Unmasking the Unknown: A Comprehensive Guide to Removing Private or Blocked Numbers

Receiving calls from private or blocked numbers can be incredibly frustrating. It’s like hearing a persistent knock on the door without knowing who’s on the other side. These calls often come with a sense of unease and can range from harmless solicitors to potential harassers. While completely eliminating private numbers isn’t always possible, there are several effective strategies you can employ to mitigate the problem, gain more control, and potentially even identify the callers behind these hidden numbers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each method step-by-step, empowering you to reclaim your peace of mind.

Understanding Why Numbers Are Private or Blocked

Before delving into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand why callers use private or blocked numbers. Here are the main reasons:

• Privacy: Individuals might choose to block their number to protect their privacy when making calls to businesses or people they don’t know well. This is particularly common when selling items online or dealing with unfamiliar contacts.
• Telemarketing/Sales: Many telemarketers and sales companies use blocked numbers to circumvent call screening and caller ID services. They often use automated dialers which mask the actual number.
• Debt Collectors: Similarly, debt collectors might block their numbers to avoid having their calls ignored.
• Harassment/Scamming: Unfortunately, blocked numbers can also be used by individuals to harass, threaten, or scam people. The anonymity allows them to operate without being easily traced.
• Technical Reasons: In some cases, the caller’s network or phone system might not be set up to properly display their number. This can sometimes lead to a call appearing as ‘private’ or ‘blocked’ unintentionally.

Methods to Remove or Identify Private/Blocked Numbers

Now, let’s explore various methods to tackle this issue. It’s essential to understand that no single method guarantees complete success in every scenario, so a combination of these approaches is often the most effective way to manage these calls.

1. Call Blocking & Filtering Features

The first and most readily available solution is to utilize the built-in call blocking and filtering features on your smartphone or landline. This will not necessarily ‘reveal’ the number, but it will help stop the calls from getting through to you. The steps vary slightly based on your device:

For Smartphones (Android & iOS):

Android:

1. Open the Phone App: Locate and open the default phone application on your Android device.
2. Go to Call History: Tap on the ‘Recents’ or ‘Call History’ icon, which usually looks like a clock or a list.
3. Find the Blocked Number: Look for the entry with ‘Private Number,’ ‘Blocked Number,’ or ‘Unknown Caller.’
4. Tap and Hold: Tap and hold on the specific entry of the blocked number that you want to block again.
5. Select ‘Block/Report’: From the menu that appears, choose the option to ‘Block Number’ or ‘Block/Report Number.’
6. Confirm Blocking: A confirmation message will appear to confirm blocking. Tap ‘Block’ or ‘OK.’

Note: Some Android devices may allow you to block calls from ‘Unknown Callers’ automatically. The option is usually available in the call settings of your phone app under ‘Blocked numbers’ or something similar.

iOS (iPhone):

1. Open the Phone App: Locate and open the phone app on your iPhone.
2. Go to Recents: Tap on the ‘Recents’ tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Find the Blocked Number: Locate the entry of the call from a private or blocked number.
4. Tap the ‘i’ Icon: Next to the blocked number, you’ll find a small ‘i’ icon in a circle. Tap this.
5. Scroll down and tap ‘Block this Caller’: This will block the private or blocked number.
6. Confirm Blocking: Confirm your choice by tapping on ‘Block Contact’ in the popup box.

Note: Similar to Android, iPhones also have options to silence calls from unknown numbers that have not been saved in your contacts. You can find this option under ‘Settings’, then scroll down to ‘Phone’. Tap on ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ and turn the feature on.

For Landlines:

The process for blocking numbers on a landline varies depending on your service provider. However, many providers offer features such as:

• Anonymous Call Rejection: This feature automatically blocks calls from numbers that have intentionally blocked caller ID. Typically, this feature needs to be activated through your landline provider. Contact your provider for specific instructions and potential associated fees.
• Call Blocking Service: Some landline providers also offer specific call blocking services where you can manually add blocked numbers. Check with your provider for specific information.
• Call Blocking Devices: You can purchase external call blocking devices that connect to your landline and allow you to block specific numbers. These devices often come with a list of pre-blocked numbers and the ability to add new ones.

2. *69 / *57 Feature

These two services are typically available on landlines and can, in some circumstances, assist you with tracking the source of the call after you’ve received it. However, these services may vary based on location and service provider. It is best to check with your provider if these services are available to you.

*69 – Last Call Return

This feature, when available on landlines, will automatically dial the last number that called you, even if it is blocked or private. Usually, you need to dial *69 immediately after the call, otherwise, the number you are returning might be incorrect. This is particularly useful if the caller hung up and you missed the call.

Steps to Use *69:

1. Immediately after receiving the call from a private or blocked number, hang up the phone.
2. Pick up the handset and dial *69.
3. You will then hear an automated message stating the number of the last call, if available. In the case of blocked numbers, you will hear that this feature is not available.

*57 – Call Trace

The *57 feature (also called a ‘call trace’) is a service offered by phone service providers. It doesn’t give you the caller’s number immediately. When you dial *57 immediately after receiving an unwanted call from a private or blocked number, it marks the call with your service provider, so that they are aware of a potential trace. This information is typically only provided to law enforcement in case of threats or harassment.

Steps to use *57:

1. Immediately after receiving an unwanted call from a private or blocked number, hang up the phone.
2. Pick up the handset and dial *57.
3. You will likely hear an automated message confirming that the call has been traced.

Important Note: If you’re being harassed, call your local law enforcement and provide the information from tracing the call. They might be able to use that information to help find the perpetrator.

3. Call Identification & Number Lookup Apps

A range of third-party call identification apps are available for both Android and iOS that can be helpful in identifying and blocking blocked and private numbers. These apps rely on large databases of phone numbers and often use crowd-sourced information to identify potential spam or scam calls. While they don’t always guarantee revealing the actual private number, they can often provide useful context and prevent future calls. Some popular options include:

• Truecaller: This is a popular call identification app that allows you to identify unknown callers, block spam calls, and even see who’s calling if the caller is registered in their database.
• Hiya: Another well-known call identification app, Hiya, also includes features for identifying and blocking spam calls and other unwanted calls.
• Mr. Number: This app provides caller ID services and automatically blocks robocalls and spam.
• Nomorobo: Nomrobo primarily focuses on blocking robocalls and can often prevent those from getting through to you.

How to Use Call Identification Apps:

1. Download and Install: Download your chosen app from the App Store or Google Play Store and install it on your phone.
2. Grant Permissions: Grant the necessary permissions (usually including access to your contacts and phone log) to allow the app to function properly.
3. Set as Default Caller ID App: Some apps might ask you to set them as the default caller ID app. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
4. Use the App to Check Calls: After installation, the app will typically work in the background, using its database to identify and/or block unwanted calls.

Important Note: Keep in mind that these apps rely on databases of known numbers. They might not be able to identify brand new private numbers and may not be accurate every time. Also, be sure to use these services with caution and only with providers you trust. Make sure you review their privacy policies to understand how your data is being handled.

4. Contact Your Phone Service Provider

If you’re receiving repeated calls from private or blocked numbers, especially if they are harassing or threatening, contacting your phone service provider is a crucial step. They might be able to offer additional services or advice that could help you handle the situation. Here are some things you can discuss with your provider:

• Call Tracing Assistance: While they may not be able to provide you with the number directly, they might have more advanced tracing tools that can assist with ongoing harassment.
• Call Blocking Options: They might offer additional or more robust call blocking solutions than those available through your phone. This might include blocking calls based on certain patterns or frequencies.
• Call Intercept Services: In severe cases, some providers can set up a call intercept service. This might involve the caller hearing an automated message, which will discourage further calls.
• Change Your Phone Number: As a last resort, if all else fails and you can’t seem to stop the calls, changing your number can be a way to get a fresh start. Your phone provider can assist you with this.

When contacting your provider, be prepared to provide them with:

• The dates and times you have received the calls from private or blocked numbers.
• Any specific information related to the nature of the calls.
• Whether you’ve already tried using blocking features or any call tracing functions.

5. Consider Law Enforcement

If the calls from private or blocked numbers are threatening, harassing, or involve any kind of criminal activity, contacting law enforcement is essential. They have legal means to investigate and potentially identify the callers behind these numbers. Do not hesitate to contact the police if you feel you are in danger.

When contacting law enforcement, you should provide:

• The dates and times of all the unwanted calls.
• A description of the calls, including the language used or any threats made.
• Information on any efforts you’ve taken to try and identify or block the calls.
• Any call tracing information you have collected (such as using the *57 feature).
• Any other relevant information that could be of use.

6. Setting Up a Second Number

If the bulk of your private calls come from unknown sources you can consider having a secondary number where calls are automatically forwarded. This is often called a ‘burner number’. You can set up your primary phone number to forward all calls from unknown numbers to the secondary one, effectively screening unknown numbers and giving you the ability to check these calls before answering them.

Steps to set up a second number:

1. Research available apps: There are a variety of apps and online services that offer temporary or secondary phone numbers. A few options you might want to research are Google Voice, TextFree, Burner, or Hushed.
2. Install and set up your app: Once you have decided on an application, download and install it on your mobile phone. Then follow the prompts to create your account and pick your new phone number.
3. Set up call forwarding: Once you have your secondary number, set up call forwarding on your primary phone number. This option can be found in your phone settings, often under Call Forwarding.
4. Set to forward calls from unknown numbers: Set your forwarding option to forward all calls from numbers not in your contact list to your newly created phone number.

7. Be Wary of Answering Unknown Numbers

One of the most effective preventative measures is to simply avoid answering calls from unknown or blocked numbers. If the call is important, the person can leave a message. This will let you determine if the call is truly necessary or just spam. You can then make an informed decision to return the call.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Stay Updated: Call blocking and identification technologies are continually evolving. Stay updated on new apps and methods to ensure that you’re using the most effective solutions.
• Exercise Caution with Information: Never share personal or financial information with anyone who calls you from a private or blocked number.
• Maintain Awareness: Even if you successfully block a private number, they may call from another blocked or private number. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
• Protect Your Privacy: Be careful about what information you share online, as this can often be used to target or scam you.

Conclusion

Dealing with calls from private or blocked numbers can be challenging, but you’re not powerless. By using a combination of call blocking features, identification apps, and the assistance of your provider or law enforcement, you can effectively manage these unwanted calls. Remember to stay informed, be cautious, and prioritize your peace of mind. Hopefully this guide has given you the information needed to take back control and unmask the unknown callers.