Introduction : How to Block Unwanted Calls and Spam on Your Smartphone
Unwanted calls and spam on mobile phones have become a major nuisance for users in India. These calls not only disrupt our daily lives but also pose a threat to our privacy and security. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to block unwanted calls and spam on your mobile phone. In this article, we will explore some of the different methods you can use to protect yourself from these unwanted intrusions.
Method 1: Call Blocking Apps
One of the most popular and convenient ways to block unwanted calls and spam is by using call blocking apps. These apps are specifically designed to identify and block calls from known spam numbers. They use a comprehensive database of spam numbers to automatically detect and block incoming calls. Some call blocking apps also allow users to manually add numbers to their block list, ensuring that they never receive calls from those numbers again.
When using call blocking apps, it is important to choose a reputable and reliable one. Look for apps that have positive user reviews and a high rating on app stores. Additionally, make sure the app is regularly updated to keep up with the latest spam numbers.
Method 2: Do Not Disturb Mode
Another effective method to block unwanted calls and spam is by utilizing the “Do Not Disturb” mode on your mobile phone. This feature allows you to silence all incoming calls, messages, and notifications, except for those from your contacts or specific whitelisted numbers. By enabling this mode, you can effectively block all unknown and spam calls, ensuring a peaceful and uninterrupted experience.
To enable “Do Not Disturb” mode, simply go to your phone’s settings and navigate to the “Sound” or “Notifications” section. From there, you can customize the settings to allow calls only from your contacts or whitelist specific numbers. This method is particularly useful when you are in a meeting, sleeping, or simply want to avoid any unwanted interruptions.
Method 3: Network Provider Services
Many network providers in India offer services to block unwanted calls and spam. These services, often known as “Call Filter” or “Call Block,” allow users to activate call blocking features directly through their network provider. By subscribing to these services, users can benefit from advanced spam detection algorithms that automatically block calls from known spam numbers.
To activate these services, you can contact your network provider’s customer support or visit their website for more information. They will guide you through the process of activating the call blocking feature on your mobile phone. Keep in mind that some network providers may charge a nominal fee for these services, so it is essential to inquire about any associated costs before subscribing.
How to Block Unwanted Calls and Spam on Your Smartphone Explained
1. Use a Call Blocking App
One of the easiest and most effective ways to block unwanted calls and spam on your mobile phone is by using a call blocking app. There are several apps available on both Android and iOS platforms that can help you filter out unwanted calls and messages. These apps use a vast database of known spam numbers and allow you to block calls from specific numbers or even entire area codes.
Some popular call blocking apps in India include Truecaller, Hiya, and Call Control. These apps not only block unwanted calls but also provide additional features like caller ID, spam detection, and call recording. You can easily download and install these apps from the respective app stores and enjoy a spam-free calling experience.
Truecaller is one of the most widely used call blocking apps in India. It has a large user base and a comprehensive database of spam numbers. The app uses crowd-sourced data from its users to identify and block spam calls. It also provides a caller ID feature, which allows you to see the name and location of the caller even if they are not in your contact list. This can be particularly helpful in identifying unknown numbers and avoiding potential scams or frauds.
Hiya is another popular call blocking app that offers advanced spam detection capabilities. It uses machine learning algorithms to analyze call patterns and identify potential spam calls. The app also provides a real-time spam detection feature, which alerts you when a call is likely to be spam. This can help you avoid answering unwanted calls and wasting your time.
Call Control is a call blocking app that offers a range of features to help you manage unwanted calls. In addition to blocking spam calls, the app allows you to create custom block lists and whitelist numbers that you want to receive calls from. It also provides a call recording feature, which can be useful for keeping records of important conversations or dealing with harassment or threatening calls.
Using a call blocking app can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive and improve your overall calling experience. These apps are easy to use and can be customized to suit your specific needs. Whether you want to block specific numbers, entire area codes, or just filter out spam calls, there is a call blocking app that can help you achieve that.
2. Enable Do Not Disturb (DND) Service
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) provides a Do Not Disturb (DND) service that allows you to block unwanted promotional calls and messages. This service has been introduced to give consumers more control over the kind of communication they receive from telemarketers and businesses.
To enable the DND service, you can simply send an SMS to your service provider with the keyword “START DND” followed by the appropriate category code. This code corresponds to the specific category of calls and messages that you wish to block.
There are seven different categories under which you can block calls and messages. These categories include:
- Banking/Insurance/Financial Products/Credit Cards: This category covers promotional calls and messages related to banking services, insurance, financial products, and credit cards.
- Real Estate: Under this category, you can block promotional calls and messages related to real estate services and property sales.
- Education: If you want to stop receiving promotional calls and messages related to educational institutions and courses, you can activate the DND service for this category.
- Health: This category covers promotional calls and messages related to healthcare services, medical products, and wellness programs.
- Consumer Goods and Automobiles: If you are tired of receiving promotional calls and messages about consumer goods, appliances, and automobiles, you can opt for the DND service in this category.
- Communication/Broadcasting/Entertainment/IT: Under this category, you can block promotional calls and messages related to communication services, broadcasting, entertainment, and IT products.
- Tourism and Leisure: If you don’t want to be bothered with promotional calls and messages about travel packages, hotels, and leisure activities, you can activate the DND service for this category.
For example, if you want to block promotional calls and messages related to banking and financial products, you can send an SMS with the keyword “START 1” to the specified number provided by your service provider. Once activated, you will no longer receive promotional calls and messages from that category.
It is important to note that the DND service does not block all calls and messages. It only blocks promotional calls and messages from the specified categories. You will still receive important communication from your service provider and other essential services.
By enabling the DND service, you can have a more peaceful and uninterrupted communication experience, free from unwanted marketing calls and messages. This service empowers consumers to take control of their privacy and ensures that their preferences are respected by telemarketers and businesses.
3. Manually Block Numbers
If you receive unwanted calls or spam from specific numbers, you can manually block them on your mobile phone. Most smartphones have a built-in feature that allows you to block calls and messages from specific numbers.
To block a number on an Android phone, you can go to your phone’s settings, select “Blocked numbers” or “Block list,” and add the number you want to block. On an iPhone, you can open the Phone app, go to the “Recents” tab, find the number you want to block, and select “Block this Caller.”
By manually blocking numbers, you have full control over who can reach you, and you can easily block any unwanted calls or spam messages.
Nowadays, with the increasing number of spam calls and unsolicited messages, the ability to manually block numbers on your mobile phone has become an essential feature. This feature not only helps in avoiding unwanted disturbances but also provides a sense of security and privacy.
The process of manually blocking numbers may vary slightly depending on the operating system of your mobile phone. For Android users, the option to block numbers can usually be found in the settings menu. Once you access the settings, you can navigate to the “Blocked numbers” or “Block list” section. Here, you can add the specific number you want to block by entering it manually or selecting it from your call history or contacts.
On the other hand, iPhone users can block numbers directly from the Phone app. By opening the app and going to the “Recents” tab, you can find the number you wish to block. Once you locate the number, simply select “Block this Caller” to prevent any future calls or messages from that particular number.
The ability to manually block numbers provides a convenient way to filter out unwanted calls and messages. Whether it’s persistent telemarketers, scammers, or individuals you no longer wish to communicate with, this feature allows you to take control of your mobile phone experience. By blocking specific numbers, you can ensure that only trusted contacts can reach you, giving you peace of mind and reducing unnecessary interruptions.
Moreover, the manual blocking feature is not limited to blocking calls alone. It also includes the ability to block text messages and other forms of communication from the specified numbers. This comprehensive approach ensures that you can effectively eliminate any unwanted contact from your mobile phone.
In conclusion, the option to manually block numbers on your mobile phone is a valuable tool in today’s digital age. With the increasing prevalence of spam calls and unsolicited messages, having control over who can reach you is essential. By utilizing this feature, you can create a safer and more personalized communication experience, free from unwanted disturbances.
4. Report Spam Calls
Another way to tackle unwanted calls and spam is by reporting them to the appropriate authorities. You can report spam calls and messages to your service provider or to the TRAI. Most service providers have dedicated helpline numbers or email addresses where you can report such incidents.
Additionally, you can also register a complaint on the TRAI website or through their mobile app. By reporting spam calls, you not only help yourself but also contribute to creating a safer and spam-free environment for other mobile phone users in India.
When reporting spam calls, it is important to provide as much information as possible to the authorities. This includes the phone number from which the call was received, the date and time of the call, and any other relevant details. The more information you can provide, the better equipped the authorities will be to take action against the spammers.
Service providers and the TRAI take these reports seriously and investigate them thoroughly. In some cases, they may even take legal action against the spammers. By reporting spam calls, you are not only helping yourself but also playing a crucial role in curbing the menace of spam calls in the country.
In addition to reporting spam calls to the authorities, you can also take steps to block and filter such calls on your own device. Most smartphones have built-in features that allow you to block specific numbers or send them directly to voicemail. You can also install third-party apps that specialize in blocking spam calls.
These apps use a database of known spam numbers and automatically block them from reaching your phone. Some even have the ability to identify and block calls from numbers that are not in their database, based on certain spam indicators. By combining both reporting and blocking methods, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive.
It is important to remember that spam calls are not just a nuisance, but they can also be a potential threat to your privacy and security. Some spam calls are attempts to gather personal information or scam you out of money. By taking proactive measures to report and block these calls, you are safeguarding yourself and others from falling victim to such scams.
5. Be Cautious with Your Phone Number
One of the best ways to avoid unwanted calls and spam is by being cautious with your phone number. Avoid sharing your number on public platforms or with unknown individuals or websites. Be mindful of the privacy policies of apps and services you use, as some may sell your phone number to third-party marketers.
Additionally, when filling out forms or providing your number for any purpose, make sure to read the privacy policy and terms of service to understand how your information will be used. By being cautious with your phone number, you can significantly reduce the chances of receiving unwanted calls and spam.
It is important to remember that your phone number is a valuable piece of personal information. In today’s digital age, where data breaches and identity theft are becoming increasingly common, protecting your phone number is crucial. By keeping your number private, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to scams, fraud, and other malicious activities.
One way to be cautious with your phone number is to carefully consider who you share it with. Avoid providing your number to unfamiliar websites or individuals unless it is absolutely necessary. Scammers and telemarketers often obtain phone numbers through various means, such as purchasing lists from data brokers or using automated dialing systems. By limiting the exposure of your number, you can reduce the likelihood of it falling into the wrong hands.
Furthermore, it is essential to be aware of the privacy policies of the apps and services you use. Some companies may collect and sell user data, including phone numbers, to third-party marketers. Before downloading an app or signing up for a service, take the time to review their privacy policy and terms of service. Look for any mention of data sharing or selling, and consider whether you are comfortable with the level of privacy they offer. If you have concerns about how your information will be used, it may be best to find an alternative app or service that prioritizes user privacy.
When filling out forms or providing your phone number for any purpose, always read the fine print. Many websites and organizations have terms of service and privacy policies that outline how they handle user data. Take the time to understand how your information will be used and whether it will be shared with third parties. If you are uncomfortable with the terms, consider whether providing your phone number is necessary or if there are alternative methods of contact.
By being cautious with your phone number, you can significantly reduce the chances of receiving unwanted calls and spam. Protecting your personal information is a critical aspect of maintaining your privacy and security in the digital age. Take the necessary steps to safeguard your phone number and be vigilant in assessing the privacy practices of the apps and services you use.
If you want to know more about smartphone you can do so by going through our articles.
