How To Block a Number on an Android Device

There are times when you may get annoyed or frustrated at the sound of your phone’s ringtone. Perhaps someone you no longer wish to communicate with is calling and texting you. Other times, you may not know the caller, but they persistently dial your number anyway.

This article will help block annoying calls and unwanted contacts using various methods.

Let’s get started.

How to Block a Call on Android

If you want to stop unwanted callers from reaching you, the Android operating system has a built-in feature that will help. You can easily add phone numbers to the devices’ blocked list and therefore stop any call or text notifications from that particular number.

There are two ways to block calls on your Android device; using the Dialer app (from your recent call list) or adding the number manually. The former lets you block numbers that are already saved in your phone, while the latter lets you block any number.

These steps will vary depending on which model and Android version you’re using. But, it is reasonably similar across the board.

To block calls on your Android device, do this:

1. Open the dialer app on your phone. Then, locate the number you’d like to block and tap on it.
   
2. Tap on the i icon to the right.
   
3. Tap on the More option at the bottom.
   
4. Now, tap on Block contact.
   
   

You can use the method above to block any number that called you. But, if you want to manually block a phone number that hasn’t called you, do this:

1. Open the Dialer app and tap on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner.
   
2. Tap on Settings.
   
3. Tap on Block numbers.
   
4. Type the number in the Add phone number box and tap the + symbol.
   

Using this method, you can block any number. When you tap the plus sign, the number can no longer contact you via text or phone call.

The National Do Not Call Registry

If you’re tired of sales calls, you can add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry. This section is for those readers based in the United States; if you live in another location, check with your government to see if they offer similar protection against automated spam calls.

Head on over to donotcall.gov, a service offered by the Federal Trade Commission that allows you to register both your landline and mobile phone numbers to stop robocalls.

With this service, you can easily register your phone number, verify that your number has been added to the FTC’s Do Not Call list, and even report unwanted calls from numbers you don’t recognize. After your number is registered, telemarketers have 31 days to stop calling you.

Companies can get hit with significant fines for violating this list by calling numbers that have been registered. It is important to note that you may still receive political calls, charitable calls, debt collection calls, informational calls, and telephone survey calls—this list doesn’t protect against those types of phone calls. You can find more information on the Do Not Call Registry right here.

Unfortunately, this method only works for legitimate companies. The call registry cannot block robocalls or scammers because these contacts do not comply with local laws.

Use Do Not Disturb

While the DND feature isn’t specifically designed to block unwanted callers, it can certainly help. When you put your phone in Do Not Disturb, only callers on your Favorite’s list can reach you. Anyone who isn’t on your Favorite contacts list will go straight to your voicemail.

We like this option because, unfortunately, you can’t block every unwanted call. Spammers and companies often use several phone numbers to make calls meaning the block list won’t catch everyone. If your phone is in Do Not Disturb, you won’t receive any annoying call alerts or text messages.

Here is how to set up Do Not Disturb to help you find peace:

1. Open the Settings on your Android device and tap on Notifications.
   
2. Tap on No not disturb.
   
3. Toggle the switch next to Do not disturb so it turns blue.
   

Although Do Not Disturb blocks all notifications, you can customize the feature to work for you. Here are things you can change:

• Set a scheduled time – Each day your phone automatically enables Do Not Disturb during a specific time.
• Make call and text exceptions – You can enable the exception for everyone in your contacts, specific contacts, text messages, and conversations.
• App Exceptions – You can add other apps such as your email and social media to bypass the Do Not Disturb restrictions.

If you’ve reached a point of desperation to end constant spam calls, this method will work for you, but it does take some work to set it up.

Use Third-Party Apps to Automatically Block Numbers

If the steps above didn’t do enough and you’re still having trouble with those unwanted callers, you can turn to the Play Store for some additional help. There are several applications available for download, each of which offers similar functionality.

Carrier Provided Applications

Many US carriers offer free applications that will alert you that an incoming call is actually spam. AT&T has its Call Protect app available in the App Store and Google Plays Store. Verizon has a Call Filter application. T-Mobile also provides a security and screening app for its post-paid customers.

If you’re unsure of the third-party applications we’ve listed, contact your carrier or visit their website to see what they can offer you. Third-party applications can alter the way your phone rings, the way you answer it, and more. If you’d like to avoid the extra steps, major cell carriers usually have options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some more answers to your questions about call blocking on Android.

I keep getting texts from emails, how can I block these?

Few things are more annoying than receiving a scam text from an email address. Honestly, these fake messages are so unrealistic they’re more shameful than legitimate scams. Many users report receiving several of these messages a day and often include lewd content. So, how can you stop them?

Unfortunately, your Android device (even Android 10) offers no viable solution. There is still hope, but you’ll have to work for it. This type of block requires carrier intervention. You will need to call your cell phone carrier to block the email-to-text abilities. Making this even more unfortunate is that even experienced representatives may not know it is possible or how to do it, so be prepared for a polite and friendly fight. Call your carrier’s tech support team and let them know you’d like to block these texts.

If I block someone will they know?

Fortunately, there are no bright flashing signs and sirens letting a caller know you’ve blocked them. Your phone will act similar to a disconnected phone number in that it will say “this caller cannot be reached as dialed” or something similar to that.

If the caller is determined enough, they may use another phone number to get through to you. If this happens, the other user will likely know that you’ve blocked their number.

Does blocking phone numbers also block texts?

Yes. If you block a phone number, you will no longer receive any communications from that phone number. This includes both texts and phone calls.

Final Thoughts

Just because we live in an always-connected world doesn’t mean you have to accept dealing with unwanted spam and robocalls.

Most modern smartphones have the functionality built-in to allow you to disable and block callers that slip through the FTC’s registry.