Have you been experiencing frustration with the Allstate Robocall Blocker, perhaps finding that it's blocking legitimate calls or simply no longer serving your needs? You're not alone! While designed to be a helpful shield against unwanted spam, sometimes these protective measures can be a little too effective, or you might have found an alternative solution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of removing the Allstate Robocall Blocker and restoring your phone's default call settings. Let's get started and reclaim control of your incoming calls!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Allstate Robocall Blocker
Removing the Allstate Robocall Blocker isn't just about deleting the app. There are crucial underlying settings that need to be reset to ensure your phone functions as expected. Ignoring these steps can lead to issues with your voicemail or incoming calls.
How To Remove Allstate Robocall Blocker |
Step 1: Open the Allstate Robocall Blocker App
First things first, let's head into the app itself.
- Locate the App: Find the "Robocall Blocker" app icon on your phone's home screen or app drawer. It often has a distinctive Allstate logo.
- Launch the App: Tap the icon to open the application.
Step 2: Navigate to the Settings Menu within the App
Once you're in the app, you'll need to find the settings that control its functionality.
- Look for a "Settings" or "Menu" Icon: This is typically represented by a gear icon (⚙️) or three horizontal lines (☰). It might be located in a corner of the screen (top left or top right) or at the bottom.
- Tap on "Settings": Select this option to access the app's configuration.
Step 3: Initiate the "Remove Robocall Blocker" Process
Allstate has a built-in process for removing the blocker, which is essential for properly disabling its features.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
- Find "Remove Robocall Blocker": Within the settings menu, look for an option explicitly labeled "Remove Robocall Blocker" or something similar, like "Uninstall" or "Deactivate."
- Follow On-Screen Guidance: The app will likely provide specific instructions on how to proceed. Pay close attention to these prompts. They are designed to ensure a smooth removal process and prevent issues with your phone's native call settings.
Step 4: Disable "Silence Unknown Callers" (iOS Specific)
If you're an iPhone user, the Allstate Robocall Blocker often utilizes the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature in iOS. This needs to be manually disabled.
- Access iPhone Settings: Go to your iPhone's main "Settings" app (the grey gear icon).
- Navigate to "Phone": Scroll down and tap on "Phone."
- Find "Silence Unknown Callers": Under the "Call Silencing and Blocked Contacts" section, locate "Silence Unknown Callers."
- Toggle Off: Ensure this toggle is switched to the "Off" position. This will allow calls from numbers not in your contacts to ring through normally.
Step 5: Disable Call Forwarding (Crucial Carrier-Specific Step)
This is perhaps the most critical step and often overlooked. The Allstate Robocall Blocker sets up call forwarding to intercept and screen calls. This forwarding needs to be manually disabled using specific codes provided by your mobile carrier. Failing to do this will prevent you from receiving voicemails and potentially other calls.
Here are common codes for major carriers. Please verify with your carrier if yours is not listed or if these do not work for you:
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For AT&T, Cricket Wireless, Mint Mobile, and T-Mobile subscribers:
- Dial ##004# on your phone's dialer and press call.
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For Spectrum Mobile, Verizon, Visible, and Xfinity Mobile subscribers:
- Dial *73 on your phone's dialer and press call.
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Important Note: After dialing the code, you should receive a confirmation message that call forwarding has been successfully disabled. If you don't receive this, or if you're unsure, contact your mobile carrier's customer support directly. They can provide the precise code for your specific plan and ensure call forwarding is turned off.
Step 6: Uninstall the Allstate Robocall Blocker App
Once you've disabled the in-app settings and, most importantly, the call forwarding, you can now safely uninstall the application from your phone.
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
- For Android Users:
- Go to your phone's "Settings" app.
- Tap on "Apps" or "Applications."
- Find "Robocall Blocker" in the list of installed apps.
- Tap on it and then select "Uninstall." Confirm the uninstallation.
- For iOS Users (iPhone):
- Press and hold the "Robocall Blocker" app icon on your home screen until it jiggles.
- Tap the "X" that appears on the corner of the app icon.
- Confirm that you want to "Delete App."
Step 7: Restart Your Phone
A quick restart can help refresh your phone's network settings and ensure all changes have taken effect.
- Power Off: Hold down your phone's power button and select "Power Off" or "Restart."
- Power On: Turn your phone back on after a few moments.
Step 8: Test Your Phone's Call Functionality
It's always a good idea to confirm that everything is working as it should.
- Call your phone from another number: Have a friend or family member call your phone from a number that is not in your contacts. This will verify that "Silence Unknown Callers" (if applicable) is disabled and that calls are ringing through.
- Check your voicemail: Leave yourself a voicemail from another phone and then try to retrieve it from your primary phone. This confirms call forwarding is correctly disabled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related "How to" questions with quick answers to help you further.
How to check if Allstate Robocall Blocker is still active?
You can check by opening the app; if it's still active, it will likely show a status indicating it's screening calls. Also, try calling your phone from a number not in your contacts – if it goes straight to voicemail without ringing, call forwarding might still be active.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
How to pause Allstate Robocall Blocker temporarily?
Within the Allstate Robocall Blocker app, navigate to the "Status" tab. On iOS, choose "How to Pause Call Screening" and follow instructions to disable "Silence Unknown Callers." On Android, toggle off "Call Screening" and choose a duration.
How to block specific numbers with Allstate Robocall Blocker?
The Allstate Robocall Blocker automatically blocks numbers based on its database. For specific numbers, you would typically add them to your phone's native "Blocked Contacts" list.
How to report a robocall to Allstate?
Allstate's Robocall Blocker is designed to handle unwanted calls automatically. If you wish to report calls more broadly, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at fcc.gov/complaints or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
How to get help if I'm still having issues after removing the blocker?
If you've followed all the steps and are still experiencing problems with your calls or voicemail, the best course of action is to contact your mobile carrier's customer support directly. They can access your line settings and resolve any lingering call forwarding issues.
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
How to re-enable Allstate Robocall Blocker if I change my mind?
You would need to re-download the Allstate Robocall Blocker app, log in, and follow the in-app activation steps, which usually involve re-enabling call forwarding and potentially "Silence Unknown Callers."
How to check my phone's native call forwarding settings?
The exact steps vary by phone model and carrier, but generally, you can find call forwarding settings in your phone's main "Settings" app, under "Phone," "Call," or "Call Settings."
How to protect myself from robocalls without Allstate's app?
You can use your phone's built-in spam call filters (if available), register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov), or consider third-party call-blocking apps like Nomorobo, RoboKiller, or Hiya.
How to distinguish between a legitimate call and a robocall?
Legitimate calls often identify themselves, leave a clear voicemail if you don't answer, and usually don't involve urgent requests for personal information. Robocalls often feature recorded messages, silence upon answering, or pressure you for immediate action or personal data.
How to ensure my voicemail works correctly after removal?
After disabling call forwarding with the specific carrier codes (e.g., ##004# or *73), test your voicemail by calling yourself from another number and leaving a message, then checking if you can retrieve it as usual.