In this post, we’ll define restricted calls (also known as anonymous calls) and show you how to stop them using both built-in features and third-party apps.
Owners of mobile phones frequently and abusively receive Restricted Calls (Unknown Calls). No matter if you use an iPhone or an Android phone, there are ways to prevent them from contacting you in the future.
What is a Restricted Call?
When a person or business wants to prevent the person they are calling from seeing their number, it is known as a restricted call. In most cases, when a call is placed, caller ID will display a name or a number.
This data will also be recorded in your phone’s call log. This information won’t be given if the number is restricted, so the caller will remain anonymous. Additionally, these calls may appear as anonymous in your phone log, and you might not even be able to see the details on your monthly bill.
The ability to trace and block these restricted calls has gotten harder as technology has advanced.
When a Phone Number is Restricted, What Does It Mean
Simply put, it means the person who is calling you has asked for their caller ID to be hidden. Most carriers allow you to activate this feature either permanently or on a per-call basis by dialing a code. That implies that the caller is either blocked from accessing private personal information or is still blocked, regardless of whether it is a debt collection agency, an organization that needs to receive money from you, or an organization that needs to receive information from you.
As suggested above, you can restrict your own number by dialing a code *67 (Your mobile number will temporarily be disabled, as will your caller ID (start with star 67). It implies that, on the receiving end, your number will be displayed as “Unknown” or “Private Number”.
What’s the Deal With Restricted Calls?
When a person or business doesn’t want the person they are calling to know who they are or be able to track the call back to them, they typically use restricted calls. The feature is typically offered as a simple-to-use service that is made available by all telecom providers.
Entering *67 before making a call is one of the more popular methods for enabling a restricted call. What will happen is that the call will go through as normal, but with “restricted,” “unknown,” or “private” appearing instead of your actual phone number.
But if you’re calling a friend, you’d probably prefer that they answer and see that it’s you. Who exactly is it then that needs to hide using this feature?
How to Block Restricted Calls on Android
If you have an Android phone and are wondering if it is possible to block restricted calls, the answer is yes. It only takes a few taps to use Android’s block restricted calls feature, which is just as simple and useful as Apple’s iPhone.
It’s a little riskier because Android is an open operating system (OS). Cyberthreat exposure is more likely for users. Like iOS devices, regular phone calls can expose you to numerous risks such as phishing, social engineering, and hacking.
Because of this, the majority of phone users are wise enough to avoid mindlessly answering unauthorized or restricted calls. Better yet, take preventative measures first and block restricted numbers on Android. such as running a reverse phone number lookup or getting in touch with your network or phone provider.
Depending on the phone model or Android version, the procedures might differ just a little bit. But in the majority of cases, this is how you can block restricted calls, calls from unknown numbers, or calls in general on Android. On an Android 11-powered Samsung Galaxy S21+, these procedures were finished.
Option #1: Blocking Specific Phone Numbers
- On your home screen, click the Phone app or icon.
- Step 2: Check your phone call history to find the particular call you want to block.
- Step 3: After selecting the phone number you want to block, click the grey information icon (i).
- Step 4: If they are a number that called you, press the Block icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Step 5: If the person is in your contact, select the icon labeled More. Then select Block Contact.
Option #2: Block Unknown/Private Numbers
- Step 1: Launch the Phone app or icon on your mobile device.
- Step 2: Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner and press Settings.
- Step 3: Tap on Block numbers.
- Step 4: Make sure the toggle button next to Block unknown/private numbers is green.
Call Blocking Apps You Can Use
When you receive calls from forbidden numbers repeatedly, it can become annoying and frustrating. Some users may even decide to switch their phone numbers in order to stop getting these calls.
There are additional methods to block restricted calls on Android and iPhone in addition to the ones mentioned above, including third-party mobile programs. No matter what phone brand or OS version you are using, this software can be a dependable and effective way to block a restricted call.
These third-party apps’ use of algorithms and coding created especially for phone calls is a plus. The premium apps also have their own lists of malicious and suspicious phone numbers in addition to permanently blocking the numbers you’ve added to the list of blocked numbers. They contain databases that routinely compare phone calls to actively weed out the undesirable ones.
To find the most promising call-blocking applications, we combed the market. We personally tested the top applications based on market ratings while taking into account various factors. Here are three of the top mobile third-party call blocking apps that you can rely on after a long series of tests.
How to Block Restricted Calls on iPhone
- Tap on the phone icon
- Click on the (?) symbol next to restricted number
- Select “Block this called” to block the restricted call.
Because different mobile phone models have different options, the steps described may not be applicable to all of the models.
Who Uses Restricted Calls?
This strategy is most frequently employed by robocalls, telemarketers, and bill collection companies, although some people may use it as an additional measure of privacy. That’s not to say that every time a restricted call is placed, it’s done so to defraud the recipient of the call of money.
In an effort to maintain anonymity, the caller has chosen to disable their caller ID. Someone you know and trust shouldn’t bother to hide their phone number, so it doesn’t make much sense for them to do so.
As a result, the caller is probably someone you don’t know or someone you’re attempting to avoid. This prompts the query of what to do in the event of a restricted call.
Should You Answer Restricted Calls?
Even though it won’t always be one, the chances of it being a scammer or bill collector on the other end of a restricted call are fairly high. Answering a call from someone trying to pass as someone else is similar to opening your door to someone wearing a mask. Although it’s not a given that it will go wrong, the likelihood that it will turn out well is also low.
The best course of action when receiving a restricted call is to ignore it and, if the caller is really eager to speak with you, allow them to leave a voicemail. If restricted callers do not leave a message outlining the reason for their call and how to contact them, the call was probably made by a scammer or robocall.
Restricted Call Blocking by Service Providers
Verizon offers its own app (application) for call blocking on mobile devices, just like many other carriers. The “Call Filter” app of The call blocking options offered by Verizon are numerous. The ability to manually block specific numbers, alerts that let you know when a call might be spam, and a way to mark numbers as problematic are all available.
The primary rival of Verizon, AT&T, has a proprietary app that prevents calls from being placed to its customers’ mobile devices. Incoming calls from those most likely to be fraudsters are intercepted and blocked by AT&T “Call Protect”. You are given the option to quickly block unwanted calls when you receive a warning that an incoming call may be spam.
What Can You Do If You Constantly Get Restricted Calls?
It can be extremely annoying to wake up to your phone ringing almost constantly throughout the day. Due to the recent increase in spam and robocalls, it’s regrettable to say that this is starting to happen frequently.
A few laws have been developed over the years to aid in lowering the number of these calls, but they are insufficient to completely halt them. So, if you frequently get these intrusive calls, you’ll probably have to handle it yourself. It is possible to block these restricted calls in a few different ways.
Landline
It is fairly simple to block restricted calls if you are still using a landline and frequently receive them. Simply dial *77 on your phone to start the process. When the procedure is finished, you should hear a confirmation message.
From this point forward, an automated message will tell the caller to unblock their number and try again whenever a restricted call is placed to your phone. You could simply dial *87 on your phone to turn off this feature.
You’ll then start to receive all calls once more after hearing another confirmation message.
Cell Phone
Cell phones can make it a little trickier to try to block restricted calls than landlines do. The most crucial element is the service provider you use for your phone.
As an illustration, AT&T provides its customers with the option to ignore restricted and anonymous calls. Depending on your plan, they might tack on an extra monthly fee for enabling this service.
Verizon is another provider that gives you the choice to block restricted calls, but only if you are signed up for their Smart Family Plan. There aren’t any current plans or options that will prevent restricted calls on Sprint or T-Mobile.
Use a Call Blocker App
Nowadays, there are phone apps available for just about everything, including blocking restricted calls. There are many call-blocking applications available, so be sure to choose one that offers the features you require.
The best call blocking apps use the contacts on your phone to build what’s known as a whitelist. Any calls you receive from people on this whitelist will be handled normally.
A restricted or unknown number, however, will automatically be routed to voicemail.
File a Report
You might want to think about making a police report if you consistently get restricted calls or if the messages are threatening or aggressive. If not, the police may be able to help you locate the number using your phone’s records.
A caller may be subject to legal action if they consistently make dozens of calls per day, even if there are no threatening messages.
Final Words
On Android and iPhone, there are several options available to you if you want to stop a restricted call number from bothering you.
For an Android smartphone, you will see a “Block Unknown Numbers” option on pretty much any model running the A third-party app may also be used.
There are ways to block all phone numbers that aren’t saved on the iPhone, even though you don’t have the same option. Additionally, you have the option of blocking calls from particular prohibited callers.
FAQs
Should You Answer Restricted Phone Calls
It’s best to ignore restricted calls and allow callers who are genuinely interested in speaking with you to leave a voicemail. Restricted callers are most likely scammers or automated callers if they do not leave a message outlining the nature of their call and how to contact them.
Do Police Call from Restricted Numbers
Yes, occasionally the police will block or spoof a witness’ or suspect’s phone number out of concern that the person may not answer a call from them.