Millions of iPhone Owners Unaware of Genius Spam Call Blocking Feature

MILLIONS of iPhone owners are missing out on a genius tool to filter out spam calls, saving them from a world of smartphone suffering.

Apple's Call Blocking & Identification

Apple has created an iPhone feature called Call Blocking & Identification, allowing users to download apps that maintain giant lists of known spam callers. By activating these app lists in the Call Blocking tool found in iOS settings, users can automatically block known spam calls.

"When you receive a call, your device checks the caller's number and compares it to the list of phone numbers in your third-party spam apps," Apple explained. "If there's a match, iOS displays the identifying label chosen by the app, for example Spam or Telemarketing." "If the app determines that a phone number is spam, it may choose to block the phone call automatically. Incoming calls are never sent to third-party developers."

How to Activate the Spam Call Blocking Feature

To start filtering out spam calls, iPhone users can download spam call blocking apps from the App Store. Make sure to read reviews to find a reliable app. Then, follow these steps: Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification. From there, toggle on the chosen spam-filter apps.

Additional Tricks to Fight Against Spam Calls

Aside from spam call filtering, there are two other options to combat spam calls:

1. Block Numbers

Users have the option to block any phone number that is spamming them with annoying calls. Simply tap the "i" icon next to the number in Favourites, Recents, or Voicemail, and select Block This Caller. Blocked contacts can be managed at any time by going to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts > Edit.

2. Silence Unknown Callers

Turning on Silence Unknown Callers blocks phone numbers that users have never been in contact with, or that aren't saved in their contacts list. These calls will go straight to voicemail and only appear in the recent calls list. To turn on this feature, go to Settings > Phone and toggle on Silence Unknown Callers. Users can change this setting at any time, but should make sure to save important contacts to avoid missing calls.