How to block spam calls for good in iOS 13

Image: Shutterstock / UfaBizPhoto

We’re finally getting our first taste of iOS 13, and from dark mode to better photo editing, there’s already a ton to look forward to.

But one of the update’s most useful features is one that could easily be missed: the ability to automatically block spammy phone calls with a new option to “silence unknown callers.”

The feature won’t be official until iOS 13 is released later this year, but you can start taking advantage of it now if you’re using the public beta, which just dropped this week. You can find the feature by going to Settings —> Phone and scrolling down to “call silencing and blocked contacts.”

Image: screenshot / karissa bell

When you enable this setting, calls from “unknown” numbers will automatically be sent to voicemail, so you won’t have to deal with telemarketers, robocalls, and other annoyances. 

What’s particularly cool about the feature is that it’s doing a little more than simply screening blocked numbers. According to Apple, the feature uses “Siri intelligence” to detect numbers in your Messages or Mail app, not just your saved Contacts list. That way, you’re less likely to miss a call from someone you’ve previously communicated with, even if you don’t have their phone number saved in your phone.

Of course, there are a few caveats you should probably keep in mind. The first is that spammers are always finding inventive new ways to make your life more difficult, and many are good at disguising their numbers. So Apple’s new iPhone setting likely won’t be totally foolproof.

The second is that it’s still possible you could miss a call you weren’t intending to block if you do enable this setting. (For example, if someone you know calls from a phone number your phone doesn’t recognize.) So if you’re expecting an important call, you may want to keep it off just in case or, at the very least, make sure to keep an eye on your voicemail. 

Otherwise, flip it on and enjoy the sweet sweet sound of your phone not ringing.