Staying connected using a mobile phone can be the only source of communication with family, friends, and even significant others when you’re miles apart. There’s no need to mention all the benefits, right? But, let’s not forget – whoever has your phone number is free to call and text almost infinitely. This can range from a nuisance you can endure until it passes, to disruption of your daily life by intimidation, scamming, or stalking. In all cases, the solution is pretty simple. It’s built into the operating system or service, or downloadable as a third-party app.
There are several methods to block a mobile number from your phone. We listed many of the most effective methods for different platforms. Follow them in the same order as we listed. It will help you to try the easy ones before trying the tough ones. Here’s our complete guide on how to block numbers and texts.
Why should you block a number?
The answer is very simple. If someone irritates you by calling again and again, either unknowingly or purposefully, you can get rid of it by simply blocking those calls. Blocking the mobile number is a way better option than disconnecting the call each and every time they call you. It can also cause some problems. For example, if you are in the middle of something and your phone rings. After reaching the device by stopping whatever you are doing, you realize that it is an unwanted phone call. What would be the reaction? You can avoid such problems by simply adding the mobile number to the block list.
As mentioned, there can be several reasons why you need to block a number on your phone. For example, if someone is frequently annoying you with anonymous phone calls, blocking them would be an excellent idea. You can also block numbers to avoid unnecessary promotional calls from services that you don’t need. Whatever the reason may be, it is pretty easy to prevent someone from calling you. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the easiest, yet effective methods to block numbers.
When should you block a mobile number?
Like already mentioned, when some calls make disturbances, you might think about blocking it. Like the same, you might be getting a lot of promotional calls from different brands, especially, the mobile operator that you are using. Simply ignoring those calls is nearly impossible. They call from different numbers and keep irritating the users as much as they can. So, the best option is to block them from calling you entirely. But make sure that you block all the known number that they used to call you. Luckily, some smartphones like Xiaomi has an inbuilt option to recognize such flagged numbers and automatically block them once the feature is enabled.
What does blocking a mobile number do?
Blocking a mobile number will help you to stop receiving phone calls from that mobile number. Below is a list of things that will happen when you block some mobile numbers.
- You will no longer receive phone calls from that number
- You will still be able to call them if you wanted to
- Few devices also block messages from the blocked number (only a few)
How to block numbers and texts on iOS?
Apple has introduced a number-blocking feature around the time they released iOS 7 in 2014. The feature has been greatly improved since then. Here are few methods to block a phone number on iOS –
How to block existing iOS contacts?
If you are using an iOS device like iPhone or iPad, it is very easy to add a number to your block list. To do this, follow the below steps.
- Open your contacts list.
- Simply tap on the “i” icon next to the phone number that you want to block.
- Select Block this Caller option.
You will no longer receive any calls from that number.
How to block a phone number after you received a call or text?
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap on the Recent tab at the bottom of the window.
- Locate the number you want to block. It should be at the top of the page if it was recent.
- Tap on the icon of an “i” encased in a circle.
- Tap on Block this Caller.
- That person is now unable to call, text, or FaceTime you.
How to block a number before they called or texted?
If you anticipate a number will call, text or FaceTime, you can beat them to the punch.
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down a bit. Tap on Phone.
- Tap on Blocked Contacts.
- If you previously blocked many numbers, you will have to scroll to the bottom and tap Add New… Otherwise, just tap on it.
Silence an unknown caller on iPhone
Telemarketers, stalkers, and people you just don’t feel like talking to can be silenced. Their number will appear in the missed calls section Phone app. You can also hear their voicemail if they left one after the fact. But, your phone will not ring or otherwise notify you of an incoming call. Here is how to block anonymous calls.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down a bit and tap on Phone.
- Find Silence Unknown Callers.
- Tap on the switch button next to it to enable the feature.
Do Not Disturb
It’s not a complete solution, we’ll admit. Do Not Disturb is only to be used when you’ve been persistently spammed, stalked, or annoyed. Your phone will not be able to receive calls, texts, or FaceTime calls from anyone but people on your contact list. You can find a few drawbacks to this immediately, but it can save you in a pinch, while you decide what to do next.
- Open Settings.
- Tap on Do Not Disturb.
- Tap on Allow Calls From.
- Select All Contacts.
Using an app to block numbers and texts on iOS
Your mobile network provider can only block notifications for calls they cannot recognize. For that to happen, their “identity” needs to be public to them, and unknown to you. Obviously, this doesn’t block people who have deliberately chosen to hide their Caller ID. Since there are many ways to hide a private number, this is a big problem.
A primary solution is to download a third-party app with advanced features. We suggest free apps such as Truecaller or Hiya. They can help you identify the caller, even if the person has hidden his Caller ID. They also display warnings or information about telemarketers, fraudsters, spammers from their blacklist which is constantly updated. Furthermore, you can enter a phone number into the database, and get a name and more information about it.
How to block numbers and texts on Android?
Based on your smartphone manufacturer, the process will vary slightly, because they add customizations to the stock Android. We’ll outline the process for Android 10/Android One.
How to block an existing Android contact?
Using Android? Blocking anyone’s mobile number is very simple. You have to follow the below instructions to add the number to your call block list.
- Go to your Contacts.
- Tap on the contact that you want to block.
- Tap on the menu icon (commonly seen in the top-right corner.)
- Select Block.
How to block a number before it has called or texted?
- Go to Phone.
- Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
- Choose Settings from the drop-down list.
- Tap Blocked numbers.
- Tap Add a number.
- Enter a phone number and tap on Block.
How to block unknown callers on Android?
You can also block all unknown calls (those your mobile network provider doesn’t recognize). This doesn’t include those who have hidden their Caller ID.
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the Menu icon (three vertical dots) in the top right corner.
- Tap on Settings
- Choose Blocked numbers from the drop-down list.
- Locate Unknown. Tap on the switch button icon next to it to enable the feature.
Blocking messages on Android from a contact you know
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap on the conversation whose phone number you want to block.If there is none, tap on Start chat in the bottom right corner, and choose a number from the list or enter one.
- Tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap on Details.
- Choose Block & report spam.
- Verify it’s the correct number or add more than one.Optional. Tick the Report spam box. It will send the number to Google. After multiple reports, Google can permanently block the number from bothering anyone.
- Tap OK.
Using an app to block numbers and texts on Android
Sometimes you want to receive the call, know who is calling, then decline. Or, you might get someone calling from a hidden caller ID, which circumvents the counter-measures we mentioned above. In that case, using a third-party app is your best bet.
It collects data from a worldwide community, and can immediately show the caller’s identity. That includes information such as whether it’s spammer, scammer, telemarketer, or something else, and automatically block the number. We suggest Should I Answer? (Android only) or Truecaller/Hiya (both Android and iOS) to our readers. We, however, do not endorse them, and you are free to pick another app.
Steps to block phone numbers on Windows phones
In Windows Phones, the steps are a little different. But not difficult. If you are using a Windows 8 device, follow these steps.
- Go to settings.
- Tap on call+SMS filter.
- Accept the terms if asked.
- Then, turn on the option saying Block calls+SMS.
- Now, you have successfully enabled the Call and SMS block feature.
- Now, go to the Phone app.
- Find the number that you want to block. Press and hold on that number.
- Select Block Number option from the menu.
If you are using Windows 10, follow these steps.
- Go to the Phone app.
- Find and long press the mobile number.
- Select Block.
Subscribe to call blocking services such as TrapCall
Again, we don’t endorse the service, and you can pick a similar one. These services often have a bigger database of blacklisted numbers and their identities, and work for both Android and iOS. You can even set up an annoying auto-reply SMS message or voicemail such as “this phone number has been disconnected”. Furthermore, you can record incoming calls, and force the callers to identify themselves if they want you to accept the call. That will show them!
Register on the Do Not Call Registry (for US Citizens)
For the users in the US, there is an option to register on a website called National Do Not Call Registry. It is a government website which you can utilize to stop unwanted sales and promotional calls. All you have to do is heading over to their website and registering your mobile number there. You will also need to provide the details such as a valid email ID. Once registered, the system will process your request within 24-hours. After that, you will notice a significant drop in the number of promotional calls you receive. If you still receive promotional calls on a large scale, there is also another option to file a complaint.
Use apps to block mobile numbers
Irrespective of the operating system you are using, there are several apps that allow users to block specific mobile numbers. You can do research on them and use the most appropriate call blocking apps for your need. Some most popular call blockers include Truecaller, Call Blacklist, Should I Answer? etc. You can use any one of them based on your call blocking requirements.
Call blocking on HTC phones
For the HTC device users, there is a simple way to block the mobile number. The steps are similar to the Android method described above. These are the steps to block a number on HTC phones –
- Open the Phone app.
- Press and hold the phone number to block.
- Select “Block Contact” option.
- Then select “OK”.
Call blocking on LG Smartphones
For some LG smartphones, the usual Android call blocking method doesn’t seem to be working. If you are stuck with it, try these steps on your LG smartphone –
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the menu icon (3 dots) in the top-right corner.
- Select “Call Settings” from the drop-down.
- Now, select “Reject Calls”.
- Then tap the ‘+’ button.
- Add the numbers you want to be blocked.
Blocking calls on Samsung phones
If you are a Samsung user, the process of getting rid of unwanted calls is a little different. This is for some Samsung models only.
- Go to the Phone app.
- Tap the mobile number to block
- Hit the “More” option located in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Add to Auto-Reject List” option from the drop-down.
Call your carrier and ask them to block the number
Some famous call carriers allow the customers to specifically block some unwanted phone calls upon their request. But not all companies provide this feature. So, if you are using some popular services like AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc., you could try contacting them and tell your problem. They will help you and tell you what to do.
Contact the app developer
If you are sure that the person is using one of the anonymous phone call apps, you can contact the developers of the application and let them know the issue. In most cases, the developers will do something in your favor as soon as you provide them enough information. You can also anonymously record their phone calls because this is legit reason if the person is being rude to you or threatening.
Seek legal help to prevent someone from contacting you
If someone is calling you non-stop and threatening you or abusing you even after you told them to stop several times, you should first try one of the above methods. However, if they still keep calling you regardless of what you do, then there is no better way than contacting your local authorities. If you have a lawyer, you should consult them first, and ask what is the best thing to do. In the absence of a lawyer, you can directly reach out to the local law enforcement office and let them know the matter. They will most certainly help you.
We hope you were able to block all the mobile numbers that were disturbing you for the past months. If you have any queries, do not hesitate to reach us.