Being able to block phone calls, but not texts, can be a useful feature on iPhone. Sometimes, we want to avoid calls from a person or unknown numbers, but at the same time, we don’t want to miss important texts from them. This tutorial will show you how to block phone calls but not texts on iPhone, giving you the flexibility to manage your calls and messages.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Block Phone Calls But Not Texts iPhone
By default, iOS allows you to either block calls and messages together or not at all. Therefore, blocking phone calls but not texts on iPhone requires an extra effort. The process involves using a few workarounds and settings to customize your iPhone’s behavior. However, once you learn how to do it, you can easily block phone calls while still receiving text messages.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods to block phone calls but not texts on iPhone, let’s take a look at some things you should prepare for:
– Have an iPhone with iOS 7 or later.
– Have the number of the person or unknown caller you want to block.
– Make sure you have the latest iOS version to ensure compatibility with the methods described in this article.
Now that you have what you need let’s get started.
Method 1: Using Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb is a built-in feature on iOS that allows you to silence your device’s calls and notifications. However, it also gives you some customization options, including the ability to allow calls from specific contacts. We can use this feature to block phone calls but not texts on iPhone.
Here are the steps to use Do Not Disturb:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Do Not Disturb.
3. Turn on the toggle for Do Not Disturb.
4. Scroll down and tap on Allow Calls From.
5. Select the option "All Contacts."
6. Tap on Favorites or select "Custom" if you want to add specific contacts.
7. Turn on "Repeated Calls" if you want to receive calls from the same number twice within three minutes.
Pros:
– You won’t receive calls from people who are not on your Contacts or Favorites list.
– You can still receive texts and other notifications.
– Gives you the option to receive calls from people you want.
Cons:
– You need to add contacts to your Favorites list.
– You won’t receive calls from people who aren’t on your Contacts or Favorites list, even if it’s an emergency.
Method 2: Using Silent Ringtone
Another way to block phone calls but not texts on iPhone is by using a silent ringtone. This method involves creating a silent ringtone and assigning it to the contacts you want to block. When they call you, your phone won’t ring, but you’ll still receive their texts.
Here are the steps to use Silent Ringtone:
1. Go to your computer and use any audio editing software to create a silent ringtone. Keep in mind that it should be 30 seconds long.
2. Rename the file to "silent.m4r".
3. Attach your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes.
4. Drag and drop the "silent.m4r" file to the Tones section in iTunes.
5. Sync your iPhone to transfer the ringtone.
6. Go to the Phone app on your iPhone and find the contact you want to block.
7. Tap on Edit and navigate to the Ringtone section.
8. Select the silent ringtone you just created.
Pros:
– It’s a straightforward method that’s easy to set up.
– You don’t need to use a third-party app.
– You can still receive texts from the blocked contacts.
Cons:
– You need to create a separate silent ringtone for each contact you want to block.
– You won’t receive any notification that you missed a call.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps available on the App Store that allow you to block phone calls but not texts on iPhone. These apps usually have more features and options than the built-in Do Not Disturb feature. Here, we feature two apps that you can use to block phone calls but not texts on iPhone.
Via iBlacklist
iBlacklist is a popular app that lets you block phone calls and messages from unwanted numbers on iPhone. It’s available for a one-time payment of $12.99.
Here are the steps to use iBlacklist:
1. Install iBlacklist from the App Store and go through the setup process.
2. Open the app and tap on the "Blacklists" tab.
3. Tap on "Create New Blacklist" and name it.
4. Add the phone number or contact you want to block to the blacklist.
5. Select "Voice" and "General Calls" under "Block" options.
6. Tap on "Save."
Pros:
– The app blocks calls silently without giving any notification.
– You can add as many numbers or contacts as you want.
– You can customize the app as per your preferences.
Cons:
– It’s a paid app.
– You need to manually enter the phone numbers or contacts to block.
Via Call Blocker
Call Blocker is another popular app that lets you block phone calls while still receiving texts on iPhone. It’s free but offers in-app purchases for extra features.
Here are the steps to use Call Blocker:
1. Install Call Blocker from the App Store and go through the setup process.
2. Open the app and tap on the "Blacklist" tab.
3. Tap on "Create a New Number."
4. Add the phone number or contact you want to block.
5. Select "Block Calls" and "Mute Ring."
6. Tap on "Save."
Pros:
– It’s a free app.
– You can block calls from unknown numbers.
– You can set a schedule to block calls automatically.
Cons:
– You need to manually enter the phone numbers or contacts to block.
– Some of the features require in-app purchases.
Why Can’t I Block Phone Calls But Not Texts on iPhone?
Some of the reasons why you can’t block phone calls but not texts on iPhone are:
1. iOS doesn’t have a built-in feature to do it.
2. Some third-party apps don’t offer this functionality.
3. You might be using an older version of iOS that doesn’t support this feature.
To fix this, you can use the methods described in this article to block phone calls but not texts on iPhone.
Additional Tips
– Set up a custom voicemail greeting to let blocked contacts know that you’re not receiving their calls.
– If someone needs to contact you urgently, they can leave a text message or call several times within three minutes (if repeated calls option is on in the Do Not Disturb feature).
– If you change your mind and want to unblock a contact, simply remove them from your Favorites list, change their ringtone to something other than the silent one, or delete their number from the iBlacklist/Call Blocker app.
5 FAQs about How to Block Phone Calls But Not Texts iPhone
Q1. Does the Silent Ringtone method work on iOS 15?
A1. Yes, the Silent Ringtone method works on iOS 15.
Q2. Can I block phone calls but not texts from unknown numbers?
A2. Yes, you can block phone calls but not texts from unknown numbers using the third-party app Call Blocker.
Q3. Will the third-party apps drain my iPhone’s battery?
A3. No, the apps won’t drain your iPhone’s battery significantly.
Q4. Can I use the same silent ringtone for all the contacts I want to block?
A4. Yes, you can use the same silent ringtone for all the contacts you want to block.
Q5. How do I know if someone called me while the Do Not Disturb feature was on?
A5. If someone calls you while the Do Not Disturb feature is on, they’ll go straight to voicemail, and you’ll receive a notification about the missed call.
In Conclusion
Being able to block phone calls but not texts on iPhone is a handy feature that can help you manage your contacts better. In this article, we’ve explored various methods to achieve this, including using Do Not Disturb, creating a silent ringtone, and using third-party apps like iBlacklist and Call Blocker. We hope you found this tutorial useful, and feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments section below.