How to Track an Unknown Number on iPhone – Pro Guide (2025)

Introduction

Almost every iPhone user has faced the situation where their phone rings and the screen only shows “Unknown Number” or a number they do not recognize. For some people, it is just a small annoyance. For others, it can be stressful. What if the call is from a spammer trying to scam you? What if it is a telemarketer who will not stop calling? And what if it is actually important — maybe a delivery service, a new job opportunity, or a family member calling from a different number?

The truth is that unknown calls are a part of modern life. Scammers are smarter than ever, spammers use new tricks every year, and millions of people worldwide struggle with missed or unwanted calls every single day. iPhone users are lucky because Apple provides some solid built-in tools, but on their own, they are not always enough.

That is why this guide is here. By the end of this article, you will know how to track an unknown number on iPhone step by step. We will cover built-in iPhone features, reverse lookup websites, third-party caller ID apps, carrier tools, troubleshooting, and even what to do when the call is truly untraceable. You will also learn the legal and ethical limits so you do not fall for shady services that promise impossible results.  

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Why people want to track unknown numbers on iPhone

Many people are trying to get results for how to track an unknown number on iPhone because they feel worried or feeling harassed by unexpected calls. Most of the times, these calls come from spammers, telemarketers, or scammers who want to trick you and want to tease you. But on the other hand, it may be a friend, family member, or delivery driver calling from a new number you don not recognize.

iPhone users feel safe, secure, and in control by Tracking unknown numbers. By using reverse phone lookup apps like True caller or Hiya, you can usually see the name, business, or location of the person who is calling you. Some people even want to trace unknown numbers on iPhone to stop harassment especially in case of girls, report spam callers, or find out who keeps disturbing them at night. In short, tracking provides a peace of mind to a person and protects your privacy on iOS devices.

Advanced tracking: IMEI, GPS pings, and when to contact authorities

For most iPhone users, apps and carrier help are enough to track an unknown number. But in serious cases like threats, harassment, or stalking, more advanced tracking methods may be used.

• IMEI Tracking: Every iPhone has a unique IMEI number. Carriers and police can use it to trace stolen phones or track devices connected to a network.
• GPS Pings: Carriers can “ping” a phone’s GPS location using cell towers. This method is not open to the public, but it helps authorities find criminals or missing people.
• Call Metadata: Police can request details about time, duration, and tower location of calls linked to an unknown number.

If you feel that an unknown caller is threatening you, it is smart to save call logs, block the number, and report it to local police or your carrier. Authorities have the legal tools to track the call log safely.

Advanced methods like IMEI tracing and GPS tracking are powerful, but they should only be used when personal safety or crime investigation is involved.

Use iPhone’s Built-in Tools (the “in seconds” route)

The first thing to do is always use what Apple has already given you. iPhones include tools that let you check, block, and sometimes even screen unknown numbers.

A. Check Recents & Voicemail Right Away

As soon as you miss a call, swipe open your iPhone and go to the Phone app. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Every call is listed in order. Unknown numbers will show up here too.

1. Find the number.
2. Tap the small ⓘ (info) button next to it.
3. On the detail screen, you may see information such as whether it is a mobile or landline, if it is from a known region, or if Apple has flagged it as “Spam Likely.”

If the caller left a voicemail, open the Voicemail tab. Many delivery companies and businesses leave short messages with their name and purpose. Do not ignore this step — sometimes an unknown call is just an important but unregistered number.  

B. Enable Silence Unknown Callers

If you get too many random calls, this feature is like a shield.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
3. Find Silence Unknown Callers and turn it on.

What happens? Calls from numbers that are not in your contacts will not ring your phone. They will go directly to voicemail. You can still see them in Recents, but you will not be disturbed by spam calls in real time.  

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C. Newer iOS – Call Screening Options

If your iPhone is running iOS 14 or newer, you have another weapon: Call Blocking & Identification.

Go to:

        •    Settings → Phone → Call Blocking & Identification

Here you can allow apps like Truecaller iPhone or Hiya app iPhone to integrate directly into iOS. When someone calls, the system will try to screen the number and display “Spam,” “Telemarketer,” or sometimes even the caller’s name. This is one of the fastest ways to filter calls before you pick up.  

Reverse Phone Lookup Websites & Tools

If the built-in tools do not give answers, the next step is to try a reverse phone lookup.

A. What Is Reverse Lookup?

Reverse lookup means searching for a number to see who owns it. It is like flipping a phone book upside down. Instead of looking for a person’s number, you enter the number to find the person.

It works well for:

• Landlines
• Registered businesses
• Numbers listed in public databases

It does not always work for:

• VoIP numbers
• Spoofed numbers
• Private or hidden numbers  

B. Top Services to Try

1. Truecaller Online Lookup – You do not need the app. Just visit their website and enter the number. Free for basic info, paid for advanced results.
2. Whitepages – One of the most trusted directories in the US. Gives names, addresses, and spam risk labels.
3. Spokeo – Combines public records and social media data. Paid but detailed.
4. NumLookup – Free service that identifies some mobile and VoIP numbers.
5. AnyWho – Simple reverse lookup for landlines in North America.  

C. Privacy Notes

• Always use trusted services like Truecaller or Whitepages.
• Be careful with sites that ask for money before showing any results. Many are scams.
• Never expect GPS location or live IMEI tracking. Reverse lookup cannot do that.  

Caller-ID Apps (Fast Install → Instant Results)

If you want real-time results, apps are your best option.

A. Truecaller

The most popular caller ID app worldwide.

Steps:

1. Install Truecaller from the App Store.
2. Open Settings → Phone → Call Blocking & Identification.
3. Enable Truecaller.
4. Now, when an unknown number calls, Truecaller will display its name or tag.

You can also open the app and search numbers manually.  

B. Whoscall / Hiya / Mr. Number

• Whoscall – Strong in Asia. Large database for unknown numbers outside the US.
• Hiya – Focused on spam and scam detection. Some carriers use Hiya databases.
• Mr. Number – Simple tool that blocks unwanted calls automatically.  

C. Setup Checklist

• Install from the official App Store only. •      Disable “contact upload” if you do not want to share your contacts.
• Keep apps updated for the latest spam protection.  

Carrier & System Codes (More Official Tracing)

Sometimes apps and websites are not enough. Carriers have more power.

A. Feature Codes

• *69 – Redials the last number that called you. Useful if you missed the call.
• *57 – Call Trace. Sends information about the call to your carrier for logging. In some cases, it can be used by police.  

B. Contact Your Carrier

Most carriers can:

• Provide a log of unknown calls.
• Block spam at the network level.
• Investigate persistent harassment.

If calls are abusive or threatening, your carrier can escalate the issue.  

C. When to Involve Police

If the calls become threatening, harassing, or repeated, contact the police. Save:

• Screenshots of call logs
• Voicemails
• Dates and times of calls

Law enforcement can request carrier records.  

Handling “No Caller ID” or Blocked Numbers

Sometimes the phone does not show a number at all.

A. Steps to Try

• Check your Voicemail.
• Dial *69 to call back.
• Ask your carrier if they provide Anonymous Call Rejection.
• Use Truecaller or Hiya apps, which sometimes can identify hidden numbers.

B. Why Some Callers Cannot Be Traced

• Spoofing – Spammers use fake numbers.
• VoIP Providers – Some internet-based numbers cannot be tracked by lookup services.  

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Advanced & Ethical Notes

It is important to understand what is possible and what is not.

• You cannot get someone’s live GPS ping location just from their phone number. Any site or app that promises this is fake.
• Apple and carriers protect privacy by design.
• If you need to know a location, only law enforcement with a warrant can access that information.

Instead:

• Use Apple’s Find My for devices you own.
• Ask callers to identify themselves politely.

Always keep evidence if calls feel dangerous.  

FAQs

How accurate is tracking an unknown number on iPhone?

Tracking an unknown number on iPhone is somewhat accurate but not perfect. Your iPhone can show the number, call time, and location area, but it won’t reveal the person’s exact location. Using reverse phone lookup apps like Truecaller or Hiya can help you identify unknown callers or spam numbers. For full accuracy, only carriers or authorities can trace a phone with proper permission.

Can an iPhone show the exact GPS location of an unknown caller?

No, an iPhone cannot show the exact GPS location of an unknown caller. Apple protects user privacy, so you can’t track someone’s real-time location through normal settings or apps. You can only find caller details using reverse lookup tools or carrier help. If the call seems suspicious or harmful, contact your local police or mobile carrier for assistance.

Which apps are best for reverse phone lookup on iPhone?

Some of the best apps to track an unknown number on iPhone include Truecaller, Hiya, Whitepages, and Spy Dialer. These apps help you identify unknown callers, block spam calls, and even see caller names or business info. You can download them from the App Store for free and use them to protect your privacy and stay safe from scam calls.

Will carriers reveal the location of a caller?

Carriers like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile usually don’t share a caller’s location for privacy reasons. They can trace an unknown number, but they only reveal it to law enforcement when needed for safety or legal issues. If you’re being harassed or threatened, report the number, and the carrier can assist authorities in tracking it safely and legally.

What should I do if an unknown number is threatening me?

If an unknown number is threatening or harassing you, don’t respond to the messages or calls. Instead, block the number on your iPhone, take screenshots of the messages, and report it to your carrier or local police. You can also use Truecaller or Hiya to find more details about the caller. Tracking an unknown number on iPhone in such cases should always be done legally and safely.

Quick Checklist (First 60 Seconds)

• Open Recents → Check voicemail.
• Try reverse lookup (Truecaller, Whitepages).
• Dial *69 if supported.
• Install a caller ID app if the calls keep coming.
• Contact your carrier or police if harassment continues.

Example Walkthrough

1. Unknown number calls. You miss it.
2. Open Phone → Recents → Info. Take a screenshot.
3. Check Voicemail. Caller leaves no message.
4. Copy the number. Paste into Truecaller web. It shows “Telemarketer – 50 reports.” 5. Open Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers to avoid future calls.

Conclusion

Getting unknown calls can be stressful. But with the right steps, you can protect yourself and even identify many of the callers. Start with the iPhone’s own tools: Recents, Voicemail, and Silence Unknown Callers. If that is not enough, try reverse lookup websites, caller ID apps like Truecaller, and official carrier tools. For serious cases, never hesitate to report to police.

Remember, you cannot and should not try to hack or secretly track someone’s live location. Stick with safe, legal methods. With this guide, the next time your iPhone shows “Unknown Number,” you will know exactly what to do.