How to Block All Calls Except Contacts on Android and iPhone

Constant calls from unknown numbers can ruin your productivity hours. You can always enable DND (Do Not Disturb) mode on your Android or iPhone. But you may miss important messages during an active DND mode. If you frequently receive unnecessary calls from random numbers, use the steps below to block all calls except contacts on Android and iPhone.

Both Android and iOS come with filters to block spam calls. However, some unknown numbers may bypass the restrictions and ring your phone during work hours. You can set the DND profile to allow calls from contacts only. You can also use third-party apps to block everyone except contacts. Let’s explore the built-in options first.

Block Unknown Numbers From Calling You on Android

You can block calls from unidentified callers on Android. An active spam call filter can prevent suspended spam calls from disturbing you. Follow the steps below to make changes.

Step 1: Launch the Phone app on Android. Tap the three vertical dots menu at the top-right corner and select Settings.

Step 2: Tap Caller ID and spam.

Step 3: Enable the Filter spam calls toggle.

Step 4: Go back and open Blocked numbers.

Step 5: Enable the Unknown toggle.

Allow Calls From Contacts Only on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Samsung uses a different Phone app on Galaxy phones. The steps to block unknown numbers differ on Samsung’s One UI. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Launch the Phone app on your Samsung Galaxy phone. Tap the three vertical dots menu and go to Settings.

Step 2: Enable the ‘Caller ID and spam protection’ toggle.

Step 3: Open the Blocked numbers menu and toggle on the ‘Block unknown/private numbers’ toggle.

After that, unknown callers and telemarketers won’t bother you.

Block All Calls Except Contacts on iPhone

There is no way to block spam and unknown callers on iPhone directly. However, iOS offers an option to silence unknown callers. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone and scroll to Phone.

Step 2: Select Silence Unknown Callers.

Step 3: Disable the same toggle from the following menu.

Enable Do Not Disturb on Android

You can set your phone’s DND profile to allow calls from contacts only. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open Settings and select Notifications.

Step 2: Scroll to Do Not Disturb.

Step 3: Tap People. Select Calls.

Step 4: Tap the radio button beside Contacts.

Return to the Do Not Disturb menu and enable the option. Your Android will only notify about alerts about important people and apps.  

Switch on Do Not Disturb on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Samsung Galaxy phone users can go through the steps below to enable DND and only let people in the contacts list reach you via calls.

Step 1: Launch Settings and select Notifications.

Step 2: Tap Do not disturb.

Step 3: Select Calls, messages, and conversations under Exceptions. Tap Calls.

Step 4: Select Contacts only.

If you receive calls during an active Do Not Disturb mode, check our dedicated guide to fix the problem.

Enable Focus on iPhone

Apple has replaced Do Not Disturb with Focus on iPhone. You can create multiple Focus profiles and create a distract-free environment. Let’s check it in action.

Step 1: Launch Settings and select Focus.

Step 2: Tap Do Not Disturb.

Step 3: Select People.

Step 4: Tap Allow Calls From and select Contacts.

Whenever you enable the Do Not Disturb focus, iOS silences calls from everyone who isn’t on your contacts list.

Use Third-Party Apps to Block Unknown Callers on iPhone and Android

If you want to dial up spam filters on your phone, use third-party apps. There is no shortage of these apps on the Play Store and the App Store, and among them, Truecaller is one of the most robust apps to get the job done. Let’s check it in action.

Truecaller on Android

Step 1: Download Truecaller on Android and install it on your phone.

Download Truecaller for Android

Step 2: Open Truecaller app, tap the three vertical dots menu at the top-right corner and open Settings.

Step 3: Select Block and enable the ‘Block numbers not in the phonebook’ toggle.

Truecaller on iPhone

Step 1: Download and install Truecaller on iPhone.

Download Truecaller on iPhone

Step 2: Open the Truecaller app and give it necessary permissions.

Step 3: Close Truecaller app and open the Settings app.

Step 4: Scroll to Phone. Select Call Blocking & Identification.

Step 5: Enable Truecaller filters.

The Truecaller experience is much better on Android. Further, you may also enjoy reading how to use Truecaller to record calls on Android and iOS.

Block Interruptions on Your Phone

Most users should be completely fine with the built-in spam filters on Android and iPhone. You can also customize the DND profile to receive calls from contacts only. Third-party solutions like Truecaller are suitable for power users who want to block all the unnecessary callers on their phones.