We don't call like we used to. Most "calls" are now FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom. Call Barring only works on circuit-switched voice calls (the old-school cellular network). It does not block VoIP apps.
Call Barring isn't for everyday use. It is for the edge cases—the travel nightmare, the stolen phone panic, the absolute need for zero interruptions. what is a call barring
We have become experts at silencing. We use Do Not Disturb to mute the pings. We use Call Blocking to blacklist specific harassers. We don't call like we used to
Apple and Android hide these settings deep inside Settings > Phone > Call Barring . You usually need your carrier's PIN (often "0000" or "1234") to access them. Manufacturers want you to use their sleek block lists, not carrier-level codes. It does not block VoIP apps
(Code: **35* ) The witness protection mode. Nobody can reach you. Not spam, not your boss, not your ex. This is more aggressive than Airplane Mode because the network knows you are unreachable (callers get a fast busy signal).
But there is a third, more powerful, and vastly misunderstood tool on your phone:
(Code: **351* ) The money-saver. This is the hidden gem. When you travel abroad, you often pay for incoming calls. This barring stops all incoming calls while roaming, forcing everyone to text or use WhatsApp. It saves you from the $2/minute "Hello?" fee.