Young Man Shares Tip to Block Unwanted Calls From Call Centres and Unknown Numbers, SA Reacts

• A tech-savvy individual has shared a simple iPhone feature to block unwanted calls from call centres and unknown numbers, helping users manage disruptions
• The feature unveiled in the TikTok video allows users to determine whether a call is worth answering without needing third-party apps
• This iPhone trick has drawn praise from users seeking to safeguard their time and privacy in a digital age where unsolicited calls and mobile scams are becoming increasingly common

A tech-savvy gent has left Mzansi impressed by sharing a quick and effective way to manage unwanted calls from call centres and unknown numbers using an iPhone.

The young man, who goes by the TikTok handle @thamitech, demonstrated how users can take back control of their phones by using a feature already built into their iOS devices.

Gent shows how to block calls from call centres

In the now-viral video posted on 28 July 2025, @thamitech stated that the method helps users avoid disruptive spam calls and determine whether a call is worth answering, all without needing third-party apps.

Read also

A woman shared her R340 Shoprite grocery haul on TikTok, leaving viewers amazed at her shopping skills

He explained how to do so by saying:

"All you need to do is go into your iPhone settings, click on ‘Apps’, then go to ‘Phone’. From there, tap on Screen Unknown Callers."

@thamitech further highlighted a newer feature under "Screen Unknown Callers" where users can activate the “Ask Reason for Calling” function.

When this setting is enabled, the caller receives a prompt asking them to state the reason for their call, he explained. The iPhone then transcribes their response as a text message. You can read the reason and decide whether you want to answer or ignore the call.

The feature has drawn praise from users who are tired of daily interruptions from marketing agencies and random numbers. Social media users thanked the gent for his easy-to-follow guide and applauded Apple for integrating the feature.

@thamitech's tip comes as South Africans continue to look for smarter ways to safeguard their time and privacy in a digital age where unsolicited calls are increasingly common.

Read also

A man showed his gradual savings journey online as he prepared for a meaningful plan later this year

With mobile scams and call centre spam on the rise, this iPhone trick could offer a simple yet powerful line of defence for many smartphone users across the country.

Take a look at the young man's video below:

People are impressed by the iPhone feature

The online community was amazed by the young man's tip as they flooded the comments section, saying:

BelleFundo said:

"Thank you, let me do that."

Queen Refiloe Tladi added:

"I can’t see this option. What am I missing?"

Noelle expressed:

"Omggg thank you."

Corry stated:

"People are gonna miss important calls/opportunities.. Imagine you applied for a call and a 011/012 calls you, and the caller gets this gibberish response all the time?"

Nelo commented:

"This is so helpful, can you plug us the Huawei user."

Usercentrics reports that in South Africa, call centres and spam callers often get people’s numbers through data brokers, online forms, competitions, and even app permissions. Many people unknowingly share their contact details when signing up for services, newsletters, or giveaways.

Read also

Checkers' hilarious 'single banana' marketing tactic goes viral, SA jokes: "This is offensive"

Some companies also share or sell customer databases to third parties without clear consent. Certain mobile apps collect and sell user data, including phone numbers, if users accept vague terms and conditions. While South Africa has the POPIA law to protect personal information, enforcement can be challenging. This is why many people still receive unsolicited marketing calls and spam messages.

More iPhones from overseas are being unboxed

• Briefly News reported that a TikTok video reveals a Mzansi woman unboxing an iPhone that she purchased and had shipped from China. She said it was a risky move, but it certainly piqued the interest of many South Africans scrolling through their feeds.
• A woman bought her iPhone from the USA, but many were sceptical of her purchase, questioning if it was worth the hassle.
• A lady celebrated buying her iPhone 15 Pro Max, which cost well over R30,000, and netizens were amazed, wondering how she could afford it. The lady caused a huge buzz with her celebratory video. People were stunned by the price tag.

Read also

A video showed shelves of discounted baby products that caught the attention of excited parents

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News