Understanding the distinctions between outgoing, incoming, and cancelled calls is essential for managing your phone usage and identifying potential scams. This guide will help you to comprehend the meaning of outgoing, incoming, and cancelled calls on various phone types, including iPhones, Androids, and landlines.
Understanding outgoing, incoming, and cancelled calls
Here’s a breakdown of what each call type signifies and how to identify them:
- Identify an outgoing call:
- If you dial a number or tap a contact to initiate a call, it is an outgoing call.
- Outgoing calls typically cost minutes if you do not have an unlimited plan.
- Identify an incoming call:
- If you answer a call by pressing the green call answer button or a volume button, it is an incoming call.
- Incoming calls are generally free for the receiver, as the person who initiated the call is paying for the minutes.
- Check call logs on smartphones:
- On iPhones and Androids, look at the grey icon next to the call entry.
- If the arrow is pointing away from the telephone receiver, the call was outgoing (placed by you).
- If the arrow is pointing towards the phone receiver, the call was incoming (someone else called you).
- To filter for missed calls, tap Missed at the top of the screen.
- Check landline call records:
- For older landline phones, you may need to review your phone records to distinguish between call types.
- Many modern landlines feature a digital display where you can view recent call logs, including outgoing, incoming, and missed calls.
- Understand cancelled calls:
- A “Cancelled Call” appears in your phone log if the caller ends the call before you answer or before your voicemail picks up.
- Warning: Scammers often use this technique by calling from international numbers and hanging up quickly, hoping you will call back and incur significant charges for an out-of-country call.
- Do not return any cancelled calls from numbers you do not recognize.
- Cancelled calls can also occur when someone mistakenly dials the wrong number and immediately hangs up.
Why this matters
Understanding the different types of calls—outgoing, incoming, and cancelled—is crucial for managing your mobile phone usage and protecting yourself from fraudulent activities. Knowing whether a call was initiated by you or someone else helps you keep track of your minute usage and potential costs, especially if you don’t have an unlimited plan.
Furthermore, recognizing the indicators of a cancelled call, particularly those from unfamiliar or international numbers, empowers you to avoid costly call-back scams. By being informed, you can make smarter decisions about which calls to answer, which to return, and ultimately, safeguard your privacy and finances.
