VoIP call blocking is essential for managing unwanted calls over internet-based phone systems.
In this blog, you’ll learn what VoIP call blocking is and how it works. We’ll guide you through different methods and techniques to block VoIP calls on various devices, identify unwanted calls you can filter, and highlight some of the top call blockers available to enhance your communication experience.
What is VoIP call blocking?
VoIP call blocking refers to the methods and technologies used to stop unwanted calls from reaching your VoIP phone system.
Unlike traditional call blocking, which depends on local telephone exchanges, VoIP call blocking uses internet-based protocols and advanced algorithms to identify and block undesirable calls.
Related Reading: How to make VoIP calls from PC free
How VoIP Call Blocking Works
When an incoming call starts, the system checks various factors such as caller ID, call patterns, and known spam databases to see if it is valid.
Advanced VoIP systems use real-time analytics and machine learning to continuously update and improve their filtering criteria, ensuring that unwanted calls are effectively stopped before they disrupt your communication flow.
This thorough approach makes VoIP call blocking significantly stronger and more adaptable compared to traditional call-blocking methods, offering a higher level of protection for your small business.
Difference between VoIP call blocking and traditional call blocking
Traditional call blocking uses simple methods like blacklisting specific numbers. On the other hand, VoIP call blocking uses advanced techniques such as AI and machine learning to identify patterns and behaviors associated with spam and fraudulent calls.
Methods of VoIP Call Blocking
There are several ways to block VoIP calls, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Let’s explore the primary methods:
1/ Manual Call Blocking:
Manual call blocking is the process of personally selecting and blocking specific numbers that are identified as unwanted. This method involves adding numbers to a blocklist within your VoIP system.
While it provides a high degree of control, it requires continuous monitoring and updates, as new unwanted numbers may come up over time. Manual call blocking is particularly useful for small lists of known spammers.
2/ Automated Call Blocking:
Automated call blocking uses advanced technologies like machine learning and algorithms to detect and stop unwanted calls from reaching your phone.
This method analyzes incoming call data in real-time, comparing it with known spam databases and other criteria to determine if the call is real.
It then blocks or allows the call accordingly, significantly minimizing the requirement for manual intervention. Automated call blocking offers the advantage of being able to handle large volumes of calls efficiently, providing complete protection against various types of unwanted calls.
The system continuously updates its blocking criteria to adapt to new and changing call patterns, ensuring strong protection for your VoIP system.
3/ Service Provider-Based Blocking:
Service provider-based blocking is managed by your VoIP service provider, which uses its own set of tools and techniques to block unwanted calls.
This method takes advantage of the provider’s infrastructure and expertise, allowing them to filter out annoying calls before they even reach your network.
Providers often use a combination of call pattern analysis, AI, and up-to-date spam databases to identify and block harmful calls.
How to Block VoIP Calls on Different Devices
Blocking VoIP calls can vary depending on the device you’re using. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it across various platforms:
How to block VoIP Calls on iPhone
- Open the Phone App: Start by opening the Phone app from your home screen.
- Go to Recent Calls: Tap on the “Recents” tab at the bottom of the screen to view your recent calls list.
- Identify the Unwanted Caller: Scroll through your recent calls and find the VoIP number you wish to block.
- Access Caller Information: Tap the ‘i’ icon next to the number to open the caller’s information page.
- Block the Caller: Navigate to the bottom of the screen and select “Block this Caller.”. Confirm your decision when asked.
- Manage Blocked Contacts: For an overview of all blocked numbers, go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification. Here you can add or remove numbers as needed.
How to block VoIP calls on Landline
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you block unwanted VoIP calls on your landline:
- Log In to Your VoIP Service Account: Sign in to your VoIP service provider’s online portal using your credentials.
- Go to Call Blocking Settings: Look for the section in your account settings that is related to call management or call blocking.
- Add Unwanted Numbers to Blocklist: Enter the specific phone numbers you wish to block into the blocklist. Save your changes to make sure these numbers are blocked.
- Enable Advanced Call Blocking Features: If your provider offers extra call-blocking features like spam call detection or anonymous call rejection, make sure these are turned on.
- Update Your VoIP Device Settings: If your VoIP devices, such as an adapter or phone, have blocking capabilities, go to its menu and update the call-blocking settings as needed.
- Regularly Review and Update: Check both your service provider’s portal and your device settings often to make sure new unwanted numbers are added to the blocklist and to adjust any preferences.
How to Block VoIP Calls on Android
Android devices offer various apps and built-in features to block VoIP calls.
- Open the Phone App: Open the Phone application from your app drawer or home screen.
- Go to Recent Calls: Tap on the “Recents” tab at the bottom of the screen to view your recent call history.
- Find the Unwanted Caller: Scroll through your recent calls and find the VoIP number you want to block.
- Open Caller Information: Tap on the number or contact to open the caller’s information page.
- Block the Caller: Look for an option such as “Block” or “Block/report spam”. Tap this option to block the caller.
- Confirm the Block: A confirmation dialog will appear. Confirm that you want to block the number. This will stop the blocked number from contacting you via calls or texts.
- Use VoIP Provider’s App: If your VoIP service provider offers an app, open it and go to call or blocklist settings.
- Manage Blocked Numbers: Add the unwanted number to the blocklist within the provider’s app. This adds an extra layer of call blocking.
- Enable Additional Features: Turn on any additional call-blocking features such as spam or fraud detection offered by the app.
- Check and Update Regularly: Regularly check your phone and provider’s block settings to ensure new unwanted numbers are added to the blocklist and to adjust any other preferences.
Types of Unwanted Calls in VoIP Call Blocking
Understanding the types of unwanted calls can help you implement the best blocking strategy.
1/ Spam Calls:
Spam calls are unwanted calls that are usually made in large numbers and are meant to deliver an unwanted message, advertisement, or scam to the recipient.
Truecaller data shows Americans spent about 227 million hours dealing with spam calls from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024.
These unwanted calls typically originate from automated systems, or “robocalls“. To efficiently block spam calls, you should use your VoIP service provider’s spam detection systems and regularly update your blocklist to include any new numbers that have been identified as spam.
Many providers offer features such as automatic spam detection, where the system flags or blocks calls that are likely to be spam based on their calling patterns and behaviors.
2/ Fraudulent Calls:
Fraudulent calls are attempts by harmful groups to trick you for money or to get sensitive information. These calls often involve clever scams where the caller acts like they are from a real organization, like a bank or government agency.
The goal is to make you give personal information, make unauthorized transfers, or even let them access your devices remotely.
According to data, 27 million Americans have fallen victim to these identity fraud scams.
To block these calls, use your VoIP service provider’s security features, like fraud detection systems that can identify and block suspicious activities.
3/ Telemarketing Abuses:
Telemarketing problems involve unwanted calls from marketers trying to sell products or services. These nonstop annoying calls can interrupt your daily activities.
Unlike real marketing calls, which usually respect your privacy preferences, telemarketing problems often ignore do-not-call lists and other rules. To effectively block these calls, use the advanced call screening features offered by your VoIP service provider.
Implement caller ID verification to identify suspicious numbers and keep your blocklist updated to stop repeat calls from previously identified telemarketers.
4/ Neighbor Spoofing
Neighbor spoofing is a trick used by bad callers where they fake their caller ID to look like they are calling from a local number, often with the same area code and prefix as the person receiving the call.
This method makes the call look like it is from a familiar or local number, so people are more likely to answer it.
Best call blocker for VoIP
The following are some of the top call blockers available:
1. Nomorobo
- Features: Automatic robocall blocking, spam call identification, and real-time updates.
- Compatibility: Works with most VoIP providers.
- Advantages: Simple setup process, a large database of spam numbers.
- Limitations: May not block all spam calls, and a subscription might be necessary for access to premium features.
2. RoboKiller
- Features: Advanced spam call blocking, custom blocklists, and spam call recording.
- Compatibility: Compatible with various VoIP services.
- Advantages: High accuracy in identifying and blocking spam calls, humorous answer bots for scammers.
- Limitations: Subscription-based service, sometimes wrong alter.
3. Hiya
- Features: Complete caller ID, spam detection, and call blocking.
- Compatibility: Integrated with several VoIP providers and mobile phone companies.
- Advantages: Free and premium versions available, and detailed caller information.
- Limitations: Advanced features are limited to premium users.
4. Truecaller
- Features: Caller ID, spam call detection, and blocking.
- Compatibility: Wide range of VoIP services and mobile networks.
- Advantages: Large user base adding to a large spam database, and multifunctional app.
- Limitations: Requires access to user contacts for optimal performance, some features are premium.
5. Call Control
- Features: Automatic call blocking, personal blocklists, and community-based blocking.
- Compatibility: Supports various VoIP services and mobile phones.
- Advantages: User-friendly interface, effective community-driven spam reporting.
- Limitations: Some features are limited to the paid version, and sometimes real calls might get blocked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) Why do I keep getting VoIP calls?
Ans: VoIP calls often come from telemarketers, scammers, and automated systems due to the low cost and ease of making these calls over the Internet. VoIP technology allows callers to hide their real phone numbers, making it difficult for recipients to identify and block these unwanted calls.
Q2) How to block VoIP callers?
Ans: To block VoIP callers, start by choosing a call-blocking application compatible with your VoIP service. Once you’ve selected an app, follow its setup instructions to integrate it with your VoIP system. Most apps allow you to customize settings such as creating blacklists of known spam numbers and whitelists for allowed contacts.
Q3) How do I stop ghost calls on VoIP?
Ans: To stop ghost calls, start by ensuring your VoIP system is accurately set up. Disable SIP ALG (Application Layer Gateway) on your router, as it can sometimes cause issues with VoIP traffic. Implement strong firewall settings to block unauthorized SIP traffic, and consider limiting incoming SIP requests to trusted IP addresses only.
Q4) What is VoIP spoofing?
Ans: VoIP spoofing is a trick used by scammers and telemarketers to hide their true identity by changing the caller ID information shown on the recipient’s phone. This is done through VoIP technology, which lets the caller adjust the data packets that carry caller ID details. As a result, the call looks like it comes from a known or trusted number, such as a local area code, a reputable business, or even a government agency, increasing the chance that the recipient will answer the call.