Unknown Callers ringing even though "silence unknown callers" is on

KD0783 wrote:

Everything is as it should be in Settings (nothing has changed in several years, and I've checked all the Settings multiple times)

Apple made major changes to call filtering and screening unknown callers with the introduction of iOS 26 in September, 2025.

Formerly:

Block or avoid unwanted calls on iPhone - Apple Support

Now, with iOS 26:

Screen and block calls on iPhone - Apple Support

"Unknown Callers ringing even though 'silence unknown callers' is on: [...]Have not been able to find anything online that is relevant to the problem I'm having. I have an iPhone 16. There was not an update prior to the start of this problem. I have since updated to iOS 26.2 (from 26.1) and that didn't change or fix anything. Help!"

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Blocking Calls and Messages:



A. Using the App Called Bouncer:

For text messages, there is an app called Bouncer, which block messages out by keywords. But, if these are not text messages, then is would not be an option. Here is the link: Bouncer: Text Messages Blocker 4+ - App Store

B. Use Malwarebytes Mobile Security:

The free version blocks popups. The paid version blocks out known spam numbers, lets you add number to the block list, and allows you to report these numbers to the Developer. So, consider using it. Read the following post to see how to use this software: Blocked numbers - Apple Community

1. Go to: Call Protection
2. Toggle On: Access to Contacts

Get it Right in the App Store: Malwarebytes - Mobile Security - App Store