How to Block Unknown Number in Pakistan 2025 | Stop Spam Calls | SimOwner

1. Blocking Unknown Numbers on Android Devices

Spam calls, telemarketing, and harassment calls from unknown numbers have become a major issue for mobile phone users in Pakistan. Cybercriminals and scammers use unknown mobile connections to execute bank fraud, OTP theft, and identity scams. In this guide, we provide a complete step-by-step tutorial on how to block unknown numbers on Android and iPhone, use network-level call blocking services, and report spam numbers to the PTA and FIA.

Android smartphones, especially those running Google\'s Phone dialer (default on Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, and Motorola) or Samsung\'s One UI, offer built-in spam protection features. These tools use a global spam database to identify and block callers automatically.

2. Blocking Numbers on iPhone (iOS)

Apple\'s iOS provides robust options to block callers and silence unknown numbers completely. This is highly useful for users who receive multiple marketing calls daily.

To block a caller from your recent calls: open the Phone app, select Recents, tap the blue info icon (i) next to the number, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller. Once blocked, they will be unable to call or message you.

For a more comprehensive solution, you can enable the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature. This feature routes all calls from numbers not saved in your contacts list directly to voicemail. To enable it: open Settings > Phone > scroll down to Silence Unknown Callers, and turn it on. Note that you will still see these calls in your recents list, but your phone will not ring.

3. Network-Level Call Blocking Services

If you use a basic feature phone or want network-level blocking that works independently of your handset, Pakistani cellular operators offer paid and free services:

• Jazz Call Blocker: Dial the USSD code *155# to activate the Call Block Service. You can add up to 50 numbers to your blacklist for a small weekly fee of Rs. 3.59 + tax.
• Zong Call Blocker: Use the My Zong App or SMS "sub" to 420 to activate the block service. You can block calls and SMS from specific numbers.
• Telenor Blocker: Manage call filters directly via the My Telenor App or call Telenor customer care at 345 to enable the service.
• Ufone Call Blocker: Dial *228# or call Ufone helpline 333 to activate the call block service. You can configure blacklist and whitelist settings.

Truecaller and Third-Party Call Blocking Applications

Many mobile users in Pakistan install third-party call identification and blocking apps like Truecaller, Whoscall, or Hiya. While these apps are useful for revealing caller names in real time, they pose privacy concerns:

• Contact Harvesting: Third-party apps operate by uploading your entire contacts directory to their servers. This means your contacts\' names and mobile numbers are stored in their global directory without their explicit consent.
• Data Breaches: Storing millions of contact directories makes these databases premium targets for hackers. Data leaks can expose private numbers to spam networks.
• False Spam Reports: If a contact marks your number as spam as a joke, Truecaller can list you as spam globally, affecting your business communication.

To unlist your number from Truecaller\'s database: visit the official Truecaller Unlisting page (truecaller.com/unlisting), enter your mobile number with country code (+92), solve the captcha, and click unlist. Truecaller will remove your information from their searchable directory within 24 hours.

4. Reporting Spam to the PTA and FIA Cybercrime Wing

If you receive persistent spam or harassing SMS, you can report the sender\'s number directly to the PTA. Send an SMS to the shortcode 9000 with the spammer\'s number, followed by a space and the spam message. PTA will investigate the number and block its cellular network access.

You can also register your number in the PTA\'s Do Not Disturb (DND) registry by sending the text "REG" to 3627. This blocks all promotional marketing SMS from official brand channels. To restore marketing SMS, send "UNREG" to 3627.

For serious offenses like digital blackmail, online harassment, threat calls, or financial fraud, contact the FIA Cybercrime Wing immediately. You can file a formal complaint online at complaint.fia.gov.pk, call their toll-free helpline at 9911, or visit one of their regional offices located in major cities. Always keep screenshots, call recordings, and SMS logs as evidence when filing a complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions