In the midst of our digital age, smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives, offering us a plethora of benefits and conveniences. However, even the most ardent smartphone users may find themselves overwhelmed by the constant bombardment of phone calls, especially during inopportune moments or when seeking tranquility. If you’re an iPhone user, you might be wondering how to effectively silence incoming calls without completely disabling your device. Fortunately, there are several methods at your disposal to achieve this, ensuring that you can enjoy the advantages of your iPhone without the incessant interruptions of phone calls.
One of the most direct approaches is to simply toggle the ringer switch located on the side of your iPhone. This switch, when flipped to the silent position, mutes all incoming calls and alerts, providing you with instant peace and quiet. However, if you still require audible notifications for text messages or other important app-related alerts, the ringer switch method may not be the most suitable solution. In such cases, consider utilizing the Focus mode feature introduced in iOS 15. Focus mode allows you to customize your iPhone’s notification settings based on your current activity or location, effectively filtering out unwanted calls while permitting essential notifications.
For a more granular approach, delve into the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to the “Phone” section. Within this submenu, you will find an option labeled “Silence Unknown Callers.” When enabled, this feature automatically silences incoming calls from numbers that are not stored in your contacts list. This can be particularly useful in mitigating robocalls and other unwanted solicitations, allowing you to maintain a distraction-free environment. Additionally, you can utilize the “Block Contacts” feature to prevent specific individuals from reaching you via phone calls, providing you with the ultimate control over your communications.
Silencing Calls Completely
If you want to silence all incoming calls, you can use the Do Not Disturb feature. This will silence all calls, except for those from your favorites list. To enable Do Not Disturb, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on “Do Not Disturb”.
- Tap on the “Turn on Do Not Disturb” switch.
You can also choose to silence calls from unknown numbers. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on “Phone”.
- Tap on “Silence Unknown Callers”.
- Tap on the “Turn on Silence Unknown Callers” switch.
If you want to silence all calls except for those from your favorites list, you can use the Focus feature. To enable Focus, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on “Focus”.
- Tap on the “+” button.
- Select the “Do Not Disturb” focus.
- Tap on the “Add” button.
You can then customize the Focus settings to allow calls from your favorites list. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on “Focus”.
- Tap on the “Do Not Disturb” focus.
- Tap on the “People” tab.
- Tap on the “+” button.
- Select the contacts you want to allow calls from.
- Tap on the “Done” button.
Blocking Specific Callers
The iPhone provides a convenient way to block unwanted calls from specific numbers. To block a specific caller:
- Open the Phone app and go to the Recents tab.
- Find the contact or number you want to block and tap the info icon (i) next to it.
- Scroll down and tap “Block this Caller.”
- Confirm your choice by tapping “Block Contact.”
Once a number is blocked, the iPhone will automatically send all calls from that number to voicemail. You can also block numbers from your Contacts list by selecting the contact and tapping “Edit” in the top-right corner. Then, scroll down and tap “Block this Caller.”
Unblocking Callers
If you’ve accidentally blocked a number or changed your mind about wanting to block a specific caller, you can easily unblock them.
- Open the Settings app and tap “Phone.”
- Select “Blocked Contacts.”
- Find the contact or number you want to unblock and swipe left.
- Tap “Unblock.”
Using the Do Not Disturb Mode
The iPhone’s Do Not Disturb mode can be used to block all calls from certain contacts or groups. To set up Do Not Disturb:
- Open the Settings app and tap “Do Not Disturb.”
- Set the “Do Not Disturb” toggle to “On.”
- Choose which contacts or groups you want to allow calls from under “Allow Calls From.”
- Tap “Done” to save your changes.
When Do Not Disturb is turned on, calls from contacts or groups not allowed in your settings will be automatically sent to voicemail.
Configuring Do Not Disturb Mode
Do Not Disturb mode silences all incoming calls and notifications, providing a peaceful environment for sleep, work, or relaxation. To configure Do Not Disturb mode:
- Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen.
- Tap the Do Not Disturb icon (a crescent moon inside a circle).
You can also customize Do Not Disturb mode to suit your needs:
Choose Duration
Set a specific time range for Do Not Disturb to be active, such as while you sleep.
Allow Calls From
Select specific contacts or groups to allow their calls to come through even when Do Not Disturb mode is enabled.
Allow Repeated Calls
Disable this option to prevent calls from the same number from coming through multiple times within a 3-minute interval.
Exceptions
Add apps or system functions (such as Calendars or Reminders) to the Exceptions list to allow their notifications to still come through.
Below is a summary of the Do Not Disturb mode settings and their functions:
| Setting | Function |
|---|---|
| Duration | Specifies the time range when Do Not Disturb is active. |
| Allow Calls From | Allows calls from specific contacts or groups to come through. |
| Allow Repeated Calls | Prevents multiple calls from the same number within a 3-minute interval. |
| Exceptions | Allows notifications from specific apps or system functions even when Do Not Disturb is enabled. |
Using Call Redirection
Call redirection, also known as call forwarding, is a useful feature that allows you to forward incoming calls to another phone number. This can be a temporary or permanent solution, depending on your needs.
To set up call redirection, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Phone.”
3. Tap on “Call Forwarding.”
4. Enter the phone number you want to forward calls to in the “Forward To” field.
Here’s a detailed explanation of the options available in the “Forward To” field:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Enter a phone number | Forwards calls to the specified phone number. |
| Voicemail | Forwards calls to your voicemail. |
| Another iPhone (if you have multiple devices) | Forwards calls to another iPhone that you own. |
5. Tap on “Activate.”
Your calls will now be forwarded to the specified number.
Note: Call redirection may not be available in all countries or with all carriers. Check with your carrier for availability and any applicable charges.
Turning Off Call Alerts
Call alerts can be annoying, especially if you’re in a meeting or trying to sleep. Here’s how to turn them off:
Turn Off Sound and Vibrate for Calls
For all calls, you can mute the sound and vibration together.
- Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
- Under Ringer and Alerts, drag the slider all the way down to the left
Silence Unknown Callers
If you’re only bothered by calls from unknown numbers, you can silence them.
- Go to Settings > Phone.
- Tap on Silence Unknown Callers and enable it.
Set a Focus Mode to Prevent Calls
Focus modes can be used to filter out notifications and calls during certain times.
- Go to Settings > Focus.
- Choose a focus mode (e.g., Sleep, Work) or create a new one.
- Tap on Apps and turn off the toggle for Phone.
Use the Do Not Disturb Mode
Do Not Disturb mode silences all calls and notifications except for those you allow.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen.
- Tap on the moon icon to turn on Do Not Disturb.
Turn Off Calls in Specific Apps
You can turn off calls in specific apps, such as:
| App | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Open WhatsApp > Settings > Notifications > Calls > disable Show notifications | |
| Skype | Open Skype > Profile picture > Settings > Notifications > Turn off Audio & Video calls |
| FaceTime | Open FaceTime > Settings > turn off FaceTime Audio and FaceTime Video |
Activating Airplane Mode
Airplane mode is a quick and easy way to disable all wireless connections on your iPhone, including phone calls. To activate airplane mode, follow these steps:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone’s screen to open Control Center.
- Tap the airplane icon.
- A pop-up message will appear asking if you want to turn on Airplane Mode. Tap “Enable”.
Once Airplane Mode is activated, your iPhone will no longer be able to make or receive phone calls. You will also lose all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data connections.
To turn off Airplane Mode, simply follow the same steps as above and tap the airplane icon again. Airplane Mode will be turned off and your iPhone will regain its wireless connections.
Additional Notes
In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when using Airplane Mode:
| Feature | Status in Airplane Mode |
|---|---|
| Phone calls | Disabled |
| Wi-Fi | Disabled |
| Bluetooth | Disabled |
| Cellular data | Disabled |
| GPS | Disabled (on some iPhone models) |
| NFC | Disabled |
It is important to note that activating Airplane Mode will disable all wireless connections, even if you have enabled them in Control Center (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). To use these connections, you must turn off Airplane Mode.
Restarting the iPhone
Restarting the iPhone can often resolve minor software issues that may be causing the phone calls to be turned off. To restart the iPhone, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button, which is located on the right side of the iPhone.
- Continue holding the Sleep/Wake button until the power off slider appears on the screen.
- Slide the power off slider to the right to turn off the iPhone.
- Wait a few seconds for the iPhone to turn off completely.
- Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button again to turn on the iPhone.
- Enter your passcode, if prompted.
- Check if the phone calls are now turned on.
If restarting the iPhone does not resolve the issue, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps.
| Troubleshooting Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Check the Do Not Disturb settings | Make sure that Do Not Disturb is not turned on, as this setting can silence all incoming calls. |
| Reset the network settings | Resetting the network settings can resolve issues with the iPhone’s cellular or Wi-Fi connection, which may be preventing phone calls from coming through. |
| Update the iOS software | Installing the latest iOS software updates can resolve bugs and issues that may be causing the phone calls to be turned off. |
Updating the Device’s Software
One of the most effective ways to address issues with phone calls is to ensure your device’s software is up to date. Here’s a step-by-step guide to update your iPhone’s software:
- Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
- Tap on “General.”
- Select “Software Update.”
- If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install.”
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Wait for the update to download and install.
- Once the update is complete, your iPhone will restart automatically.
Updating your device’s software can fix bugs and introduce new features that may resolve issues related to phone calls. It’s recommended to regularly check for and install software updates to keep your iPhone running smoothly and address potential call issues.
Resetting Network Settings
If the above methods don’t resolve your issue, you can try resetting your network settings. This will erase all your saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth connections, and cellular settings. However, it can also be an effective way to fix phone call problems.
| Steps: |
|---|
| 1. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. |
| 2. Enter your passcode if prompted. |
| 3. Tap Reset Network Settings again to confirm. |
| 4. Your iPhone will restart. |
| 5. Once your iPhone restarts, you’ll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections. |
If you’re still having trouble turning off phone calls on your iPhone, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Here are some additional tips that may help you troubleshoot phone call problems on your iPhone:
Contacting Apple Support
If you are unable to turn off phone calls on your iPhone using the above methods, you may need to contact Apple Support. Here are the steps to do so:
1. Visit the Apple Support website
Go to the Apple Support website at support.apple.com and click on the “Get Support” button.
2. Select your device
Select “iPhone” from the list of devices.
3. Select the issue you are experiencing
Select “Phone Calls” and then “Turn off phone calls.”
4. Choose a contact method
You can choose to chat with an Apple Support representative, schedule a phone call, or visit an Apple Store.
5. Provide your contact information
Enter your name, email address, and phone number.
6. Describe the issue
Briefly describe the issue you are experiencing with turning off phone calls.
7. Submit your request
Click the “Submit” button to send your request to Apple Support.
8. Wait for a response
Apple Support will contact you within 24 hours with a solution to the issue.
9. Follow the instructions
Once you receive a response from Apple Support, follow the instructions provided to resolve the issue.
10. If you have followed all the steps above and you are still unable to turn off phone calls on your iPhone, you may need to contact Apple Customer Service directly. Here is how to do so:
| Phone number | Hours of operation |
|---|---|
| 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753) | 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST, Saturday and Sunday |
| 1-800-275-2273 (TTY/TDD) | 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday |
When you call Apple Customer Service, provide the representative with your name, contact information, and a brief description of the issue you are experiencing. The representative will assist you in resolving the issue.
How To Turn Off Phone Calls On Iphone
To turn off phone calls on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Phone.
- Tap on Calls.
- Turn off the Allow Phone Calls switch.
You can also turn off phone calls for specific contacts. To do this, open the Contacts app, select the contact you want to block, and then tap on Edit. Under the Phone section, tap on the Delete button next to the phone number you want to block. You can also block phone calls from unknown numbers by turning on the Silence Unknown Callers switch in the Phone settings.
People Also Ask
How do I turn off phone calls on my iPhone temporarily?
To turn off phone calls on your iPhone temporarily, you can use the Do Not Disturb feature. To do this, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open Control Center, then tap on the Do Not Disturb icon. You can also turn on Do Not Disturb in the Settings app by going to Do Not Disturb and turning on the Scheduled switch.
How do I turn off phone calls on my iPhone when I’m driving?
To turn off phone calls on your iPhone when you’re driving, you can use the Driving Focus feature. To do this, go to Settings > Focus and tap on Driving. Then, turn on the Focus switch and select the contacts you want to allow calls from while driving.
