What Is Call Barring and How to Activate or Deactivate It?

Unwanted calls and shocking phone bills from unknown international numbers are problems we all face. Fortunately, there’s call blocking, a handy service that lets us stop certain incoming and outgoing calls right from our phones.

Using call blocking on both Android and iPhone gives us more control over our calls, helping us stay within budget and keep things private. This feature helps us manage our mobile experience better, reducing stress and enhancing convenience.

In our exploration, we’ll dive into what call blocking is and how it stands out from other call management tools. We’ll reveal how this feature can make our phones smarter and simplify our lives. By understanding this tool, we can use it to its full potential and enjoy a more streamlined mobile experience. Let’s discover how to put an end to unwanted interruptions and hidden charges.

What is Call Barring?

A powerful network feature that gives us the ability to stop specific types of calls on our mobile devices. This feature extends beyond blocking individual numbers and allows users to manage entire categories of incoming and outgoing calls. For example, we can prevent annoying or unwanted calls from reaching us altogether.

• Manage Entire Categories of Calls: It allows us to block not just individual numbers but entire categories, such as international or premium-rate calls.
• Prevent Unwanted Calls: It helps us avoid interruptions from unwanted calls, such as spam, telemarketing, or scam calls.
• Works for Both Incoming and Outgoing Calls: Users can block specific types of incoming calls (e.g., international calls) and outgoing calls (e.g., premium-rate numbers).

Compatibility for Both Android and iPhone Users:

• Android Devices: Android users can access it directly through their phone’s settings, making it easy to activate or deactivate.
• iPhone Devices: iPhone users don’t have built-in call barring but can enable it by contacting their mobile service provider or using third-party apps like Truecaller.

How Does Call Barring Different from Other Features?

It stands out when compared to features like Do Not Disturb (DND) and call blocking. DND mode is designed to keep our phone quiet by silencing alerts and calls, but it doesn’t actually prevent calls from coming through. In contrast, it stops calls from being made or received altogether.

• Do Not Disturb (DND): Designed to keep the phone quiet by silencing alerts and calls, but it doesn’t prevent calls from coming through.
• Call Blocking: Usually targets specific numbers, allowing users to block unwanted contacts individually.
• Call Barring: Manages entire groups of calls, such as stopping all international outgoing calls or blocking incoming roaming calls, making it a more comprehensive security and cost-control option.

Common Uses and Scenarios for Call Barring

Call barring is an essential feature for various scenarios, whether you’re managing costs, ensuring security, or enhancing productivity. From international travel to business management, this tool provides flexible solutions that can be customized to your needs. By restricting specific types of calls, you can avoid unexpected charges, block unwanted interruptions, and protect yourself from fraud.

The table below highlights some common scenarios where call barring can be applied, along with the types of calls that can be restricted and the benefits it provides. This feature is valuable for individuals and businesses alike, offering a way to gain more control over phone usage and protect against unwanted disturbances.

What are the Different Types Call Barring?

1. Incoming Call Barring

Incoming call restrictions allow us to block certain types of calls from reaching our phones. Whether it’s stopping all calls, avoiding interruption during travel by blocking roaming calls, or keeping out specific numbers like international or premium-rate contacts, this tool is handy.

Benefits:

• Avoid Unwanted Calls: By using this feature, we can filter out those annoying or harassing calls and only let essential ones come through.
• Control Roaming Charges: It’s a great way to block all calls when roaming, thus avoiding those extra charges.

Note: For Android users, these settings are found under the call-barring options. iPhone users will find it in the phone’s settings, making it simple to switch on and off.

2. Outgoing Call Barring

This aspect of call restrictions helps us control the calls made from our devices by blocking specific types. It can stop all outgoing calls, prevent international dialing, or even block expensive numbers like premium-rate services.

Benefits:

• Cost Management: Especially useful for budgeting, it helps us avoid unnecessary charges. This way, we stop making costly mistakes like accidental international calls.
• Prevent Unauthorized Use: It also helps us keep our phones secure by preventing unauthorized calls, which is particularly important for business use.

Note: We can easily find this feature in call management settings on both Android and iPhone. In some cases, a password might be needed to activate it.

3. International Call Barring

This is a focused version of outgoing call blocking, specifically aimed at stopping calls to international numbers. It’s ideal for those who rarely need to make such calls and want to avoid hefty charges.

Benefits:

• Prevent High Costs: With this feature, we can block our phones from making international calls, which helps us save money while traveling or if we lack an international plan.
• Avoid Premium Rate Fees: Besides international calls, we can also block premium-rate numbers to prevent extra charges.

Note: The option for international call blocking is readily available in our phone’s call settings.

Using these settings, we have more control over managing our phone’s access to both incoming and outgoing calls. Whether we aim to save costs or increase privacy, these features are practical solutions to managing call interactions effectively.

How to Activate Call Barring?

Activating call blocking prevents certain calls from reaching your phone, and it’s generally easy to set up. The steps can differ slightly based on whether you’re using an Android or iPhone, but we’ll guide you through both methods.

For Android Devices:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three dots at the upper-right corner to access Settings.
3. Find and select Supplementary Services.
4. Choose Call Barring, then select Voice Calls.
5. Pick the type of call barring to enable (incoming or outgoing restrictions).
6. Enter the call barring password (default is usually 0000 or 1234).
7. Confirm to activate the selected call barring feature.

For iPhone Users:

Since iPhones don’t have built-in call barring, users must contact their service provider or use third-party apps like Truecaller:

1. Download Truecaller from the App Store.
2. Open the app and set up an account.
3. Navigate to Settings > Phone.
4. Tap on Call Blocking & Identification.
5. Enable Truecaller and adjust the settings to block calls.
6. Ensure Truecaller has the necessary permissions for full functionality.

Helpful Advice

• Premium Call Blocking: Activate barring for premium rate calls on both Android and iPhone to avoid unexpected high charges.
• Unwanted Calls: For frequent unwanted calls, consider combining call blocking with filtering and blocking features.
• Password Issues: If you forget your call blocking password or face problems during activation, reach out to your service provider for assistance.

How to Deactivate Call Barring?

How to remove call barring? we can help you if you need to turn off call restrictions on your device. Whether you have an Android or an iPhone, the process is quite straightforward. Here’s how to get it done:

For Android Phones:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three dots at the top-right corner and go to Settings.
3. Scroll to Supplementary Services.
4. Select Call Barring.
5. Choose Voice Calls and deactivate the restriction.
6. Enter the call barring password if prompted.

For iPhones:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and select Phone.
3. Tap on Call Blocking & Identification.
4. Disable the call blocking settings.
5. If using Truecaller, turn off its blocking feature.

Following these steps will ensure you can make and receive calls without any restrictions. Adjusting these settings allows us to use our phones freely and enjoy all calling features.

Top Reasons to Use Call Barring: 5 Key Benefits

It’s a powerful tool that helps you manage your phone usage more effectively. Whether your priority is security, controlling costs, or protecting privacy, this feature offers a range of benefits. Below are five key advantages:

Enhanced Security

• Prevent unauthorized use in case of phone theft or loss.
• Restrict outgoing calls, including international or premium-rate calls, to avoid misuse.
• Safeguard sensitive information by controlling the calls that can be made from your phone.
• Retain control over your phone’s call security settings.

Cost Control

• Block international calls and premium-rate numbers to avoid unexpected charges.
• Help manage your phone bill by restricting costly calls.
• Ideal for frequent travelers who want to avoid roaming or international charges.
• Useful for families with children using mobile devices, preventing accidental expensive calls.
• Prevent “bill shock” by ensuring calls stay within budget limits.

Privacy Protection

• Block unwanted incoming calls like telemarketers, spam, or harassing callers.
• Filter incoming calls to allow only important and necessary ones.
• Minimize distractions by ensuring only relevant calls get through.
• Protect your personal space and privacy from intrusions.

Business Management

• Ensure company phones are used only for work-related calls.
• Block personal calls, including expensive long-distance or premium-rate calls, to avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Maintain a professional environment by limiting non-business-related calls.
• Easily manage call restrictions through your phone’s settings for convenience.

Family Safety

• Protect children from making calls to premium-rate numbers or to strangers.
• Control which types of calls your children can make or receive, providing peace of mind.
• Prevent accidental calls to expensive or harmful numbers.
• Ensure a safer phone usage experience for young users.

What are the Limitations of Call Barring?

While it’s an effective tool for managing calls and avoiding unwanted charges, it does have some limitations. Understanding these restrictions will help you make the most of this feature and avoid potential issues. Here are the key limitations to consider:

Dependent on Network Support

• Only works if your provider supports call barring.
• Not all networks or countries offer it.

Limited to Specific Call Types

• Blocks broad categories, not individual numbers.
• Use other apps for more precise blocking.

Potential Inconvenience

• Forgetting to deactivate may block important calls.
• Can cause missed calls or unable to make calls.

Password Management

• Requires a password to activate/deactivate.
• Forgetting it can lead to delays and inconvenience.

Roaming Restrictions

• May not work well while roaming.
• Could lead to unexpected charges or limitations.

Conclusion

Call barring is a versatile and valuable feature that empowers users to take control of their phone usage. Whether you’re looking to secure your device, control costs, protect your privacy, or ensure safety for your family, this feature offers a practical solution to managing calls. 

By understanding how to activate and deactivate this, as well as the limitations it may have, you can use it effectively to avoid unwanted charges, reduce distractions, and safeguard your information. While there are some restrictions to keep in mind, the benefits far outweigh them for anyone looking to optimize their mobile experience.

With the right knowledge, call barring can simplify your phone management and provide peace of mind, no matter your usage needs. So, take advantage of this tool and make the most of your phone’s capabilities!