How to Silence Unknown Callers – A Hidden iOS Feature Every Kenyan iPhone User Should Know

By Drake Ocholi

Are you tired of constant spam calls interrupting your day? Whether it's telemarketers, fraudsters, or just unknown numbers disturbing your peace, there’s a powerful but often overlooked iOS feature that can help. Apple has built a clever way to automatically silence calls from unknown numbers—keeping your iPhone quiet while ensuring important calls still come through.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to activate this feature, why it’s useful for Kenyans, and some additional tips to enhance your call management.

Why Silencing Unknown Callers is a Game-Changer in Kenya

Kenya has seen a rise in spam calls, with fraudsters and marketers constantly finding new ways to reach unsuspecting phone users. Some common scenarios include:

• "You’ve won a prize!" scams – Fake lottery or reward calls.
• "Your M-PESA is blocked" phishing – Fraudsters pretending to be Safaricom.
• Persistent telemarketing calls – Promotions from unfamiliar businesses.

By silencing unknown callers, you can:
✅ Reduce interruptions – No more buzzing from random numbers.
✅ Avoid scams – Less risk of falling for fraudulent calls.
✅ Stay focused – Only receive calls from people in your contacts.

Best of all, silenced calls still go to your voicemail, so if it’s important, the caller can leave a message.

How to Enable "Silence Unknown Callers" on Your iPhone

Activating this feature is simple and takes just a few taps. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Settings

• Tap the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Go to Phone Settings

• Scroll down and select Phone.

Step 3: Find "Silence Unknown Callers"

• Look for the Silence Unknown Callers option.

Step 4: Toggle It On

• Switch the toggle to green (enabled).

That’s it! Now, any call from a number not saved in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri suggestions will be silenced and sent straight to voicemail.

What Happens When an Unknown Caller Tries to Reach You?

• Your phone won’t ring or vibrate – No disturbance.
• The call goes to voicemail – If it’s important, they can leave a message.
• The call appears in Recents – You can check missed calls later.

Who Can Still Reach You?

• Saved contacts – Friends, family, and important numbers.
• Recent outgoing calls – If you called them recently, they can still ring you.
• Siri-suggested contacts – Numbers from emails or messages.

When Should You Not Use This Feature?

While this setting is great for blocking spam, there are times you might want to turn it off:

• Job hunting – Recruiters often call from new numbers.
• Emergency services – If you expect calls from hospitals or unknown numbers.
• Business calls – Clients may call from different lines.

If you’re in any of these situations, keep the feature disabled or check your voicemail frequently.

Extra Tips to Block Spam Calls in Kenya

1. Use Safaricom’s Kata Simu Service

Safaricom offers a free service to block telemarketing calls. Dial *45695# and follow the prompts.

2. Report Spam Numbers to CAK

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) takes action against fraudsters. Report suspicious numbers via https://www.cak.go.ke.

3. Enable "Do Not Disturb" for Extra Quiet Time

• Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb to mute all calls temporarily.

4. Use Third-Party Call Blockers

Apps like Truecaller can identify and block spam calls before they reach you.

Final Thoughts

Spam calls are a nuisance, but with iOS’s "Silence Unknown Callers" feature, you can take back control of your iPhone. Whether you're avoiding fraudsters or just want fewer interruptions, this setting is a must-use for every Kenyan iPhone owner.

Need a new iPhone to enjoy these features? Visit Telefon.co.ke to browse the latest models at great prices!

Got questions? Drop them in the comments below or reach out on our socials:

• Twitter: @telefonke
• Facebook: Telefon
• LinkedIn: Telefon

Stay spam-free! 📵✨