Overview
Blocking private and unknown callers helps reduce spam and unwanted calls while keeping your voicemail inbox clean. With YouMail Call Protection, premium users can block these callers entirely or require them to identify themselves before leaving a voicemail. This guide explains how to configure private and unknown caller protection on the web, iPhone, and Android.
Key benefits/use cases
Private caller control: Decide how callers without a caller ID are handled
Reduced spam: Stop hidden or unknown callers from reaching your voicemail
Flexible call handling: Screen callers by requiring them to enter their number
How to block private and unknown callers on the web
To configure Call Protection for private and unknown callers on the YouMail website, follow these steps:
Sign in to your account at YouMail.com.
In the left-hand menu, click Spam Protection, then select Settings.
Under the "How to handle blocked callers" section, tap Edit.
Locate the Private Number and Block Non-contacts settings.
Choose how private callers should be handled:
Block the call entirely, or
Require the caller to enter their phone number before leaving a voicemail
Click Save to apply your changes.
Important: Private and unknown caller blocking on the web is available only on premium plans.
How to block private and unknown callers on iOS
To manage private and unknown callers using the YouMail iOS app, follow these steps:
Open the YouMail app.
Tap the Protection (Shield) icon at the bottom of the screen.
Tap 3 Dots in the upper right-hand corner.
Tap Protection Settings.
Tap Automatically block these callers.
Tap Private Numbers and Non-contacts.
Choose how private or unknown callers should be handled:
Block the call, or
Require the caller to enter their phone number before leaving a voicemail
Note: Changes made in the iOS app sync automatically with your YouMail account.
Tip: Requiring callers to identify themselves helps ensure legitimate callers can still leave a message.
How to block private and unknown callers on Android
To configure private and unknown caller protection on Android, follow these steps:
Open the YouMail app.
Tap the Protection (Shield) icon at the bottom of the screen.
Select Settings.
Enable Call Protection.
Tap Block Specific Callers.
Locate the Private Numbers option.
Choose how private or unknown callers should be handled:
Block the call, or
Require the caller to enter their phone number before leaving a voicemail
Important: Ensure YouMail has all required permissions enabled so call protection works correctly.
Note: Private callers are callers who intentionally block or hide their caller ID.
Pro tip: For best results, combine private and unknown caller blocking with spam protection rules to maximize call filtering and reduce unwanted interruptions.