Are you tired of getting calls from private numbers on your iPhone 12? Blocking them is a simple solution that can give you peace of mind. By following a few easy steps, you can prevent these calls from interrupting your day.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Block Private Numbers on iPhone 12
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. By blocking private numbers, we’re essentially telling our iPhone 12 to reject calls from anyone who has hidden their caller ID. This means you won’t even see these calls come in; they’ll be silently blocked.
Step 1: Open the Settings app
Access your iPhone 12’s settings by tapping on the gear icon on your home screen.
The Settings app is where you can customize various aspects of your iPhone 12, including privacy settings and call blocking.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone’
In the Settings menu, find the option labeled ‘Phone’ and tap on it to access your call settings.
This section of your settings allows you to manage call-related features, such as call forwarding, voicemail, and, importantly, call blocking.
Step 3: Select ‘Silence Unknown Callers’
Within the Phone settings, look for the option ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ and tap on it.
When you enable this feature, calls from unknown numbers—those not in your contacts, not recent outgoing calls, and not Siri Suggestions—will be silenced, sent to voicemail, and listed in your recent calls.
Step 4: Toggle the switch to the right
You’ll see a switch next to ‘Silence Unknown Callers.’ Toggle it to the right to turn the feature on. It will turn green when activated.
Activating this setting doesn’t block private numbers per se, but rather silences them, which is the closest available option on iPhone 12. Blocked calls will go straight to voicemail without ringing your phone.
Once you’ve completed these steps, calls from private numbers will no longer disrupt your day. Instead, they’ll be diverted straight to voicemail, and you can choose whether or not to listen to them at your leisure.
Tips: Enhancing Your Experience While Blocking Private Numbers on iPhone 12
- Keep your contacts updated. Make sure to save numbers you know and trust to ensure their calls aren’t silenced.
- Check your voicemail regularly. Just because you’ve silenced unknown callers doesn’t mean you should ignore potential important messages.
- Consider using Do Not Disturb mode for additional peace. This mode can silence all calls, except from your favorites or repeated calls.
- Remember that emergency services can still reach you. Even with unknown callers silenced, calls from emergency numbers will always come through.
- Don’t forget to disable the feature if you’re expecting an important call from an unknown number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block a specific private number?
No, you can’t block a specific private number on iPhone 12, but you can silence all unknown callers, which includes private numbers.
Will blocked callers know they’ve been blocked?
No, they will not receive a notification. Their calls will go straight to voicemail.
Can I still see missed calls from private numbers?
Yes, they will appear in your recent calls list, but they won’t ring your phone.
What happens to text messages from private numbers?
The ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ feature only affects calls, not text messages.
Can I unblock private numbers later?
Yes, you can deactivate the feature at any time by following the steps and toggling the switch off.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on ‘Phone.’
- Select ‘Silence Unknown Callers.’
- Toggle the switch to the right.
Conclusion
Blocking private numbers on your iPhone 12 is a straightforward process that can save you from unwanted interruptions. By simply adjusting a setting in your phone, you can ensure that calls from hidden numbers are silently blocked, allowing you to focus on the calls that matter most to you. It’s a feature that enhances your control over your personal privacy and helps maintain your peace of mind.
Remember that while this setting is useful, it’s also important to regularly check your voicemail for any important missed calls from unknown numbers. While we can control who we speak to, we can’t always predict who might need to reach us. So, keep an eye on those messages and stay connected to the world around you.
Don’t let private callers intrude on your life. Take advantage of the features your iPhone 12 offers and enjoy a more peaceful, disturbance-free phone experience.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.