How To Avoid Calls Without Blocking

If you’re trying to avoid calls without blocking the caller, there are several slick ways to make it look like you’re unavailable — without burning bridges or raising suspicion. Here’s the toolbox:

📴 1. Use Do Not Disturb (DND) Mode

Silences calls, alerts, and notifications.
You can customize it to:
- Allow calls from Favorites only
- Let repeat calls through (in case it’s urgent)
- Set it for certain times or locations

iPhone: Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb
Android: Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb

📲 2. Let Calls Go to Voicemail

Just don’t answer. Let your voicemail handle it.
If you want to seem extra unavailable, set a custom message like:
- “Hey, I’m currently unavailable. Please leave a message or text me.”

💡 You can even use Google Voice or a second number just for calls you don’t want to take.

🛬 3. Use Airplane Mode (Temporarily)

No incoming calls or texts at all.
Good if you want total silence for a while without blocking.

🎭 4. Turn Off Caller ID / Go Silent

Turn off ringtones and vibrations for specific contacts:
- Create a silent ringtone.
- Assign it to the person you’re avoiding.
- Boom — no more disturbance.

🧩 5. Use Call Screening (Pixel/Android)

Google’s Call Screen feature answers calls for you with an automated voice.
You can read the transcript and decide whether to pick up.

📵 6. Use Call Forwarding

Forward the call to another number — like your work voicemail or a secondary line.

🕰️ 7. Send Auto-Replies

Some phones let you send a “Can’t talk now, will call later” text with one tap when declining a call.

💡 Bonus Tips:

Save the contact under a “silent” name so you don’t stress when it rings.
Use apps like Truecaller, Hiya, or Silence Unknown Callers to filter spam or strangers.