In some of my previous posts, I have written about using the different hidden features on your iPhone. I’ve written about using the sending delayed text, how to lock notes, the Find My app, using Widgets, organizing photos and a lot more. But sometimes we forget that our iPhones are actually a phone at its core. Yep, the actual Phone app is still right there, quietly doing its job. And it turns out, there are some powerful iPhone phone tricks that can make everyday calls a lot smoother.
Powerful iPhone Phone Tricks
In this post, I’ll dive into some powerful (and a little funny) iPhone phone tricks that go beyond just tapping “Answer” or “Decline.” Whether you’re dodging spam calls, screening voicemails like it’s 1998, or trying to get off a call without actually hanging up, these tips will help you get more out of the part of your iPhone that often gets overlooked.
Silence Unknown Callers
Are you tired of your iPhone ringing with spam calls, duct cleaning salespeople or unknown numbers that never leave a message? Silence Unknown Callers is one of those built-in iPhone phone tricks that can bring you instant peace.
When this feature is turned on, calls from people not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions will go straight to voicemail. Your phone won’t ring. No buzz. No interruption. You’ll still see the call in your Recents list and if they leave a message you’ll get a voicemail notification.
How to Silence Unknown Callers
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Phone.
- Tap Silence Unknown Callers.
- Toggle it on.
That’s it! Now, only people you actually know will ring through.
f you’re worried about missing an important call from an unknown number, don’t worry, Live Voicemail is a great alternative iPhone Phone trick. Let’s look at that next.
Read Live Voicemail
Remember your home phone answering machine where you could hear someone leaving a message and decide whether to pick up? This iPhone phone trick brings that idea into the 21st century with Live Voicemail, a feature that lets you read a real-time transcript of a voicemail as the caller is leaving it.
This is especially handy if you’re not comfortable using Silence Unknown Callers. Instead of guessing whether that mystery number is important, you send the call to voicemail. You can then read the live transcript and decide if you want to pick up the call.
How to Use Live Voicemail
- When a call is coming in, tap the voicemail button.
- Once the caller begins to leave a voice message, the transcript will begin to display on your screen.
- To answer the call while they are leaving the message, tap the Accept button.
- To read the full transcript, tap Phone app.
- Select the Voicemail tab.
How to Turn Live Voicemail On or Off
Live Voicemail is on by default in IOS 17 and later.
- Open the Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Scroll down and tap Phone.
- Tap Live Voicemail.
- Toggle it On or Off.
Silence Unknown Caller and Live Voicemail are both handy iPhone Phone tricks when you don’t know who’s calling, but what if you know the person who’s calling but you can’t answer?
Reply with a Text Instead of Answering
We’ve all been there, your phone rings, but you’re in a meeting, in the middle of something, or just not in the mood to talk. The good news? You don’t have to leave someone hanging. One of the simplest iPhone phone tricks is the ability to quickly send a text response instead of answering the call.
With just a swipe, you can let the caller know what’s up, without saying a word.
How to Text instead of Answering
- When a call comes in, tap the Message button on the lower left-hand side of the screen.
- Choose a quick reply like:
- “Sorry, I can’t talk right now.”
- “I’ll call you later.”
- “I’m on my way.”
- Custom…
Customize Your Replies
You can customize you replies to sound more like you when you respond.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Phone > Respond with Text.
- Tap any of the preset replies to rewrite the response.
This iPhone phone trick lets you be responsive without committing to a full conversation. It’s also a quiet lifesaver in situations where answering just isn’t an option. This next trick will help you know who’s calling without even looking at your phone.
Custom Ringtones & Vibration Patterns
Ever wish you could tell who’s calling without even looking at your phone? With custom ringtones and vibration patterns, you can! It’s one of those iPhone phone tricks that feels small but makes a big difference, especially when your phone’s across the room or set to silent.
You can assign a unique ringtone or vibration to any contact, so you’ll know it’s your spouse, your best friend, or your boss calling just by the sound (or buzz).
How to Set a Custom Ringtone:
- Open the Contacts app and tap the person’s name.
- Tap Edit in the top-right corner.
- Tap Ringtone.
- Choose a sound you’ll recognize instantly.
- Tap Done.
How to Set a Custom Vibration:
- In the same contact editing screen, tap Haptica (under the ringtone section).
- Choose from preset options or tap Create New Vibration to tap out your own pattern.
- Tap Done .
This trick is especially helpful for important calls you don’t want to miss, even when your phone is on silent or in your pocket. Now that we’re looking at the Contacts app let’s look at what the Contacts widget can do for you.
Favorite Contacts Widget
Are you still scrolling through your Contacts or Recent Calls every time you want to call someone? There’s a faster way. With the Contacts widget, you can add your favorite people to your Home Screen for instant access, no digging required.
It’s basically modern-day speed dial, and it’s one of those iPhone phone tricks that’s surprisingly underrated.
How to Add a Favorite Contact Widget
- Touch and hold an empty space on your Home Screen until the apps shake.
- Tap Edit (or + depending on iOS version) button in the upper-left corner.
- Search for or scroll to Contacts.
- Swipe to the side to choose the Contacts widget size (small for one contact, medium for a four and large for six).
- Tap Add Widget, then tap the widget to pick which contacts to show by tapping the name and choosing from your contact list.
Now you can just tap their face or name and call, text, or FaceTime them instantly.
If you want to learn more about widgets, check out my post, Widgets on iPhone: How to Make Them Work for You
The “Oops, My Call Dropped” Trick
Out of all my iPhone phone tricks, this one is truly a trick. Let’s be honest, sometimes you want to end a call, but you don’t want to be rude and hang up. That’s where the trick comes in. It’s called the Airplane Mode exit.
By turning on Airplane Mode mid-call, you instantly disconnect the call. To the other person, it’ll look like the call just dropped. Not your fault, right?
How to Drop a Call
- Mid-call, swipe down to open Control Center.
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon.
- Boom. Call ends.
- (Optional: Follow up with a polite “sorry, I lost the call” text if needed.)
Okay, this one’s more of a life hack than an iPhone phone trick, but it works. Sometimes you just need a way out.
Final Thoughts: Powerful iPhone Phone Tricks
Your iPhone phone app isn’t just smart, it’s full of hidden tricks that can save you time, reduce interruptions, and even help you dodge a call or two. Whether you’re silencing unknown callers, reading voicemails as they happen, or pulling the classic Airplane Mode move, these iPhone phone tricks can make everyday calling just a little smoother, and a lot more fun.
Got a favorite Phone app tip I didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments, I’m always looking to add to the list!
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Gail Kerr
IT Professional and Technical WriterTechnology has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have over 27 years of experience providing computer support in large corporations and small businesses. I went back to school in 2009 to get an Associate Certificate in Technical Writing so I could take my love of tech and become proficient at writing clear and easy to understand documents for people of all levels. I’ve become the go to person for family and friends whenever they have tech questions or challenges.
