How to Block a Phone Number on Android

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Blocking phone numbers on Android devices can be important for maintaining your privacy and avoiding unwanted calls or messages. In this detailed guide, we will explain several ways to block phone numbers on different Android versions and devices.

Understanding the basics

Android is a versatile operating system used by many different phone manufacturers, including Samsung, Google, Huawei, and others. This versatility means that the exact steps to block a number may vary slightly depending on your specific device or Android version. However, the general principles are the same everywhere.

Using the default phone app

Block numbers from call history

The easiest way to block a number on your Android device is to use the call history in your default phone application. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open the Phone app on your Android device.
2. Go to the Call History tab. This is usually found in the Recent tab.
3. Find the number you want to block in your call history list.
4. Tap the number or the contact avatar next to it to open the caller information.
5. Tap the More options menu. This is usually represented by three vertical dots in the upper-right corner.
6. Select Block numbers from the dropdown menu.
7. Confirm that you want to block the number by selecting Block when prompted.

Block a number from contacts

If the number you want to block is already saved in your contacts, you can block them directly from the contact list:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to the Contacts tab.
3. Find and tap the contact you want to block.
4. Tap the More options menu, represented by three vertical dots in the upper-right corner.
5. Select Block numbers from the dropdown menu.
6. Confirm that you want to block the contact by selecting Block when prompted.

Using device settings

In addition to the Phone app, you can also block a number directly through your device's settings. Here's how:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and find the option labeled Calls or Call Blocking. This may be under the Network & Internet or Sound & Notification section, depending on your device.
3. Tap the Call blocking option.
4. You will see a list of blocked numbers. Tap Add number or Block to add a new number.
5. Enter the phone number you want to block and confirm by tapping Block.

Blocking spam and unwanted calls

Many Android devices have built-in spam protection features. Below is how you can turn on this feature to automatically block spam and unwanted calls:

1. Open the Phone app on your Android device.
2. Tap the More options menu, represented by three vertical dots in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
4. Find the option called Caller ID & Spam and tap on it.
5. Turn on the Filter spam calls switch.

Using third-party apps

If the built-in features of your Android device are not enough, you can use third-party apps to block numbers. Some of the most popular apps for this purpose include Truecaller, Hiya, and Mr. Number. Here is a brief description of how to use these apps to block numbers:

Truecaller

1. Download and install Truecaller from Google Play Store.
2. Open Truecaller and follow the setup instructions.
3. Once setup, TrueCaller will automatically identify spam calls and block them.
4. To manually block a number, go to the Block tab and tap Add number.
5. Enter the phone number and select Block.

Hiya

1. Download and install Hiya from Google Play Store.
2. Open Hiya and follow the setup instructions.
3. Allow Hiya to access your contacts and call logs for better spam detection.
4. To manually block a number, go to the Block tab, tap Add number, enter the number, and select Block.

Mr. Number

1. Download and install Mr. Number from Google Play Store.
2. Open Mr. Number and follow the setup instructions.
3. Allow Mr. Number to access your contacts and call logs.
4. To manually block a number, go to the Block tab, tap Add number, enter the number, and select Block.

Managing blocked numbers

At some point, you may want to review or remove a number from your blocked list. Here's how you can do that:

1. Open the Phone app on your Android device.
2. Tap the More options menu (three vertical dots) in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
4. Go to the list of blocked numbers. This may be under the Caller ID and Spam section.
5. You will see a list of all blocked numbers. To unblock a number, tap the X or Unblock button next to the number.

Additional tips

Keeping the software up to date

Always keep your device's software up to date. Manufacturers and the Android team regularly release updates that may include advanced features to block unwanted calls and messages.

Reporting spam calls and messages

If you frequently receive spam calls or messages, it may be helpful to report them to your service provider or a consumer protection agency. This can help reduce the number of spam calls you and others receive.

Conclusion

Blocking phone numbers on your Android device is an effective way to avoid unwanted calls and messages. Whether you use your device's built-in features, third-party apps, or a combination of both, you have many options to ensure your peace of mind. Follow the methods mentioned in this guide to block numbers efficiently on different Android devices and enjoy a seamless experience.

Please refer to this guide at any time, and share it with others who may need help blocking phone numbers on their Android devices.

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