This guide will show you how to block calls on Android. Whether you keep calling a random number or just want to block certain people, we’ve got you covered. Some manufacturers hide options to do this in settings, or you can download a quick app or two and do it yourself. Keep reading to get started.
Telemarketing is still extremely common and it’s very frustrating. Not to mention that some spam callers can cost you money these days. Let’s block them all. This also works for an EX calling at night, bill collectors, or even text message blocking.
Fortunately, there are several ways to block calls on your Android phone. We will share a few ways to do this with the tools that come pre-installed on your device, then recommend some call blocking apps from the Google Play Store.
Many devices from popular manufacturers like Samsung have built-in tools, and so are any stock Nexus or Pixel phone with Android 6.0 or higher. Prior to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google did not include this feature by default. Now they do, so let’s take advantage of that.
How to Block Calls on Android
First, we will explain how to block calls on our Android smartphones using the built-in methods. So you won’t have to download an app or do anything crazy. Go to the settings already available on your phone. Considering that Samsung sells the most phones, we’ll start with them first.
Block Calls on Samsung Phones
Samsung has excellent tools to block calls and messages as well as call rejection messages that you can use at certain times.
“Phone” Tap on your home screen, “More” top right andSettings” button. Depending on the Samsung model or software version “Call Barring” as a third or fourth option in settings. As shown below.
Easily Block Calls on Samsung Phones
From here you can start creating a list of blocked numbers, add any caller who bothers you to the auto reject list, and more. Conveniently, here owners can go to their call logs to find a specific number they want to delete, or go to contacts to avoid passing an old one. Once this is done, you won’t even see what they’re looking for. Perfect, right?
Alternatively, Samsung users can enter and tap on a particular recently dialed number. Hit the top from here and that number is right on the spot. Making it easier than ever before. The Samsung Messages app offers a similar option in the settings to stop certain numbers from even sending you text messages.
Block Calls on Nexus, Pixel or Stock Android Phones
The steps above to block calls on Samsung phones are applicable to any Nexus smartphone, Google Pixel or most stock Android devices like OnePlus 3 or Moto X. Any stock Android phone running 6.0 Marshmallow or newer has this feature. Any older software version will most likely require an app download.
On a Nexus or Pixel phone, instead of tapping the “More” button at the top like a Samsung does, it’s in the top right. Tap here, go in and find to create a list.
Add any numbers you don’t want to hear from and tap save to finish. It’s that simple. Also, the stock Android dialer makes it even easier by long pressing any number in your call log. Find a number you don’t want, hold it down and you’ll find a block option in a small popup. See our picture below.
Blocking a call from the call log is the fastest and easiest method. To make things even better this will prevent them from sending you any text messages at the same time and there is an option to Google at the same time. Death to telemarketers.
Blocking On HTC, LG and More
It’s pretty much a must-have feature these days. This means that almost every company includes a way to block calls on Android. With HTC, just open the phone app, go to the call history and long press the number you want to block. Then select or if the number is saved on your phone.
LG phone users can also do this, just like Samsung’s steps, but with slightly different expressions. Open the Phone app, tap the three dots or more at the top and select from the drop-down menu: the number in your contact list, or the call log for recent calls. Relatively easy and same process for most Android phones.
Download Apps that Block Calls and Messages
Of course, another way to block calls or messages on Android is to download one of the hundreds of apps in the Google Play Store. Developers have created great apps that do so much more than call blocking.
The name of a popular person I’ve used in the past is Mr. Number – and you download now here. Mr Number allows you to block calls/messages from a contact or even an entire area code. It will stop telemarketers, catch and ship unknown callers, and much more. Mr Number is our first choice for call blocking.
However, there are countless other great apps that do the same or more. Another favorite is called Should I Answer?. If you have discussed getting a random number, you need this app. It will give a star-based rating for unknown numbers using a huge database from the internet, lists of known spam, and a growing community. Should I Answer? It will pretty much tell you how risky it is to take it and whether you should.
We also recommend SMS Blocker / Call Blocker appor TrueCaller: Caller ID. This last one is actually a backup dialer app for Android. It will give you caller ID for numbers that are not saved, block spam, have an elaborate blocking system and more. TrueCaller is an extremely useful application.
Block Calls Through Your Operator
For those who don’t want to navigate through the settings menus or download an app, we have a final solution. We can actually block certain numbers from being called through your carrier. Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and more somehow allow it.
Although it depends on the carrier or the plan you use, give it a try. Call 611 or your preferred carrier and ask a service representative to help you block a phone number. Most allow a small list of five, but we recommend double-checking, just in case. And if you need to add more than five to the list, you may have a bigger problem or put your phone number on a site where it shouldn’t be.
As a friendly reminder, never give out information such as an online phone number if you don’t know where it’s going. It’s usually good to make a purchase or choose verified states.
In closing, we hope you found what you were looking for. If you need to block someone from calling or texting you, try any of our multiple solutions above.
