What is Call Barring and How to Activate It?

In today’s world of constant connectivity, controlling who can reach you and when has become more important than ever. Whether you want to stop unwanted spam calls, avoid accidental international dialling, or simply block all incoming calls while travelling, call barring is a smart and effective way to manage your mobile communications.

Before you start using it, it’s essential to understand what is call barring, how it works, and the steps to activate or deactivate it on your smartphone.

What is Call Barring?

To put it simply, call barring is a network-based feature that allows you to restrict specific types of calls from being made or received on your phone. In other words, the call barring meaning refers to “barring” or “blocking” calls, either incoming or outgoing, based on your preference.

It can be used to stop unwanted calls, prevent accidental dialling (especially international or premium-rate numbers), or control usage when the device is with children or staff members. The feature is especially handy when travelling abroad, as it helps you avoid high call charges.

Most smartphones, including Android and iPhone, come with built-in support for this feature, which can be activated using your call barring code (usually 0000 by default) through the phone settings or via your network operator.

Different Types of Call Barring

There are several types of call barring options you can choose from, depending on your needs. Let’s explore the most common ones:

1. Incoming Call Barring

This allows you to block all incoming calls or specific numbers. It’s useful when you want to avoid disturbances or maintain privacy, such as during meetings, travel, or off-hours. You can add numbers to your blocked list or completely bar all incoming calls temporarily.

2. Outgoing Call Barring

This feature helps you avoid making unintentional or unauthorized outgoing calls. For instance, you can use it to block calls to premium-rate or international numbers, saving yourself from unexpected charges. It’s particularly helpful for corporate users who want to limit call expenses.

3. International Call Barring

If you are travelling abroad, activating international call barring ensures you don’t accidentally make international calls that might result in hefty roaming bills. This is one of the most commonly used options for frequent travellers.

4. International Calls Barring Except Home

This advanced option blocks all outgoing international calls except those made to your home country. It’s ideal when you need to stay in touch with your family or workplace but wish to restrict all other international communication.

Steps to Activate Call Barring

Activating call barring is a simple process that can be done directly from your smartphone’s dialer settings. Depending on your device’s operating system, the steps differ slightly.

Activate Call Barring on Android

Follow these steps to activate call barring on an Android phone:

1. Open the Phone app on your Android device.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (or settings icon) in the top-right corner.
3. Go to Settings → Calling Accounts or Supplementary Services.
4. Select Call Barring.
5. Choose Voice Call or Video Call, depending on your preference.
6. You’ll see options such as:
   

○All Outgoing Calls

○International Calls

○International Calls Except Home

○All Incoming Calls

○ Incoming Calls While Roaming

7. Turn on the toggle beside the option you want to activate.
8. Enter your call barring code (the default is usually 0000).
9. Once confirmed, the call barring service will be active.
   

Activate Call Barring on iPhone

Here’s how you can enable call barring on your iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and select Phone.
3. Tap Call Barring (you may need to navigate via SIM Applications on some devices).
4. Choose the type of barring you want to enable, such as All Outgoing Calls or All Incoming Calls.
5. Enter your call barring code (default 0000).
6. Wait for the confirmation message. Once done, your chosen call restrictions will be applied instantly.
   

How to Deactivate Call Barring?

While call barring is helpful, there might be times when you want to remove these restrictions, perhaps to resume normal calling functions. Deactivating the feature is as simple as activating it.

If you are a Vi customer wondering how to remove call barring in Vi, the process is straightforward, either through phone settings or using the operator’s USSD code.

Deactivate Call Barring on Android

To deactivate call barring on your Android phone:

1. Open the Phone app → Settings → Supplementary Services.
2. Select Call Barring.
3. Turn off the toggles for the call types you had previously enabled (incoming, outgoing, or international).
4. Enter your call barring code to confirm.
5. Once disabled, you’ll be able to make or receive calls normally.
   

Deactivate Call Barring on iPhone

To turn off call barring on an iPhone:

1. Open Settings → Phone → Call Barring.
2. Select the option you wish to disable.
3. Enter your call barring code when prompted.
4. Wait for confirmation that the feature has been deactivated.

Alternatively, Vi users can also deactivate the service using USSD or SMS:

• Dial *717# to manage your call filter and barring settings.
• To deactivate, send STOP to 155223.

This is especially useful if you’re unsure how to remove call barring in Vi through your device settings.

Benefits of Call Barring

Understanding the call barring meaning goes beyond knowing what it is; it’s about recognizing how it can enhance your communication experience. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Prevents Unwanted Calls

Call barring allows you to block spam, telemarketing, or unknown numbers easily, helping you maintain peace of mind and focus.

2. Avoids Accidental Dialling

With outgoing call barring, you can prevent your phone from dialling numbers unintentionally, especially important for users with kids or employees who handle company devices.

3. Controls Call Expenses

International and premium-rate calls can quickly add up. By barring these calls, you can manage and limit your mobile expenses effectively.

4. Ideal for Roaming Situations

When you’re travelling internationally, call barring helps you avoid unwanted roaming charges by preventing incoming and outgoing calls automatically.

5. Enhances Privacy and Control

Whether you’re in a meeting, travelling, or simply want some quiet time, the call barring feature gives you total control over who can reach you and when.

Conclusion

Call barring is a practical tool that allows you to take full control of your mobile communications. From blocking incoming calls to restricting international dialling, this feature ensures you stay connected only to the calls that matter.

Whether you’re exploring what is call barring, looking for your call barring code, or figuring out how to remove call barring in Vi, understanding how to manage it empowers you to make the most of your mobile experience, without unnecessary interruptions or costs. By learning and applying the right settings, you can create a seamless, secure, and stress-free calling environment, anytime, anywhere.