Apple has issued a direct call to action for all iPhone users across the UK, urging them to immediately update a crucial security setting to combat the growing nuisance of spam calls and potential scams.
How to Shield Your iPhone from Unwanted Calls
The tech giant is advising customers to take one of two simple steps to regain control of their incoming calls. The first and most straightforward method is to activate the built-in Silence Unknown Callers feature, available on any iPhone running iOS 13 or later. This function automatically silences any call from a number not saved in your contacts, not in your recent outgoing calls, or not identified in your emails or messages by Siri.
According to Apple Support UK, when this feature is enabled, calls from unknown numbers are muted, sent directly to voicemail, and logged in your recent calls list without your phone ringing. "If you’ve previously texted someone using their phone number or if a person has shared their phone number with you in an email, a phone call from that number will go through," the company clarifies. It's a powerful tool, but Apple reminds users to save all important contacts first to avoid missing wanted calls.
An Alternative: Third-Party Spam Detection Apps
For those seeking an extra layer of defence, the second option is to download a reputable third-party spam detection application from the App Store. Once installed, users can enable the app in their Phone settings under Call Blocking & Identification.
When a call comes in, your iPhone will cross-reference the number with the app's database of known spam numbers. If a match is found, your screen will display a label such as "Spam" or "Telemarketing." Some apps can even block these calls automatically. Apple assures that data from incoming calls is never shared with third-party developers, maintaining user privacy.
Why This Update is Critically Important
This guidance comes with a stark warning that scam calls are not exclusively targeted at older generations. Young people are equally at risk and should not assume they are immune. The move to block unknown callers not only stops interruptions but significantly reduces exposure to sophisticated fraud attempts.
Apple also notes an important exception to the Silence Unknown Callers rule: if you make an emergency call, the feature is temporarily disabled for 24 hours afterwards to ensure emergency services or hospitals can call you back.
To activate the built-in feature, iPhone owners simply need to:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Phone.
- Scroll to and select Silence Unknown Callers.
- Toggle the switch to turn the feature on.
Taking a few moments to implement this change today can provide lasting peace of mind and a much quieter, more secure phone experience.
