How do I silence a call from one person?

Sometimes you may want to silence calls from a specific person for personal reasons. This could be an ex-partner, someone who is harassing you, or simply someone you no longer wish to speak to. Your goal is to prevent their calls from ringing through to avoid engagement. There are a few different methods you can use to silence calls from one individual on an iPhone.

It’s understandable that receiving repeated and unwanted calls can be stressful or make you feel unsafe. While this guide provides tips on silencing calls, you may also need to take further action depending on your situation, such as speaking with law enforcement. Consider your safety first and seek any support you may need.

Check Phone Settings

The first place to check and adjust your call blocking settings is in your iPhone’s Settings app. Open the Settings app and tap “Phone.” Scroll down and select “Call Blocking & Identification.”

On this screen you will see any numbers you have blocked as well as options to block specific numbers. To block a number, tap “Add New…” and type in the phone number you wish to block. You can also tap the “+” icon to select a contact to block from your contacts list.

Once a number is blocked, calls from that number will go straight to voicemail. You can also toggle options on this screen such as “Silence Unknown Callers” to automatically silence calls from numbers not in your contacts.

For more details on call blocking settings, see Apple’s support article: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201229

Use a Call Blocking App

One of the most effective ways to silence calls from a specific number is to use a call blocking app. There are many high quality call blocking apps available, both free and paid. Some popular options include:

RoboKiller (Robokiller): RoboKiller uses advanced technology like audio fingerprinting to identify and block spam calls. It has a large blacklist database and allows you to block specific numbers. The app is available for both iOS and Android.

Hiya (Hiya): Hiya can identify and block spam calls using advanced call, SMS, and email filtering. It also has enhanced caller ID and a community-based spam list. The app is free for basic features and has premium paid plans.

Mr. Number (Mr. Number): This app lets you block both calls and texts from specific numbers. It also has reverse lookup to identify unknown callers and spam risk alerts. Mr. Number is free for basic call blocking features.

These apps make it very easy to block a specific number from calling or texting you. Simply find the person’s number in your call log or contacts and block it using the app’s interface. Some apps like RoboKiller will even answer spam calls for you using prerecorded responses.

Block Emails and Texts

In addition to blocking phone calls, you may also want to block emails and text messages from the person. Here’s how to do it on iPhone and Android devices:

On an iPhone, open the Settings app and go to Messages. Tap on Blocked Contacts and add the person’s phone number or email address that you want to block. This will prevent them from sending you iMessages or SMS texts.¹

On an Android phone, open the Messages app and tap on the conversation with the person you want to block. Tap on their name at the top and then Block contact. You can also long-press on their conversation and choose Block contact.¹

For blocking emails, open the Gmail or email app on your iPhone or Android. Find an email from the sender and open it. Look for Block or Report spam options. Selecting this will block all future emails from that address.

Taking these steps prevents the person from contacting you via calls, texts, or emails. However, they may still try to contact you other ways, so be cautious of other potential communication channels.

Set Boundaries

Discuss politely but firmly asking the person not to call. Explain that while you value their friendship, the frequent phone calls are becoming overwhelming. Tell them directly but kindly that you would prefer they do not call as often.

Convey that you are setting this boundary out of self-care and to preserve the friendship. Assure them you still care but need more space.

Setting clear boundaries is important in any relationship. Though difficult, being honest about your needs is healthiest for both people. Reinforce that ignoring your request will damage the friendship.

If calling continues despite the boundary, take more direct action like blocking or not answering. Per this source, boundaries require clear communication and follow-through.

Consider Legal Action

If the unwanted calls become excessive, rise to the level of harassment, and cause you distress, you may be able to take legal action:

According to the FCC, “there are laws to prevent people from making harassing or threatening phone calls. If you receive harassing or threatening calls, keep records and report the calls to your local law enforcement agency.” https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts

If you feel threatened or harassed, you may be able to file for a restraining order. A restraining order can order the caller to not contact you and stay a certain distance away. Check your state laws and consult with an attorney to see if a restraining order may apply to your situation.

In some cases, you may be able to sue a telemarketer for monetary damages, especially if they are violating do-not-call registries. According to one report, “spam calls are a big nuisance, sure, but what drove [one man] to take legal action wasn’t rooted in any deep animosity toward the spam callers.” However, lawsuits can be time-consuming and complicated, so consider consulting a lawyer first. https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/tired-of-unwanted-calls-and-texts-this-man-sued-a-spam-caller-and-won-1200-heres-how/

Change Your Number

Changing your phone number should be considered as a last resort if all other methods to block unwanted calls have failed. While changing your number can be an effective way to stop unwanted contact, it can also be inconvenient. Here are some pros and cons to weigh when considering a phone number change:

Pros:

• Ends unwanted calls, texts, voicemails from a specific person or people completely
• Provides a fresh start and sense of relief from harassment
• Lets you keep your phone carrier and device

Cons:

• Need to notify all contacts of new number
• May need to update accounts, services that use your number like banks, social media, work contacts
• Doesn’t prevent the unwanted caller from getting your new number later

Overall, while a hassle, changing your phone number stops unwanted contact immediately. It may make sense if you have explored all call blocking options and the harassment continues to severely impact your life (Source).

Seek Support

Being stalked can take an emotional toll and cause feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness. It’s important not to go through this alone. There are many resources available to help cope with the distress from unwanted contact:

Contact the National Stalking Resource Center at https://victimconnect.org or 1-855-4-VICTIM for guidance on building a safety plan, collecting evidence, and reporting the stalking to law enforcement.

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or visit https://www.thehotline.org/ to speak with an advocate 24/7 and get connected to local assistance and support groups.

Consider contacting a therapist or counselor who has experience supporting stalking or harassment victims. They can help process feelings of fear, anxiety, and violation.

Reach out to close friends and family who can provide emotional support and reassurance during this difficult time. Don’t isolate yourself.

Join a local support group to connect with others who understand your experience. Feelings of isolation can be reduced by sharing stories and coping strategies.

Consider getting a restraining order if you feel unsafe. This legally prevents the stalker from contacting or approaching you.

Safety Precautions

If you are receiving repeat harassing or threatening phone calls, it is important to take precautions to protect your safety:

• Notify close friends or family members about the calls so they are aware of the situation (source: https://www.cybersmile.org/advice-help/category/who-to-call)
• Keep a log of the calls including the phone number, date, time, and details about what was said (source: https://www.tamuct.edu/police/campus-safety/safety-calls.html)
• Save any voicemails, text messages, or other communications as evidence (source: https://your.yale.edu/community/public-safety/stay-safe-campus/safety-tips/harassing-phone-calls)
• Consider filing a police report if you feel threatened or the calls do not stop
• Inform your workplace if you are receiving harassing calls there

Your safety should be the top priority. Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you are being harassed or threatened.

Conclusion

In summary, there are several options to help silence calls from one unwanted individual. First, adjust your phone settings to block their number directly. You can also download call blocking apps that will prevent calls and texts from specific contacts. If needed, you can take more drastic measures like changing your number entirely or seeking legal action for harassment. The goal is to set clear boundaries and limit this person’s ability to contact you through various channels. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family or professionals during this process. With some practical steps, you can hopefully stop unwanted calls and regain peace of mind.