How to Block No Caller ID Calls on iPhone

The Settings app has built-in ways, starting with Silence Unknown Callers

By
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
  • Ithaca College
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
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Updated on August 8, 2022
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Silence unknown callers: Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers > move slider to on/green.
  • Screen calls: Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb > move slider to on/green > People > Calls From > All Contacts.

This article explains three ways to block unwanted calls on the iPhone.

How Do You Block No Caller ID Calls on an iPhone?

There are lots of ways to block no caller ID calls on the iPhone. The phone includes some features specifically designed to block these calls and it also gives you some tools you can adapt to this use. You can also get help from your phone company and the national Do Not Call registry.

Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone

The simplest way to block unknown callers on iPhone is to use a built-in feature by following these steps:

  1. In the Settings app, tap Phone.

  2. Tap Silence Unknown Callers.

  3. Move the Silence Unknown Callers slider to on/green. With that done, all calls from numbers not in your address book are automatically silenced and sent to voicemail.

    iPhone Settings path to Silence Unknown Caller settings

Most phone companies provide paid services that block scam calls and telemarketing calls. The iPhone's features should be enough for most people, but if they're not for you, or you want another layer of call screening, contact your phone company. Expect to pay an extra few dollars per month for this service.

Block Calls on iPhone With Do Not Disturb

The iPhone's Do Not Disturb feature lets you block all kinds of notifications—calls, texts, app alerts, etc.—in certain conditions and time periods. The feature is designed to let you focus on work, driving, or sleep, but it can also be used to screen unwanted calls. Here's how:

  1. In the Settings app, tap Focus.

  2. Tap Do Not Disturb.

  3. Move Do Not Disturb slider to on/green.

    Focus settings path to Do Not Disturb

  4. In the Allowed Notifications section, tap People.

  5. In the Also Allow section, tap Calls From.

  6. Tap All Contacts. With this done, you'll get calls from anyone in your iPhone address book app, but all other calls from any number not in your address book will be silenced and sent directly to voicemail.

    Phone Allowed Notifications settings

Block No Caller ID Calls on iPhone with a Fake Contact

This is a cool trick that takes advantage of how the iPhone handles contacts in your Contacts app.

  1. Open the Contacts app and tap +.

  2. In the First name field of the new contact, enter No Caller ID.

  3. Tap add phone.

    New No Caller ID contact in the iPhone Contacts app

  4. Enter 000 000 0000 for the phone number.

  5. Tap Done to save the contact.

  6. Now you need to add this contact to your list of blocked callers. On the main screen of the Settings app, tap Phone.

  7. Tap Blocked Contacts.

    iPhone path to blocked contacts

  8. Scroll to the bottom and tap Add New...

  9. Scroll through your contact list and tap the new No Caller ID contact you just created.

    iPhone Blocked Contacts settings

  10. With the No Caller ID contact now added to the blocked contacts list, any caller who has no caller ID info—which is a hallmark of spammers—will be sent right to voicemail.

You can also get help in blocking unknown callers from the U.S. government (if you live in the United States, that is). Add your number to the national Do Not Call Registry.

FAQ
  • What does "No Caller ID" mean?

    A caller who shows as "No Caller ID" is hiding their number. They do this to make their calls harder to block or track, especially if they're involved in scams.

  • How do I find out who called if they have no caller ID?

    Because the caller is masking their identity by hiding their number, it's hard to find out exactly who it is. It doesn't really matter, however, because almost every time you see a call like this, the person calling is up to no good. It's best and easiest to take the above steps to block them, or don't answer when you see "No Caller ID."

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