Many owners of mobile phones receive Restricted Call (Unknown Calls), often to the point of abuse. There are options to keep them from contacting you in the future, whether you have an iPhone or an Android handset. In this post, we will explain what Restricted Calls (Anonymous Calls) are and how to block these calls using built in option and by using third party apps.
What is a Restricted Call
A Restricted Call is when a user is contacted by someone who doesn’t want to be tracked. On a mobile phone, these types of calls will always appear as “Restricted” as the call comes in. Usually, it’s hard to figure out the exact number of the Restricted Call, so the only option is to block the number.
Fig. 1 – Introduction to Restricted Call
When a Phone Number is Restricted, What does it Mean
It simply means, the person contacting you has requested their carrier not to reveal their caller ID. This is a feature that can be permanently activated or by dialing a code with most carriers, on a per call basis. That also suggests that the caller either has the number blocked from accessing private personal information or is still blocked whether it is a debt collection firm or an organization that needs to receive money from you or information from you.
As suggested above, you can restrict your own number by dialing a code *67 (Star 67) before your mobile number and your caller ID will be temporarily deactivated. It implies that, on the receiving end, your number will be displayed as “Unknown†or “Private Numberâ€.
Fig. 2 – Restricted Incoming Call
Built -in Call Blocking for Restricted Call
Many smartphones have built-in Call Blocking functionality, but you can find easily that they don’t capture everything. Few providers, such as Verizon and AT&T, block numbers from applications that are open only to consumers of the firm. You may use third-party software to block unnecessary calls if your cell phone company doesn’t have such a feature. In this section let’s see:
- How to Block Restricted Calls on Android
- How to Block Restricted Calls on iPhone
How to Block Restricted Calls on Android
- Tap on the phone icon provided at the bottom of the home screen
- Click on the (>) symbol next to the restricted number
- Scroll down and select “Block Number†option provided
- Now the number is blocked.
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.
Note: The steps mentioned might not work for all the models of the mobile phones as the options are different for different phones.
Fig. 3 – Restricted Call Blocking Option on Android
Restricted Call Blocking by Service Providers
Like many other carriers, Verizon has its own app (application) to block calls on its customers cell phone. The “Call Filter†app of Verizon has variety of features for call blocking. They have the option to manually block individual numbers, warnings to let you know when it is possible that a call is spam, and a way to flag numbers as troublesome.
AT&T, Verizon’s top competitor, has its own app that blocks calls on the mobile phones of its clients. Incoming calls from those most likely to be fraudsters are intercepted and blocked by AT&T “Call Protectâ€. When an incoming call can be spam, you also get a warning, along with the option to block inappropriate calls quickly.
National Do Not Call Registry
You can add your cell phone number to the National Do Not Call List, if you haven’t already. Go to https://www.donotcall.gov/ and enter your details. The service is complimentary. While calls on mobile phones will not be stopped by the registry but makes sure that, telemarketers can stop calling any numbers on the list.
Fig. 4 – Complimentary Service by US Gov
Third Party Apps for Restricted Call Block
Restricted calls can be disabled by a few third-party applications available for iOS and Android phones. They use a registry of known spammers in general to prevent calls from getting through. Here are a couple of the latest apps:
- Hiya Caller Id App
- RoboKiller App
- Call Blocker App
‘Hiya Caller Id’ App to block Restricted Call
This is one of today’s most popular iPhone and Android block caller ID applications. You will see who just called you, and block spam and Restricted Calls with this tool. It’s very easy to use.
‘RoboKiller’ App to block Restricted Call
What distinguishes this app is that, it not only removes spam calls, but also responds with a time-wasting message that helps you to have vengeance on Robocallers. In short, it gives spammers a taste of their own medicine. You pay a fee after a free trial to continue using the service. The price is dependent on the options you select.
Fig. 5 – RoboKiller App
Restricted Call Blocker App
Only Android users can use this software and it has similar features as that of Hiya. The Restricted Call number can be extracted from your call log and added to your list of Block Calls.
Conclusion
Blocking Restricted Call saves precious time which otherwise might go waste in answering unwanted calls. It also prevents a person not to change his/her phone numbers in fear of Spammers.
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I want to block a restricted caller. I have an Android device. I follow the normal procedure I use to block calls daily. There is no < indicator. No block number button.. no way to block a caller identified as "RESTRICTED NUMBER".it's easy to block other types of calls, but not Restricted callers.
I agree.hard to block restricted calls on android.
This article is ridiculous. There is currently no way to block a restricted caller on an Android phone. The specific number is invisible so there is no way for the phone to identify it in order to block it!
I have Android.. and I find the number (or at least A number) is displayed if the caller leaves a voice msg. The voice msg line displays the number right there. I don’t remember if that is always true, or only true if the caller has it set that way.
If the number shows, then go to the standard phone app and use drop-down menu to Settings/Blocked Numbers/Add a Number.
I’d really like a way to block an entire area code! I’ve tried a couple ways, but no good.
4085100097 calls all hours early am bad language loud music
This is a great post! I have been struggling with how to block restricted calls on my android phone and this post has helped me a lot.
Great post! I’ve been struggling with restricted calls for a while now, and your tips on blocking them on both Android and iPhone are super helpful. I especially liked the app recommendations. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips on blocking restricted calls! I’ve been getting so many unwanted calls lately, and I appreciate the step-by-step guidance for both Android and iPhone users. The app recommendations are also super helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Great post! I found the tips for blocking restricted calls on both Android and iPhone super helpful. The app recommendations were particularly useful. Thanks for sharing this valuable information!
Great tips on blocking restricted calls! It’s really frustrating getting those calls, and I appreciate the step-by-step guides for both Android and iPhone users. I’ll definitely be trying out some of the apps you mentioned. Thanks for the helpful post!
Thanks for sharing this helpful guide! I’ve been getting a ton of restricted calls lately, and the tips for blocking them on both Android and iPhone are super useful. I particularly liked the app recommendations—definitely going to check those out. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for this helpful guide! I’ve been getting so many restricted calls lately, and your tips for blocking them on both Android and iPhone will definitely make my life easier. I appreciate the app recommendations too!
Great tips! I didn’t know about the built-in options on both Android and iPhone for blocking restricted calls. The app recommendations are also really helpful. Definitely going to try these out!
Great tips! I always find those restricted calls annoying, and I didn’t know some of these options existed. I’m definitely going to try using the apps you mentioned. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! I found the step-by-step guide for blocking restricted calls on both Android and iPhone really helpful. I had no idea there were apps available for this too. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! Blocking restricted calls can really help reduce the annoyance of unwanted phone calls. I appreciate the detailed steps for both Android and iPhone users. I’m definitely going to try out those app recommendations as well!
Thanks for the helpful tips! I always get spam calls showing as restricted; it’s super annoying. I’ll definitely try these methods on my phone and see if they work.
Great tips! I never knew there were so many ways to block restricted calls on my phone. The app recommendations are especially helpful. Thanks for sharing this information!
Great post! I often get annoying restricted calls, and your tips on blocking them for both Android and iPhone are super helpful. I didn’t know some apps could do this too. Thanks for sharing!
This is such a helpful post! I’ve been getting a lot of restricted calls lately, and I didn’t know how to block them effectively. Your step-by-step guide for both Android and iPhone is easy to follow. I appreciate the app recommendations too. Thanks for sharing!
Great post! I found the instructions really easy to follow. Blocking restricted calls has been a huge relief for me. Thanks for sharing the app recommendations too!
Great post! I’ve been getting so many restricted calls lately, and your tips for blocking them on both Android and iPhone were super helpful. I especially liked the app recommendations. Thanks for making this easier!
Great tips! I didn’t realize there were so many ways to block restricted calls on both Android and iPhone. The app recommendations were especially helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! I had no idea it was so easy to block restricted calls on my iPhone. The app recommendations were really helpful too. Thanks for sharing this information!
Great tips! I’ve been getting a lot of restricted calls lately, and I appreciate the step-by-step instructions for both Android and iPhone. The app recommendations are also helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! I’ve been getting a lot of restricted calls lately, and the methods you shared for both Android and iPhone are super helpful. I especially liked the suggestion about using call-blocking apps. Can’t wait to try it out! Thanks for the information!
Thanks for sharing these tips! I always get bothered by restricted calls, and your suggestions for blocking them on both Android and iPhone are really helpful. I’ll definitely try out the apps you mentioned.