by Rena Sandou

Created on: February 02, 2011   Last Updated: July 11, 2011

Owning an Apple iPhone sets you among the elite ones having the ability to enjoy superb quality calls and multimedia features all in one device. You just can’t wait for your phone to start ringing and chat with friends and family. However, sometimes, a phone call can become extremely annoying especially when repeated, forcing you to even consider changing your number. Whether you are avoiding a telemarketer, an ex or even your boss, you can easily block their phone number in just a few steps.

In particular:

1. Blocking Phone Numbers via AT&T

If you are an AT&T subscriber, then you can easily block unwanted calls and messages via their ‘Smart Limits’ service. Costing only $4.99/month per line, you can not only block the incoming numbers you wish but also set a monthly limit for downloading files and web browsing.

2. Blocking Phone Numbers via the iBlacklist Cydia App

The iBlacklist is a Cydia app that allows users owning a jailbroken iPhone to block unwanted calls in no time. With a friendly interface, iBlacklist is the best way to block as many contacts as you wish even when it is an unknown or out of area phone number. Here is how:

• If you have not already jailbroken your iPhone, then follow the online directions here.

• Once you are done, visit Cydia by taping the Cydia icon on your app list. Select ‘Sections’ and then ‘Utilities’ to locate the iBlacklist app. Tap on ‘Install’ and wait a few seconds until the installation process is completed. A new iBlacklist icon will be created.

• Block phone numbers by clicking on the iBlacklist icon. You can also add a name for each unwanted number for maximum control of your block lists. Do not forget to click ‘Enter’ when finish editing your list for your actions to take effect.

• Moreover, you have the option to either simply block a caller by not being able to reach you or by forwarding the call straight to your voice mail.

3. Mute Ringing for Unwanted Phone Numbers via iTunes

Apple’s iTunes offers you an alternative way out if none of the above is the ideal solution for you. Specifically:

• Download the Silent Ringtone by clicking here.

• Once it is saved on your computer, connect your iPhone and launch iTunes. Sync both devices and save the Silent Ringtone into the Ringtones section.

• Create a group and add up to 9 unwanted callers and use the Silent Ringtone as the default ringtone for this group.

Even though this way does not actually block the unwanted callers, it still mutes them saving you from frustration.

Sources:

1. http://www.justvb.net/blog/2010/11/how-to-block-phon e-numbers-on-an-apple-iphone/

2. http://www.amazingiphone.com/tips-and-tricks/blockph onenumber/

3. http://richardkmiller.com/702/iphone-tip-use-a-silen t-ringtone-to-screen-calls-in-your-sleep

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