Secret Codes guide
Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid · · 4 min read
Quick answer
Choose a third party app to handle calls or caller ID instead of Apple's. Settings, Apps, Default Apps is where iOS lets you hand a system job to a third party app. Calling lets you nominate an app other than Phone or FaceTime for placing calls, and Call Filtering lets a third party app supply caller ID and block unwanted callers.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| What it does | Choose a third party app to handle calls or caller ID instead of Apple's. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone |
| Type | iOS setting |
Choose a third party app to handle calls or caller ID instead of Apple's. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, get Secret Codes on the App Store.
What is Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps?
Settings, Apps, Default Apps is where iOS lets you hand a system job to a third party app. Calling lets you nominate an app other than Phone or FaceTime for placing calls, and Call Filtering lets a third party app supply caller ID and block unwanted callers.
The two are separate on purpose. Most people leave Calling on the Apple Phone app and only change Call Filtering, because that is the slot spam-blocking apps plug into. Messaging has an equivalent entry for texts.
Apple notes that the ability to replace the Phone app for dialling and call history is limited to certain countries and regions, so what you see in the list depends on where your iPhone is set up. Check that the app you pick actually supports the features you rely on before you switch.
How do I do it?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps, then tap Default Apps at the top of the list.
- Tap Calling or Call Filtering.
- Choose the app you want, then follow any extra prompts it shows.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | iOS 18.2 or later for the Default Apps screen. Which entries appear varies by country and region, and some slots are restricted outside the EU. |
Related iphone phone and message settings
- Contact Photo And Poster
- Calls On Other Devices
- Type To Reply To A Caller
- FaceTime Reachability And Caller ID
- Remind Me To Return A Call
- Text Message Forwarding
See all iphone phone and message settings or every category of iPhone codes.
How Secret Codes helps
Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line. This entry is part of Secret Codes Pro.
Frequently asked questions
What is Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps on iPhone?
Choose a third party app to handle calls or caller ID instead of Apple's. Settings, Apps, Default Apps is where iOS lets you hand a system job to a third party app.
What else should I know about Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps?
Calling lets you nominate an app other than Phone or FaceTime for placing calls, and Call Filtering lets a third party app supply caller ID and block unwanted callers. The two are separate on purpose.
What are the steps for Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps?
1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Apps, then tap Default Apps at the top of the list. 3. Tap Calling or Call Filtering. 4. Choose the app you want, then follow any extra prompts it shows.
Where do I find Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps?
In the Settings app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps work on?
It is published for any iPhone. iOS 18.2 or later for the Default Apps screen. Which entries appear varies by country and region, and some slots are restricted outside the EU.
Does Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps?
Contact Photo And Poster. Control the full screen card people see when you call them.
What else is in this category?
Calls On Other Devices. Make and take your cellular calls on a nearby Mac or iPad.
Can I find Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details, as part of Secret Codes Pro.
Sources
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