How to send unknown numbers to voicemail

We've all been there: you give your number to someone who has no idea when to quit calling you. It might be someone who wants to sell you a new car, smartphone, or even some home improvements. Perhaps it's a disgruntled ex who just can't let go.

Whomever it is, there's a way to bring back the silence you once enjoyed in the absence of their calls.

For users on Android 2.x:

Step 1: Open the contact info for the person you want to send directly to voice mail.

Step 2: Press the Menu button and select Options.

Step 3: On the screen that loads, check the box next to Incoming calls (Send calls directly to voicemail).

For users on Android 4.0+ (Ice Cream Sandwich):

Step 1: Open the contact info for the person you want to send directly to voice mail.

Step 2: Touch the three dots in the top right-hand corner to open the Settings menu for the contact.

Step 3: Tap the box next to All calls to voicemail.

Now, every time the annoying person calls you they won't hear any rings, just your voice mail. This won't prevent them from crowding your voice-mail box with nonsense messages, but it might help them get the idea that they are either blocked or your phone is turned off.

And one other tip: be wary of unknown phone numbers after you send someone's calls to voice mail. It sounds paranoid, but there are crazy people who will begin to call you from other phone numbers to see if they can still reach you.

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With billions of spam calls hitting American phones each month and often targeting the most vulnerable people, one easy adjustment on your cell phone can prevent you from ever listening to yet another robotic voice warning you that the warranty on your vehicle is expired. 

If you have an iPhone, here's how to filter out unwanted calls and send them directly to your voicemail, according to MARCA:

1. Click on the Settings app in your phone. 

2. Click on the green "Phone" icon about halfway from the top on the Settings app.

3. Choose "Silence Unknown Callers."

4. Toggle the "Silence Unknown Callers" option to "On."*

*Keep in mind if you go with this option, you do risk missing a call from unknown callers who aren't spam, such as delivery drivers.

If you have an Android, you have a couple options for stopping spam calls. One is to download Google's Phone app.

1. Download the latest version of Google's Phone app.

2. Click on the three dots in the top right hand corner, before clicking on "Settings," and then "Caller ID and Spam."

3. Click "Turn Caller ID & Spam" to turn it on.

4. Select "Filter suspected spam calls" to send those calls directly to your voicemail.*

*Keep in mind if you go with this option, you do risk missing a call from unknown callers who aren't spam, such as delivery drivers.

Your other option is to filter out individual spam callers.

1. Open the contact information for the person whose calls you want to send to voicemail.

2. Choose the Menu option and click on Options.

3. Check the box next to the option "Incoming Calls: send calls directly to voicemail."

Roughly half of Americans report being bombarded by spam calls every day of the week, and court decisions have paved the way for telemarketers to continue flooding your phone with automated calls. 

Other ways to stem the tid of spam calls include downloading third-party robocall blockers, joining the Do Not Call Registry, using your phone carrier's tools to block unwanted calls, or using the "Do Not Disturb" option on iPhones. 

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