What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

Most cell phone owners receive incoming restricted calls, sometimes to the point of harassment. Whether you have an iPhone or Android smartphone, there are ways to prevent them from calling you in the future. Below, we describe what restricted calls are and how to block restricted calls on Android and iPhone.

What Is A Restricted Call?

A restricted call is when someone who doesn’t want to be traced calls another person. These type of calls will often appear on a cell phone as “Restricted” when the call is incoming. It’s typically difficult to find out the actual number of the restricted call, but likely, you’ll just want to block the number.

How To Block A Number On iPhone

There are multiple methods of how to block a number on iPhone devices. Before following the steps below, make sure your iPhone is updated.

Option 1: Via Your Call History

  • Step 1: Go to your Phone icon/app.
  • Step 2: Click on the blue ? symbol next to the restricted call.
  • Step 3: Choose Block this caller to block the specific restricted call.

Option 2: Use Do Not Disturb

  • Step 1: Go to Settings → Do Not Disturb.
  • Step 2: Scroll down to Allow Call From and click on that.
  • Step 3: Choose who you want to accept calls from, such as your Favorites or All Contacts.
  • Step 4: On the Do Not Disturb page, make sure your other settings are set the way you want them.
  • Step 5: Turn on the Do Not Disturb button at the top of the page.

How To Block A Number On Android

  • Step 1: Go to your Phone icon.
  • Step 2: Click on the restricted call and then the ? symbol (may also say Details).
  • Step 3: Choose Block Number at the bottom of your screen.

Call Blocking Apps You Can Use

Now that you know how to block restricted calls on iPhone and Android, we wanted to inform you about third-party apps you can use to block a number.

  • Hiya Caller ID and Block

This is one of the most popular iPhone and Android block caller ID apps today. With this app, you can see who just called you, and block spam and restricted calls. It’s very simple to use and has over 10 million downloads to date.

  • Calls Blacklist — Call Blocker

Calls Blacklist is only available on Android devices. However, the app makes it really easy to block calls and SMS messages. While in the app, you can easily retrieve the restricted call(s) from your call log.

  • Call Blocker

Just like Calls Blacklist, this application can only be used on Android devices and has similar capabilities. It can retrieve the restricted call number from your call log and add it to your block calls list. On Google Play, it currently has more than 10 million downloads.

Well, that’s how to block restricted calls on any smartphone! If you want to learn more about whom a phone number belongs to, you can do a reverse phone number lookup online.

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

Do you ever get that feeling that something just isn’t right, like when you’re trying to call someone, and your phone says “restricted?”

Well, you’re not alone.

This is a problem that many people experience.

It can be frustrating when you can’t get in touch with the person you need to talk to.

Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to try and fix this problem.

We will explore the possible causes of this issue and how to fix it!

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

If you ever receive a call from someone and it says “restricted number,” then you can rest assured that the caller does not want you to know their number, and they don’t want you to call back.

Most of the time, these numbers cannot be traced back, not even by the carrier.

Restricted numbers are private numbers that are not associated with a public telephone service.

This means that they cannot be called from a regular phone line.

They can only be called from special devices or services that have been specifically set up to connect to these numbers.

Just because you are getting a restricted number message, it does not mean that you are calling a restricted or private number.

There can be a number of different reasons behind that.

My Phone Says Restricted When I Call Someone: Here Are The Reasons

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons for this message.

1. Make Sure You Are Dialing The Correct Number

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

The first thing you should do is make sure you are dialing the correct number.

Sometimes we make mistakes and accidentally type in the wrong number.

If this is the case, then it’s not surprising that your call would be restricted.

If you are getting a message saying restricted, just stop and check the number you are dialing.

If it is incorrect, dial the correct number.

If you are already dialing the correct number, then try to dial again, as you might be seeing the “restricted” message due to a technical error.

2. Your Phone Might Be Blocked By Your Carrier

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

Another possibility is that your phone might be blocked by your carrier.

This could happen if you have not paid your bill or have violated any other policy stated by the company.

If this is the case, then you will need to contact your carrier and ask them to unblock your phone number.

It’s also possible that your phone number has been blocked in error, so it’s worth asking the customer service representative to check this for you.

The ideal solution, in this case, would be to get a new number.

3. The Person You Are Calling Might Have Blocked Your Number

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

If you think that your carrier might not be blocking your number and you still can’t get through, then the person you are trying to call may have blocked your number.

This is a common occurrence, especially if the person doesn’t want you to contact them for whatever reason.

Sometimes people can also block numbers by mistake.

If this is the case, then you will need to try and contact the person another way.

You could send them an email or meet them in person and ask them about it without making them feel uncomfortable.

4. You Don’t Have The Caller ID Feature Enabled By Your Carrier

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

If you don’t have the caller ID feature enabled on your phone, then it will show “restricted” when you make calls.

This is because your carrier has not provided the information to the person you’re calling.

It’s important to note that, in some cases, you will not be able to see the number of the person who is calling you either.

There are a few things you can do to try and fix this.

The first would be to contact your carrier and ask them to enable the caller ID feature for you.

The second thing you could do is buy a caller ID app.

This is software that will show you the number of the person who is calling you, even if they have blocked it.

5. Turn Off the Anonymous Call Feature From Your Phone

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

Many phones these days have an anonymous call feature.

This feature blocks your number from showing up on the caller ID.

If this feature is turned on, then it’s likely that the message “restricted” will show up when you make calls.

The best solution here would be to turn off the anonymous call feature on your phone.

This can usually be done by going into the settings and finding the relevant setting.

After you turn off this option, your number should start to show up again when you make calls.

6. It May Just Be Because Of Your Phone Settings

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

Sometimes the message “restricted” can appear on your phone due to a technical error or because of the way your phone is set up.

For example, if you have recently changed your SIM card, then this could be the reason.

Maybe you were messing around with the settings and changed the call settings without realizing it.

Try to navigate to call settings and see if there is an option about making your number private.

If so, unmark it, and you will be good to go.

If you think it is not a settings issue but some other technical error, then the best thing to do in this case would be to restart your phone and see if that fixes the problem.

If it doesn’t, then you could try resetting your phone to its factory settings.

This will delete all of your data and start again from scratch, so make sure you have a backup first.

7. The Number You Are Calling May Be A Private Or Restricted Number

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

It’s also possible that the number you are trying to call is a private or restricted number.

This means that the person who owns the number has chosen not to make their number available to the public.

If this is the case, then you will not be able to see the number of the person who is calling you, and it will say “restricted” even in your call details section.

8. The Number You Are Calling Might Be Disconnected

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

If you are getting a message saying “restricted” when you try to call someone, then it’s also possible that the number you are trying to call is no longer in service.

This could be because the person has changed their number or disconnected their old one.

The best thing to do in this case would be to try and find another way to contact the person.

You could send them an email or try and find their new phone number through a friend or family member.

9. You’re Calling From A No-Call Number

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

Another possibility is that you’re calling from a no-call number.

This could be because you’re using a VoIP service or you have an unlisted number.

You’ll need to provide your caller ID to the person you’re trying to call.

You can do this by adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry.

It’s also worth noting that many VoIP services will let you add your caller ID to the service so that it shows up when you make calls.

If you’re still having trouble, then it’s worth contacting the customer service department for your VoIP service or carrier.

They will be able to help you troubleshoot the problem and find a solution.

10. You’re Calling A Private Number

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

Another possibility is that the number you are calling is a private number.

This means that the person who owns the number doesn’t want their number to show up on caller ID.

If this is the case, then you will not be able to see the number of the person who is calling you.

It is also worth noting that, in some cases, you may not be able to leave a voicemail for the person either.

11. Telemarketers Use Restricted Numbers So You Can’t Block Them

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

Another possibility is that the person who is calling you is using a restricted number to try and avoid being blocked.

This is something that telemarketers often do.

They will use a restricted number so that you can’t block them, and they can continue to call you.

The best thing to do in this case is to just ignore the call.

12. You Can’t Always Trust The Caller ID

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

It’s important to remember that you can’t always trust the caller ID.

Just because it says “restricted” does not mean that the person who is calling you is doing anything wrong.

There could be any number of reasons the caller ID says “restricted.”

It could be a technical issue, or there can be loads of other reasons.

It does not always have to be something suspicious.

13. Police And Other Government Agencies May Also Use Private Numbers

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

It’s important to note that police and other government agencies may also use private numbers when they call people.

If you see “restricted” when you call someone, it could be because you’re trying to reach a government official.

Some government officials are given such numbers, so they cannot be traced back.

14. You Are Using *67 Before Dialing The Number

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

If you are using *67 before dialing the number, then it’s possible that the call is being blocked for privacy reasons.

This is a feature that many people use to protect their identity.

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

Yes, there is no law against owning a private number.

In fact, there are many reasons someone might want to have a private number.

For example, they may not want their personal information to be easily accessible, or they may not want to receive telemarketing calls.

Are Private Numbers Secure?

Private numbers are generally secure.

It’s important to remember that nothing is ever 100% secure.

There is always a possibility that someone could find a way to see your private number if they really wanted to.

Is It Safe To Answer A Call From A Restricted Number?

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

There is no definitive answer to this question.

It depends on the situation and why the number is restricted.

In some cases, it may be safe to answer the call.

There are also many cases where it’s not safe to answer the call.

For example, if you don’t know the person who is calling you or you think they may be a telemarketer, then it’s probably not a good idea to answer the call.

Many scammers, especially the IRS scammers, use private or restricted numbers to try and trick people.

A lot of times, people think of such calls as credible calls from the IRS because of the “restricted number” message.

They think that they are being called by a government agency when it is actually just a scammer.

If you’re unsure whether or not you should answer a call from a restricted number, then it’s always best to be on the side of caution.

Let the call go to voicemail and see if you want to listen to it or ignore it.

How To Confirm If The “Restricted” Problem Has Been Resolved

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

If you didn’t do anything to get this message, then you may try the above-mentioned tips to get rid of this issue.

After implementing those solutions, check to see if it works.

Try calling your landline or any of your other mobile phones.

If you live with family or friends, call their phone and see if the call goes through properly without receiving the restricted call message and also check if they see your caller ID.

Can You Block Restricted Numbers?

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

The call block feature is available on most phone systems.

To block a number, you will need to add it to your blocked callers’ list.

After a number has been added to this list, they will no longer be able to call you, but what do you do if you can’t see the number itself?

You can still block these numbers, but you may have to download certain apps on your phone to help you do that.

How Else Can You Handle Restricted Callers?

What does it mean when a restricted number calls you

Apart from using call blocking apps, you can also handle restricted calls using the following options:

1. Check Their Number On The Phone Bill

If you get a monthly bill of the calls you receive on your phone, then be sure to check the call details.

Some phone bills have every number listed on the bill.

Just remember the day and time of the restricted call and check your bill at the end of the month.

You might be able to track down the number, and you can finally call them back and tell them that you have their number.

If they are harassing you, this will make them take a step back.

It is always better to be cautious in such situations.

2. Do A Reverse Phone Lookup

The best way to get the owner of a particular phone number is by doing a reverse phone lookup.

This is a service that allows you to search for the owner of a phone number, address, and other similar information.

All you need to do is enter the number into the search box, and the service will return the owner’s name and address.

You can then use this information to take further action, such as blocking the number or reporting it to the police.

There are several different reverse phone lookup services available online.

You can compare them and choose the one that best suits your needs.

3. Know When To Report The Restricted Calls

If you’re receiving calls from a restricted number that’s harassing or threatening you, then it’s important to report them to the police.

These types of calls can be considered criminal offenses, and the police will be able to take action against the caller.

You can report a restricted call by contacting your local police station or by calling 911.

Conclusion

There are many different ways to deal with restricted calls.

You can block the number, report it to the police, or simply ignore it.

It’s important to be aware of the different options available to you and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

It’s also important to remember that restricted calls can be from anyone, so you should always be cautious when answering them.

Can you find out who called from a restricted number?

Once the restricted number calls you, you hang up and dial *57 to initiate the trace. The phone company will charge you for each trace, but you cannot receive the results directly. The results of a phone trace can only be sent to courts or legal authorities.

Can you call a restricted number back?

Call back a restricted number using *69 Remember the last call on your device should be from the restricted phone number otherwise, you might end up calling back a different phone number. Generally, there is a 30 minute time window for calling back a restricted number on mobile.