How to Block Restricted Calls: Forget about Annoying Callers
Are you frustrated by constant restricted rings? Ever wondered what does restricted call mean or why someone would hide their number? Whether you are on Android, iPhone, Samsung or Verizon, restricted ones can be more than just an annoyance—they can be a security risk.
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Are you frustrated by constant restricted rings? Ever wondered what does restricted call mean or why someone would hide their number? Whether you are on Android, iPhone, Samsung or Verizon, restricted ones can be more than just an annoyance—they can be a security risk.
Today you will find out:
What does it mean when a call is restricted and why such ones exist
How to block restricted calls on iPhone, Android, Samsung and Verizon
Ways to uncover the identity behind restricted chats
How to make your own number restricted (if you need to phone anonymously)
By the end, you will have a complete strategy to stop these unwanted ones with a full understanding of a call restricted meaning. Plus, we will introduce a smart way to track phone numbers.
What Is a Restricted Call on a Cell Phone?
It is when someone intentionally hides their caller ID. This means their number does not appear on your screen. Instead of a phone number, you might see:
“Restricted”
“Unknown”
“No Caller ID”
“Private Number”
Now you know what is a restricted phone call, but why do people use them? Here are the common reasons:
Legitimate Reasons:
Privacy Protection – Some professionals, e.g., doctors, lawyers or customer service agents, block their numbers for security.
Surprises – Some businesses hide their numbers when making special offers or follow-ups.
Personal Privacy – You might want to know how to call restricted on iPhone when contacting a stranger, like for a Craigslist sale.
Shady & Dangerous Reasons:
Scammers use them to avoid detection.
Fraudsters can keep calling you without being blocked.
Harassers & prankers use them to intimidate victims.
So, what does a restricted phone call mean for you? It means someone is trying to reach you anonymously—and that is not always a good thing.
💡 Should I answer a restricted call? If you do not recognize the number, let it go to voicemail! Most legitimate people will leave a message.
Feature | Explanation |
What is a restricted call on Android and iPhone? | It is when the number is hidden. |
Why do I keep getting these rings? | Could be spam, a business, a scammer, etc. |
Are restricted calls dangerous? | Some are scams, others are harmless. |
How to Block Restricted Calls on Android and iPhone
How to Block Restricted Calls on Samsung and Other Android Devices
If you have a Samsung or another Android phone you firstly need to answer the question, “What does a restricted call mean Android”. Then follow these steps:
Open the Phone app
Tap the three dots (More Options)
Select Settings → Call Blocking
Choose “Block Unknown Callers”
This will silence restricted ones, sending them straight to voicemail.
Alternative: Google Phone App
Open the Google Phone app
Tap Settings → Caller ID & Spam
Toggle on “Filter Spam Calls”
Note: Blocking “unknown” numbers will not stop all restricted chats—especially those disguised as “private.”
Can You Block Restricted Calls on IPhone?
For iPhone users, Apple provides a built-in way to block unknown numbers:
Open Settings
Tap Phone → Silence Unknown Callers
Toggle ON
Apple does not allow outright blocking of restricted numbers. But you can silence them using the method above.
How to Block Restricted Calls Verizon
If you are a Verizon customer, use it to block spams:
Download the Verizon Call Filter app
Enable Spam Filtering
Upgrade to Filter Plus for advanced blocking
Other carriers, like AT&T (ActiveArmor) and T-Mobile (Scam Shield), also have similar spam-blocking apps.
How Do You Block Restricted Calls? A Brief Summary
Device | How do I block restricted calls? |
Android (Samsung, Google, etc.) | Settings → Call Blocking → Block Unknown Callers |
iPhone | Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers |
Verizon | Use Call Filter app |
AT&T | Activate ActiveArmor |
T-Mobile | Enable Scam Shield |
Advanced Methods
Use a Third-Party Blocking App
If your built-in phone settings do not fully block restricted chats, you can install an app designed for spam filtering and caller identification.
Best Blocking Apps for Android & iPhone:
Truecaller – Identifies unknown numbers and blocks spam
Hiya – Automatically filters scam and spam
RoboKiller – Uses AI to detect and block robocalls
Nomorobo – Great for blocking telemarketers
CallApp – Identifies and records unknown rings
These apps rely on crowdsourced spam databases to filter unwanted ones. Some also analyze behavior patterns to predict whether a number is suspicious.
📌 Downside: Most of these apps require a paid subscription for full functionality.
Enable “Do Not Disturb” Mode (With Exceptions)
Instead of blocking them outright, you can use Do Not Disturb mode to silence all rings except from contacts you trust.
On iPhone:
Go to Settings → Focus → Do Not Disturb
Tap “People” and choose “Allowed Calls From”
Select Contacts or Favorites (Only these ones will ring)
On Android:
Go to Settings → Sound & Vibration → Do Not Disturb
Under Calls, tap “Allow Calls From”
Choose “Contacts Only” or “Starred Contacts”
All restricted and unknown numbers will go straight to voicemail without disturbing you. However, you may miss important ones from numbers not in your contacts (like a job interview or a delivery service).
Contact Your Carrier for Extra Blocking
Most cell phone carriers offer additional spam-blocking services beyond what is available on your phone.
Verizon Filter: Free spam detection, paid premium version ($3.99/month) for advanced blocking.
AT&T ActiveArmor: Blocks known fraud and spam alerts.
T-Mobile Scam Shield: Free blocking of scam, allows custom blocking options.
How to Activate Carrier Blocking:
Dial 611 from your phone and ask for spam blocking.
Log into your carrier’s website and check for filtering options.
Downside: Some of these services only warn you about spam instead of blocking them completely.
Ask Your Carrier for “Anonymous Rejection”
Many carriers provide a feature called Anonymous Call Rejection, which automatically blocks numbers without caller ID.
How to Activate It:
Verizon: Dial *77 (to disable, dial *87).
AT&T: Dial *60 and follow the prompts.
T-Mobile: Dial #662# to enable Scam Shield protection.
Restricted, private, and anonymous calls will not ring through at all. But some important people and organizations (e.g., doctors or businesses) may have restricted numbers and get blocked.
Use Google Voice
Google Voice is a free call forwarding service that allows you to filter unknown or restricted rings.
Sign up for Google Voice (free for U.S. users).
Go to Settings → Calls → Screen Calls.
Turn on “Call Screening” – people will have to state their name before connecting.
Enable “Filter Spam Calls” – unknown numbers will go to voicemail.
Spam, robocalls and restricted ones will not reach you unless they verify themselves. But not all users want to route their personal calls through Google.
Use a Hardware Blocker (For Landlines)
If you have a home phone (landline), you can buy a physical blocking device, e.g.:
CPR V5000 Call Blocker – Preloaded with 5,000+ known spam numbers
Digitone Call Blocker – Blocks unknown/private/restricted numbers
Sentry Call Blocker – Uses AI to auto-reject robocalls
These devices connect to your landline and automatically filter spam and restricted numbers.
Note that it only works for landlines, not cell phones.
How to Call Restricted from a Cell Phone
Want to make your own number private? Here is how to call from restricted number:
In the U.S. and Canada: Dial *67 before the phone number. Example: *67 123-456-7890
In the U.K. and Ireland: Dial 141 before the number. Example: 141 07123 456789
In Australia: Dial 1831 before the number. Example: 1831 0412 345 678
In other countries, check with your local carrier for the specific prefix.
This will hide your number for one ring only. To permanently restrict your number, change the settings in your phone.
How to Make a Restricted Call: Permanently Restrict Your ID
If you want to know how to make a restricted phone call, you can disable your ID in your phone settings:
For iPhone (iOS):
Open Settings.
Scroll down and tap Phone.
Tap Show My Caller ID.
Toggle off the switch.
For Android:
Open the Phone app.
Tap the three-dot menu (top-right).
Select Settings > Call Settings (or Supplementary Services).
Tap Caller ID and select Hide Number.
Contact Your Carrier for Permanent Blocking
How do you call restricted if somehow else? Some carriers allow you to permanently block your number from showing on outgoing calls. You can:
Connect customer support and request a permanent block.
Log in to your carrier’s online account portal and check for ID settings.
Use a Second Number or Burner App
If you frequently need to know how to call someone restricted, consider using:
Google Voice (U.S.) – You can phone without showing your real number.
Burner Apps like Burner, Hushed, or TextNow for temporary numbers.
How to Call Back a Restricted Number on Android and IPhone
If you missed one and want to know how to call a restricted number back, try:
*Dial 69 – Some carriers allow this to redial the last number.
Check your call log – Some carriers reveal the number after the fact.
Contact your carrier – Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile may provide details.
Use a call-tracking app – Third-party apps can sometimes trace them.
💡 Who calls from a restricted number? It could be a business, spammer or prank caller. If they keep doing it, block them immediately!
How to Find A Person
Instead of guessing restricted call meaning, why not track the person?
Number Tracker lets you track locations in real-time.
Find out where a person is right now
Check their location history
Create private groups
You can even try to find where a person with a restricted number is. But it is just a suggestion.
FAQs
Can a Restricted Call Be Traced?
In most cases, it is difficult, but not impossible. So, how can you track a number without a phone or with it?
Carriers: Some phone carriers keep logs of restricted numbers, especially if they are flagged as harassment or threats. You may need a police report to access this information.
Law Enforcement: Police and government agencies can track them by subpoenaing carrier records. If you are receiving threats or harassment, report it immediately.
Third-Party Services: Some apps and services claim to track restricted ones, but be careful—many are scams.
What Does It Mean When You Get a Restricted Call?
When you receive one, it means the caller has deliberately hidden their phone number.
If it is legitimate, a person will leave a voicemail or find another way to contact you. If no voicemail is left, it is likely spam.
Can the Police Track Restricted Calls?
Yes! Law enforcement agencies have the technology and legal authority to trace them if needed.
Law enforcement usually will not trace one unless it involves criminal activity (e.g., stalking, threats, or fraud). If you are just receiving annoying spam, it is best to block and report them.
Can I Call Back a Restricted Number?
It is tricky, but there are a few options:
*Dial 69 – This service, available on some carriers, redials the last incoming call, even if it was restricted.
Check Your Call Log – Some carriers temporarily store restricted numbers in history.
Use a Reverse Lookup Service – Some services claim to trace unknown numbers, but results may vary.
Can I Block Them on All Carriers?
Yes! All major U.S. carriers offer some form of spam and restricted call blocking.
But note that carrier blockers are not perfect—for full protection, consider a third-party tracking tool.
Why Do I Keep Getting Restricted Calls?
It could be due to several reasons:
Scammers targeting your number
Telemarketers hiding their caller ID
Someone deliberately pranking or harassing you
A business making automated calls
How to Stop Them:
Block them using your phone settings
Use a spam blocker or third-party tracking service
Contact your carrier to request additional blocking
Report persistent harassment to the police
Are Restricted Calls Dangerous?
Not all are scams, they can be risky.
Examples of Dangerous Ones:
IRS or "bank" scams demanding personal information
Fake tech support trying to steal your passwords
Extortion or blackmail threatening harm
NEVER share personal details over a restricted number. If the caller claims to be from a bank, government, or company, hang up and call the official number instead.
Sources:
Real-time GPS tracker