How To
How To Block Unwanted Calls and Texts on Your Smartphone.

Unwanted calls and texts can be a nuisance, but fortunately, there are several methods and tools available on both Android and iOS smartphones to help you regain control over your communications.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to block unwanted calls and texts effectively.
Blocking Unwanted Calls:
For Android Devices:
1. Using the Default Phone App:
- Open the Phone app.
- In the upper-right corner, tap the three dots (menu).
- Select “Settings” and then “Blocked numbers.”
- To add the unwanted number, tap “Add a number”.
2. Using Third-Party Apps:
- You can download call-blocking apps like Hiya, Truecaller, or Nomorobo from the Google Play Store for enhanced blocking features.
For iOS Devices:
1. Using the Default Phone App:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the “i” icon next to the unwanted number in your recent calls.
- Scroll down and select “Block this caller.”
2. Using Do Not Disturb:
- Go to “Settings” > “Do Not Disturb.”
- Navigate to “Allow Calls From” and select “All Contacts” or a particular group by scrolling down.
- Unwanted calls from outside your contacts will be silenced.
Blocking Unwanted Texts:
For Android Devices:
1. Using the Default Messaging App:
- Open your messaging app.
- Tap and hold the unwanted message.
- Select “Block” or “Add to spam.”
2. Using Third-Party Apps:
- Download SMS blocking apps like SMS Blocker, Text Blocker, or SMS Block & Blocker from the Google Play Store.
For iOS Devices:
1. Using the Default Messages App:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap the unwanted message.
- Tap the sender’s name at the top.
- Select the “Info” icon (i) and choose “Block this caller.”
Additional Tips:
- To manage blocked numbers on both Android and iOS, you can go to “Settings” > “Phone” > “Blocked Contacts” or “Messages” > “Blocked.”
- Remember to periodically review your blocked list to unblock any contacts that you want to receive messages or calls from.
Reporting and Unsubscribing:
- If you receive spam calls, report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
- Unsubscribe from unwanted marketing text messages by following the instructions within the message or contacting the sender.
Avoiding Unwanted Calls and Texts:
- Be cautious while giving up your phone number online or to random individuals.
- Consider using a secondary phone number for online forms and registrations.
- To reduce telemarketing calls, register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov).
Third-Party Solutions:
- There are third-party call and text blocking services like YouMail and RoboKiller that offer advanced features, including voicemail transcription and spam call identification.
Keeping Your Data Safe:
- Be cautious when downloading call and text-blocking apps. Only install apps from reputable sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Review the permissions an app requests before installing it and avoid granting excessive access to your device.
In conclusion, blocking unwanted calls and texts on your smartphone is a practical way to maintain your peace and privacy.
By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively filter out unwanted communications and enjoy a more pleasant mobile experience.
Additionally, it’s essential to stay vigilant, be mindful of your online presence, and periodically review your settings to ensure unwanted calls and texts remain at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there third-party apps available for blocking unwanted calls?
- Yes, several apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and Nomorobo can help identify and block spam calls.
2. Can I block text messages from specific numbers?
- Yes, you can usually block text messages from specific numbers in the messaging or SMS settings of your smartphone.
3. How do I block calls from unknown numbers or private callers?
- Enable the option to block calls from unknown or private numbers in your phone settings. This is often found in the call settings under “Call blocking” or a similar menu.
3. Do blocked calls go to voicemail?
- Depending on your phone settings, blocked calls may go to voicemail or be completely rejected. Check your call-blocking settings to customize this feature.
5. Can I block calls and texts from specific area codes?
- Some smartphones and third-party apps allow you to block calls and texts based on area codes. Check your phone or app settings for this option.
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How To
How to Activate 3D View on Google Maps

Google Maps offers a plethora of features to enhance your navigation experience, and one such feature is the ability to explore locations in 3D. By activating the 3D view, users can immerse themselves in a more lifelike representation of cities, landscapes, and landmarks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of turning on 3D view on Google Maps across different platforms.
For Desktop Users
1. Open Google Maps: Launch your preferred web browser and navigate to the Google Maps website.
2. Switch to Satellite View: On the bottom-left corner of the screen, locate the square box labeled “Satellite” and click on it. This will switch the map view to satellite imagery.
3. Activate 3D View: While in satellite view mode, you’ll notice a “3D” button on the right-hand side of the screen, typically next to the compass icon. Click on this button to activate the 3D view. The map will tilt, providing a three-dimensional perspective.
4. Navigation and Exploration: Use your mouse to navigate in 3D. Click and drag to pan around the map. Hold down the Ctrl key (Cmd on Mac) and drag your mouse to adjust the angle or rotate the view. Scroll up and down to zoom in and out.
For Mobile Users (Android and iOS):
1. Open the Google Maps App: Launch the Google Maps app on your smartphone. If you don’t have the app installed, you can download it from the Google Play Store (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iOS).
2. Select Satellite View: Once the app is open, tap on the layer icon, typically located in the upper-right corner of the screen. This will open the map type selection menu. Choose “Satellite” from the list of options.
3. Enable 3D View: Unlike the desktop version, activating the 3D view on mobile devices requires a different gesture. Use two fingers to swipe up on the screen. This action will tilt the view, transitioning it into 3D mode.
4. Explore in 3D: Navigate around the map by dragging with one finger. Pinch your fingers together or spread them apart to zoom in and out. To rotate the view, twist two fingers on the screen.
The 3D feature on Google Maps is a valuable tool for exploring and understanding geographical locations in a more immersive way. Whether you’re planning a trip, studying urban landscapes, or simply satisfying your curiosity, activating the 3D view can enhance your mapping experience significantly. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can easily unlock the full potential of Google Maps’ 3D capabilities across desktop and mobile devices. Happy exploring!
How To
How To Deactivate the Private Number Feature

Having your phone number appear as “Private” or “Unknown” can be useful for maintaining privacy, but there are times when you might want to deactivate this feature. Whether you’re making important calls to friends, family, or businesses, having your number visible can enhance communication and ensure your calls are recognized and answered promptly. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for deactivating the private number feature on both iPhone and Android devices, empowering you to take control of your caller ID settings.
Deactivating Private Number on iPhone:
1. Open Settings: Locate and tap the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen.
2. Access Phone Settings: Scroll down and tap on the “Phone” option in the Settings menu.
3. Caller ID Settings: Within the Phone settings, find and tap on the “Show My Caller ID” option.
4. Toggle Caller ID: Tap the toggle switch next to “Show My Caller ID” to turn it on (ensure it’s green). This action will make your phone number visible to recipients of your calls.
5. Verification: After enabling the setting, make a test call to confirm that your number now appears on the recipient’s caller ID.
6. Completion: Once your caller ID is successfully displayed, the private number feature is deactivated on your iPhone.
Deactivating Private Number on Android:
1. Open Phone App: Launch the Phone app on your Android device as if you were going to make a call.
2. Access Menu: Look for the three dots (menu) or additional options usually located at the top right corner of the screen. Tap on it.
3. Navigate to Settings: From the menu, select “Settings” or a similar option.
4. Find Caller ID Settings: Scroll through the settings options until you find “Supplementary Services,” “More settings,” or “Call settings.” Tap on it.
5. Caller ID Setting: Tap on “Show my caller ID,” “Caller ID,” or a similar option listed in the settings.
6. Select Display Option: Depending on your device, choose “Show number” or the equivalent to ensure your phone number is displayed to recipients of your calls.
7. Verification: Make a test call after adjusting the settings to confirm that your number now appears on the recipient’s caller ID.
8. Completion: Once your number is successfully displayed, the private number feature is deactivated on your Android device.
Additional Tips:
Patience: Changes to caller ID settings may take a few minutes to take effect. If your number still appears private immediately after making changes, wait a bit and try again.
Restart Device: If the settings don’t seem to apply, restarting your device can help refresh the settings.
Carrier Settings: If the issue persists, contact your phone carrier directly. They may have set your number to appear as private, and they can assist you in changing this setting.
By following these steps, you can easily deactivate the private number feature on both iPhone and Android devices, ensuring your calls are recognized and answered promptly.