iPhone users running iOS 13 or later are being advised to activate the Silence Unknown Callers feature to reduce spam calls and potential scams. The setting automatically mutes calls from numbers not in your contacts or recent calls, sending them to voicemail instead.
Apple explains that calls from numbers you have previously texted or that have been shared via email will still ring normally. The feature also temporarily disables itself for 24 hours after you make an emergency call, ensuring you can be reached.
To avoid missing important calls, users should save all essential numbers in their contacts before enabling the feature. Calls from unknown numbers will still appear in the recent calls list and go to voicemail, but there will be no ringtone or notification.
Alternatively, users can install reputable third-party spam detection apps, which can label or automatically block known spam numbers. Apple assures that data from incoming calls is never shared with third-party developers.
The tech giant warns that scams are not limited to older adults, urging all users to take protective measures. The feature is available on iPhones with iOS 13 or newer, including the latest iPhone 17 Pro.
