how to turn off international calls on iphone
As an iPhone user, you may have experienced the convenience of being able to make international calls at the touch of a button. However, there may be times when you want to turn off international calls on your iPhone, whether it’s to avoid expensive charges or to prevent unwanted calls from foreign numbers. In this article, we will guide you on how to turn off international calls on your iPhone and the various options available to you.
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what exactly international calls are and why you may want to turn them off. International calls are calls made to a different country outside of your own. These calls can be made using a traditional phone network or through internet-based services such as FaceTime, Skype, or WhatsApp.
So, why would you want to turn off international calls on your iPhone? The most common reason is to avoid expensive charges. International calls can be quite costly, especially if you don’t have an international calling plan. In fact, some carriers charge up to $3 per minute for international calls. If you frequently make international calls without a plan, you may end up with a hefty phone bill at the end of the month. Another reason could be to prevent unwanted calls from scammers, telemarketers, or unknown numbers from other countries.
Now that we understand the importance of turning off international calls, let’s explore the different ways to do so on your iPhone.
1. Contact Your Carrier
The first and most straightforward option is to contact your carrier and ask them to block international calls on your iPhone. Most carriers have the option to block international calls upon request. They may also have specific plans or add-ons that allow you to make international calls at a lower rate. Contacting your carrier will also give you an idea of the charges for international calls and the options available to you.
2. Use Call Forwarding
Another way to turn off international calls is by using the call forwarding feature on your iPhone. You can forward all your incoming calls to a different number, which in turn will prevent international calls from reaching your phone. To set up call forwarding, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and turn it on. Then, enter the number you want to forward your calls to. Keep in mind that call forwarding may incur additional charges, so it’s best to check with your carrier beforehand.
3. Turn on Airplane Mode
This method may seem a bit extreme, but it’s an effective way to prevent international calls from coming through. By turning on airplane mode, you will disable all incoming and outgoing calls, including international calls. However, this will also disable your internet connection, so you won’t be able to use any internet-based calling apps. To turn on airplane mode, simply swipe up from the bottom of your screen to access the Control Center and tap on the airplane icon.
4. Use Restrictions
If you want to block international calls for a specific period or for certain contacts, you can use the restrictions feature on your iPhone. Restrictions allow you to set a passcode and restrict certain features on your phone, including international calls. To turn on restrictions, go to Settings > General > Restrictions and enter a passcode. Then, scroll down to the Allowed Content section and toggle off the option for International Calls.
5. Use a Third-Party App
There are several third-party apps available on the App Store that allow you to block international calls on your iPhone. These apps use a database of known international numbers and automatically block them from reaching your phone. Some popular options include Hiya, Truecaller, and Mr. Number. These apps also have other features such as call blocking and spam protection, making them a useful addition to your phone.
6. Use Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb is a feature on your iPhone that allows you to silence all incoming calls and notifications. You can also customize it to allow certain contacts to reach you while in Do Not Disturb mode. By setting a specific time for Do Not Disturb, you can effectively block international calls during that period. To turn on Do Not Disturb, go to Settings > Do Not Disturb and toggle it on. You can also set a schedule for Do Not Disturb under the Scheduled section.
7. Block Specific Numbers
If you’re receiving unwanted international calls from a specific number, you can block it on your iPhone. To do this, go to the Phone app, select the number you want to block, and tap on the “i” icon next to it. Then, scroll down and tap on Block this Caller. This will prevent that specific number from calling you, including international calls.
8. Turn off Data Roaming
If you’re traveling outside your country and want to avoid international calls, you can turn off data roaming on your iPhone. Data roaming allows you to use your phone’s data connection while abroad, but it also enables international calls. By turning off data roaming, you will not be able to make or receive international calls unless you connect to a Wi-Fi network. To turn off data roaming, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it off.
9. Use a Different SIM Card
If you have a dual SIM iPhone, you can use a different SIM card without an international calling plan to avoid making international calls. This is especially useful if you’re traveling and don’t want to incur excessive charges. By switching to a local SIM card, you can make and receive calls within the country at a lower rate. Just remember to switch back to your original SIM card once you return to your home country.
10. Factory Reset
If all else fails, you can always resort to a factory reset of your iPhone. This will erase all data and settings from your phone, including any restrictions or call forwarding settings. To do this, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Keep in mind that this will also delete all your personal data, so make sure to back up your iPhone before performing a factory reset.
In conclusion, there are several options available to turn off international calls on your iPhone. Whether it’s contacting your carrier, using third-party apps, or simply turning on airplane mode, you can choose the method that works best for you. By taking the necessary steps to block international calls, you can avoid expensive charges and unwanted calls from foreign numbers.
how to remove tiktok phone number
TikTok has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years. With its short-form videos, catchy music, and endless entertainment, it has captured the attention of millions of users worldwide. However, as with any social media platform, there are potential privacy concerns that users should be aware of. One such concern is the use of phone numbers on TikTok. In this article, we will delve into the topic of how to remove your phone number from TikTok and why you may want to consider doing so.
What is TikTok?
Before we dive into the specifics of removing phone numbers from TikTok, let’s first understand what this platform is all about. TikTok is a social media app that allows users to create short-form videos, usually 15-60 seconds long, and share them with their followers. These videos can be of any genre, from dancing and lip-syncing to comedy and educational content. Users can also add filters, music, and special effects to their videos, making them more engaging and entertaining.
TikTok was launched in 2016 in China and was originally called “Douyin.” It gained widespread popularity in Asia before expanding to other parts of the world, rebranding as TikTok. As of 2021, it has over 1 billion active users worldwide, making it one of the most downloaded apps of the decade.
Why do users need to provide their phone number on TikTok?
When a user signs up for TikTok, they are required to provide their phone number for verification purposes. This is a common practice for many social media apps and is meant to ensure that the user is a real person and not a bot or fake account. It also allows TikTok to send a verification code to the user’s phone number to confirm their identity and prevent spammers from creating multiple accounts.
Moreover, providing a phone number also allows users to recover their account in case they forget their password or get locked out. TikTok sends a verification code to the registered phone number, which the user can use to reset their password and regain access to their account.
However, as with any personal information shared online, there are potential risks to providing your phone number to TikTok. In the next section, we will discuss some of these risks and why you may want to remove your phone number from the app.
The risks of providing your phone number on TikTok
1. Privacy concerns
One of the main concerns of providing your phone number to TikTok is privacy. By doing so, you are giving the app access to your personal information, which can be used for targeted advertising or sold to third parties. Some users may not be comfortable with this level of invasion into their privacy, and rightly so.
Moreover, in the wrong hands, your phone number can be used for identity theft, scam calls, and other malicious purposes. While TikTok has measures in place to protect user data, no app or platform is entirely immune to data breaches. By providing your phone number, you are increasing the risk of your personal information being compromised.
2. Cyberbullying and harassment
Another risk of sharing your phone number on TikTok is the potential for cyberbullying and harassment. Since TikTok allows users to interact with each other through comments and direct messages, there is always a risk of receiving unwanted and hurtful messages. By providing your phone number, you are making it easier for strangers to contact you, and this can lead to cyberbullying or even stalking.
3. Unwanted calls and texts
By providing your phone number on TikTok, you may start receiving calls and texts from unknown numbers. While some of these may be harmless, others could be spam or scam calls. This can be annoying and time-consuming, especially if you start receiving multiple calls and messages every day.
How to remove your phone number from TikTok
Now that we have discussed the potential risks of providing your phone number on TikTok, you may be wondering how to remove it from the app. Here are the steps you can follow to do so:
1. Open the TikTok app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the “Me” tab at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Tap on the three dots at the top right corner of the screen to access the Settings.
4. From the Settings menu, select “Privacy and Settings.”
5. Under the “Account” section, tap on “Manage my account.”
6. Scroll down and tap on “Phone Number.”
7. You will be prompted to enter your password for verification purposes.
8. Once verified, tap on the phone number you want to remove.
9. A pop-up message will appear, asking if you want to remove your phone number. Tap on “Remove.”
10. You will be asked to confirm your decision. Tap on “Remove” again.
11. Your phone number will now be removed from your TikTok account.
It is essential to note that removing your phone number from TikTok does not affect your account’s functionality. You can still use the app and create videos, but you will not be able to recover your account if you forget your password. You can always add your phone number back to your account if you change your mind.
Alternatives to using your phone number on TikTok
If you are concerned about privacy and do not want to provide your phone number on TikTok, there are alternatives you can use for verification and account recovery purposes. These include:
1. Email address: You can use your email address instead of your phone number for verification and account recovery. This is a safer option as you have more control over your email account and can easily change your password if needed.
2. Google or Facebook account: You can also sign up for TikTok using your Google or Facebook account. This eliminates the need to provide your phone number altogether.
3. Two-factor authentication: TikTok also offers two-factor authentication, an additional layer of security that requires a verification code sent to your phone number or email address to log in to your account. You can enable this feature in the “Privacy and Settings” menu under “Manage my account.”
In conclusion, while providing your phone number on TikTok may seem like a harmless step in the sign-up process, it comes with its set of risks. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily remove your phone number from the app and safeguard your privacy. Additionally, using alternative methods for verification and account recovery can also provide a safer and more secure experience on TikTok. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to protecting your personal information online.