How do I turn off incoming calls?

In today’s busy world, it can be frustrating to be interrupted by incoming calls, especially from unknown numbers. With telemarketers, robocalls, and spam calls as prevalent as ever, many of us want to limit disruptions from unwanted calls. Thankfully, on both iPhones and Android devices, there are easy ways to silence incoming calls or send them directly to voicemail so you can stay focused and in control.

Why Would You Want to Block Incoming Calls?

There are a few key reasons you may want to block or silence incoming calls:

• Avoid disruptions from telemarketers and robocalls
• Stop harassment from unwanted numbers
• Focus during important meetings or tasks without interruptions
• Keep phone from ringing during events, movies, or times you don’t want to be disturbed
• Prevent exes or toxic people from contacting you

By turning off incoming calls, you take back control over when your phone rings and who can reach you.

How to Block Calls on an iPhone

There are a couple easy ways to block calls on iPhones running iOS 13 or later:

Silence Unknown Callers

The Silence Unknown Callers feature automatically silences and sends to voicemail any calls from numbers not in your contacts, recently dialed numbers, or Siri voice dial suggestions. To enable it:

1. Open Settings > Phone
2. Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers

This is an easy “set it and forget it” option to reduce unwanted robocalls and telemarketers reaching you. Any silenced calls will show up in Recents so you can screen them later.

Block Contacts

You can also block specific numbers from calling you:

1. Open Contacts and select the contact you want to block
2. Scroll down and tap Block Contact

Blocked calls will go straight to voicemail. You can always unblock contacts later if needed.

Block List

For a more advanced call blocking experience, try using a block list:

1. Open Settings > Phone
2. Tap Call Blocking & Identification
3. Toggle on Blocked Contacts

You can then add any number to your block list and those calls will be automatically rejected.

Silence Incoming Calls on Android

Android also makes it simple to block calls. Here are a few options:

Do Not Disturb

Activate Do Not Disturb mode to mute all calls, texts, and notifications:

1. Open quick settings and tap Do Not Disturb
2. Select options like allowing repeat callers or favorites to reach you

Great for times when you want no disturbances.

Block Numbers

You can block specific numbers:

1. Open Phone app > Recent calls
2. Tap number > Block/report spam

Blocked calls go to voicemail automatically.

Call Screening

Use call screening on a Pixel to have Google Assistant answer and screen calls for you:

1. Open Phone app > Settings > Call Screen
2. Turn Call Screen on

When someone calls, Assistant will answer, ask their name and why they’re calling. You’ll get a real-time transcript to screen the call.

Use Third Party Apps to Block Calls

There are also many great third party apps that offer enhanced call blocking and identification:

On iPhone:

• Nomorobo – Blocks robocalls and telemarketers
• Truecaller – Spam, fraud, and robocall protection
• Hiya – Caller ID and block

On Android:

• Mr. Number – Blocks spam and robocalls
• Should I Answer? – Warns about spam and risky calls
• Call Control – Blacklist, whitelist, and call screening

These apps utilize community databases, caller ID, and real-time lookup to identify and block nuisance callers. Most offer premium features but have free versions as well.

Carrier Call Blocking Tools

Many carriers also now offer built-in tools to provide a better calling experience:

Verizon

Verizon customers can download the free Call Filter app and enable spam call blocking. Sign up for Call Filter Plus to create custom block lists.

AT&T

AT&T provides automatic fraud blocking and suspected spam warnings. Add AT&T Call Protect Plus to auto block fraud calls and create block lists.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile Scam Block is free for customers and blocks likely scammers, spam warnings, and caller ID. Pay $4/month to enable tighter scam protections.

Contact your carrier if you need help setting up their call blocking services.

Avoid Phone Disturbances with Do Not Disturb

A simple way to temporarily mute calls on both iPhones and Android is to turn on Do Not Disturb mode. This silences all calls, notifications, and alerts so you can focus.

Customize Do Not Disturb to:

• Turn on automatically during certain times like bedtime
• Allow calls from favorite contacts to reach you
• Let repeat callers ring through in case of emergency

Then you don’t have to worry about disruptions for a set period. Turn off when ready to resume calls.

Limit Distractions with Airplane Mode

To fully mute all cellular activity including calls, texts, and data, enable Airplane Mode:

1. On iPhone, open Control Center and tap the airplane icon
2. On Android, open quick settings and select Airplane mode

This essentially turns off all wireless radios until you disable it. Great for times when you don’t need connectivity but will silence calls completely.

Forward Calls to Voicemail or Auto-Reply

Rather than fully blocking calls, you can send them directly to voicemail:

iPhone

1. Open Phone > Voicemail
2. Turn on Silence Unknown Callers

This sends any non-contacts straight to voicemail.

Android

1. Open Phone app > Settings > Calls
2. Toggle on Blocked numbers straight to voicemail

You can also set up auto-reply messages to incoming calls:

1. Open Phone app > Settings > Quick responses
2. Write a message like “Can’t answer now, will call you back”

Then anyone who calls will get your auto-reply.

Disable Call Notifications

If you don’t want calls to ring loudly or light up the screen, adjust notification settings:

On iPhone

1. Open Settings > Sounds (or Notifications)
2. Set Phone Calls to no sound or vibration

Incoming calls will still appear in missed calls but won’t make any alert.

On Android

1. Open Settings > Apps & Notifications > Phone
2. Disable Pop on screen and/or Play ringtone

Now calls won’t pop-up or make noise but will show in call history.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with unwanted calls can be irritating and downright harassment in some cases. Thankfully smartphones provide customizable options to take control over the calling experience.

The right approach depends on your needs. Silencing unknown callers or activating do not disturb provides a simple way to mute calls temporarily. For more advanced protection, dig into call blocking settings or third party apps.

And be sure to report illegal robocalls to the FTC and any scam numbers to your carrier. With a few adjustments, you can take back peace and quiet from disruptive calls. Mute away!