No Caller ID vs. Unknown Caller on Your iPhone: What’s the Difference?

Calls from mysterious numbers can be annoying, especially if you’re trying to dodge scams or avoid talking to someone you can’t immediately recognize. But there are two different ways in which these unidentified numbers can be labeled on your device iPhone: There is no caller ID and the caller is unknown. So, what’s the difference?

Here’s what to know about each classification, and how to stay safe from potential caller scams.

No caller ID vs unknown caller

Call titled “No caller ID” means the caller has blocked their number from appearing on your screen. In other words, they want to keep their identity secret. This can be a privacy measure, but it’s also a tool used by scammers – if you can’t quickly verify the caller’s identity based on their number, they may It is easier to fall into its trap.

“Caller is unknown“, on the other hand, is the message that appears when the phone service provider does not recognize the caller’s identity. This may be due to several factors, including network issues, technical issues, or receiving calls from foreign numbers. Often times, these are Callers unable to connect are not intentionally trying to hide their identity, but it’s still good to be careful Scammers can also use this method to hide their identity by using a phone that is not registered with the phone company, for example.

What to do if you receive anonymous calls

You should always be careful if you cannot identify the caller. This is especially important if someone calls you and the message “No Caller ID” appears on the screen because they intentionally hid their number. But an unknown caller is also something to be wary of, as it becomes difficult to identify the caller on the other end of the line.

Allowing the call to go to voicemail is often a good idea. Simply answering a call is a signal to scammers that your number is active, which could lead to more similar calls in the future. the Live voicemail feature It’s especially useful in these situations because it allows you to answer the call if the voicemail text indicates it’s someone you want to talk to.

Silence unknown callers on your iPhone

You can also go ahead and silence unknown callers on your iPhone. This way, those mysterious callers won’t bother you and can just leave a voicemail for you to check later.

On your iPhone, go to Settingsthen press Applications Followed by phone And go to Silence unknown callers. Press the switch button to turn it on.

Use apps to block unidentified calls

Although there is no way to block these anonymous calls within your iPhone’s settings,… Your wireless carrier may offer applications To help with this.

AT&T Active Armorfor example, has a free version that blocks unwanted and fraudulent calls, and also lets you block all unknown callers. The advanced version, which costs $4 per month, includes tools like reverse number lookup and caller ID for unknown numbers. ActiveArmor is available for iOS and Android.

Verizon’s Call Filter app also offers spam detection, a spam filter, and the option to report numbers, all for free. For an extra $4 per month, you’ll also get caller ID, spam scanning, a personal blocklist, and a spam risk meter. Call Filtering is automatically enabled for Android users on a postpaid plan, and it is Available in the App Store iPhone.

T-Mobile Fraud Shield It has a free option that includes full caller ID, fraud reporting, and fraud blocking. There’s also a premium option for $4 per month per line, which offers a reverse phone number lookup and transcription of the voicemail that’s automatically sent to you via text. You can download the Scam Shield app at App Store or Google Play.

Be sure to check other wireless carriers to see if they offer something similar. Some wireless carrier plans may include access to premium features as well.

For more third-party apps to help reduce robocalls and general advice, check out our website Guide to stop annoying calls.