- 22 December 2023
- by Andrej Fedek
- Blog, Resources & Tips, VoIP / PBX
- 0 Comments
Nothing is more annoying and relatable than getting called three to four times a week by (what we assume to be) the same blocked number. It can happen at all hours of the day and is typically held off until we are in a comfortable slumber. Thankfully, numerous ways exist to get to the bottom of a blocked phone number.
This article will quickly review how to call back a blocked number to allow people to contact a mystery caller or permanently mute them. It should be said, however, that if you discover the number behind the calls, it might be better to simply block it instead of returning the call.
Ways to Call Back a Blocked Number
Finding out who is behind a blocked number can be a process depending on your region and your luck, though it is rarely impossible. The truth is that people leaving repeated calls to a single number can be tracked through your cell phone provider and even some mobile applications.
Use a Call Return Number
When a number calls, you can use a dial command to see the last missed call on your phone and call back. This call return command will depend on which region or country you are in, with the United States using “*69”. While it isn’t guaranteed to bring up the previous number, it has been successful numerous times and is a quick and easy way to see results.
If you are outside of the United States, try googling for a call return number in your region, as countries have their own individual way of using call return. Similarly, it may be that the call return in your area doesn’t call back but provides the number of the most recent call through audio, in which case you should jot down the number given.
Utilize Third-Party Software or Applications
It may be a bit of a headache to download a mobile app to track down a number that is pestering you, but it is an effective solution regardless. There are apps that not only offer the ability to find out who called from this phone number but also lessen the prevalence of spam calls
There is no shortage of apps that can utilize this process, though Truecaller and Trapcall are the most popular and regularly used. Some will have their service blocked behind a paywall. If they do, shop around for another. Most offer a premium package, though almost all will make the caller ID part of their free service.
Check Call Logs Through Your Cell Phone Provider
There are numerous ways to check your call records, though the most comprehensive will be through the cell phone provider itself. In-phone call logs are competent but useless for uncovering a blocked number. Contrarily, phone providers can give far more information through either their website or their customer support.
The site may require you to enter personal information, such as an e-mail address or password. Once you enter your account, several cell phone providers have a call log/call history tab that will show you who has tried to reach out. While this isn’t foolproof, it is a reliable way to determine who has been bothering you.
Similarly, you can call the cell phone provider’s support line and see if they can discover the problem number and find out who is calling. You can also inquire about call tracing and whether or not it is possible through your cell phone company. Be aware that this sometimes comes at a cost.
Summary of Calling Blocked Numbers
Blocked numbers, telemarketers, and spam calls are an annoying and unfortunate part of having a cell phone. Whether we are signing up for every service in creation or living a life of reclusive contemplation – we will likely all have blocked numbers pestering us at some point. This doesn’t mean we can’t be proactive in getting rid of them going forward.
Once you find out who is calling you, you should also perform a people search (like this lookup) so that you can block every number and email associated with the name.
By taking advantage of the free steps in this article, you can get rid of interrupted sleep and unwanted phone calls in a matter of minutes. Whether you decide to call back is entirely up to you, though it may not yield any positive results.
Andrej Fedek is the creator and the one-person owner of two blogs: InterCool Studio and CareersMomentum. As an experienced marketer, he is driven by turning leads into customers with White Hat SEO techniques. Besides being a boss, he is a real team player with a great sense of equality.