How to Use Calling Features on iPhone Like a Pro

Your iPhone can do much more than simply make and receive calls. With newer iOS features, you can record calls, get transcripts, forward calls to another number, manage voicemail, and block unwanted callers, all from your iPhone.

Whether you're trying to manage work calls, avoid spam, or make everyday calling more convenient, these built-in features can make a big difference.

How to Record a Phone Call on iPhone

If your iPhone supports Apple's call recording feature, you can record a conversation directly from the Phone app without relying on third-party apps.

Steps to Record a Call on iPhone

1. Make or answer a phone call as you normally would.
2. During the call, tap the Record or Audio Waveform icon on the call screen.
3. Your iPhone will play an audio announcement letting everyone on the call know that the recording has started.
4. When the call ends, the recording and transcript are saved in the Notes app.

This can be useful when you need to refer back to important details from a conversation, such as meeting notes, instructions, or appointments.

How to Divert Calls on iPhone

Call forwarding is useful when you're traveling, using a second phone, or simply don't want to miss important calls. It lets you send incoming calls to another phone number.

Set Up Call Forwarding

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap Apps, then select Phone. On older iOS versions, you may find Phone directly under Settings.
3. Tap Call Forwarding.
4. Turn on Call Forwarding.
5. Tap Forward To and enter the phone number where you want your calls to go.

Keep in mind that call forwarding availability can depend on your mobile carrier.

How to Cancel Voicemail on iPhone

If you don't want callers to leave voicemails, you may be able to disable Live Voicemail or turn off voicemail routing through your carrier.

Turn Off Live Voicemail

Live Voicemail displays a real-time transcription while someone is leaving a voicemail. If you don't want to use this feature:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps > Phone.
3. Select Live Voicemail.
4. Turn the feature OFF.

Disable Carrier Voicemail

If you want to stop unanswered calls from being routed to your carrier's voicemail, the process depends on your mobile carrier. Some carriers provide dial codes for managing voicemail and call forwarding. These codes are not universal, so check with your carrier for the correct code before using one.

How to Block a Number on iPhone

Getting repeated calls from a telemarketer or an unwanted contact? You can block the number directly from the Phone app.

Block a Number From Recent Calls

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap Recents.
3. Find the number you want to block.
4. Tap the Info (i) icon next to it.
5. Scroll down and select Block this Caller.
6. Confirm your choice.

Once blocked, the contact won't be able to call, message, or FaceTime you normally.

Silence Unknown Callers

If you're receiving lots of calls from numbers you don't recognize, you can use the Silence Unknown Callers feature. Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and turn it on.

Calls from unknown numbers will be silenced and sent to voicemail, while calls from people in your contacts and other recognized numbers can still come through.

Conclusion

From recording important conversations to forwarding calls and blocking unwanted numbers, your iPhone offers plenty of useful calling features. Explore these settings to make everyday calls easier, more convenient, and better suited to your needs.