening or distressing calls from the restricted number. In that case, it is best to report those calls either to your local police station or the local authorities. It is a must-stop if it’s threatening not only your privacy and security but also your safety.
Conclusion
Getting a restricted call is dangerous and unsafe since you have no idea who is on the other end. It may be from a marketing team or a reasonably harmless agency, but persons whose intention is to harm others.
So, Blocking Restricted Calls helps you save time that would otherwise be wasted answering undesirable calls. Since so many people are afraid of scammers, blocking those calls prevents them from changing their phone numbers.
Thus, if you receive a restricted call, take the necessary precautions to guarantee your safety. Block them or, if things are getting out of hand, report them to the authorities so they can deal with the matter. Use for third-party applications to block the restricted calls.
You can also use a reverse phone number lookup on the restricted phone calls you receive. Thus, opt for the most effective and safe methods for blocking a restricted call.
Finally, I have mentioned ways to block restricted calls on android and iPhone so that you can’t be annoyed or wonder who the caller is. If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment down below. Have a Good Day!
Also Read: How to Block Outgoing Calls and Texts on Your Child’s Mobile Phones
