| Type of Barring | What it does | Best for... | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | You can't call anyone. (Emergency numbers like 911/112 still work). | Digital detoxes; parents giving a child a "texting only" phone. | | All Incoming Calls | Nobody can reach you. The phone is a brick. | Focus marathons; airplane mode without the airplane. | | International Outgoing | You can call local numbers, but not abroad. | Preventing massive roaming bills. | | International Incoming (except home) | Blocks calls from abroad, but allows local calls. | Spam blockers; people getting robocalls from overseas. |
To understand Call Barring, it helps to understand what it is not:
Call barring is generally divided into two main categories: and Incoming . 1. Outgoing Call Barring (OCB) what is the call barring
In a world of smart spam filters and AI assistants screening your calls, Call Barring feels a bit retro. Like using a sledgehammer instead of a scalpel.
Happens at the network level . It restricts types of calls (like all international calls) rather than specific individual numbers. Why Use Call Barring? | Type of Barring | What it does | Best for
Restrictions are enforced by your mobile carrier before the call even reaches your device.
is a telecommunications service that allows a user to prevent specific types of incoming or outgoing calls from being made or received on their phone. | Digital detoxes; parents giving a child a
You can use these codes in the Phone app keypad: *33*PIN# : Bar all outgoing calls. #33*PIN# : Unbar outgoing calls. *35*PIN# : Bar all incoming calls. #35*PIN# : Unbar incoming calls. Main Benefits
Select > Supplementary services (or "Advanced settings"). Tap Call barring and choose Voice call . Toggle your desired restriction and enter your 4-digit PIN . For iPhone Users