When you’re constantly bothered by unwanted calls, whether from an ex-partner who won’t leave you alone or persistent telemarketers, you can take steps to block phone numbers on your Android device. If your phone doesn’t have a built-in blocking feature, there are also several third-party apps available, often for free, that can help you manage unwanted calls.
Before you start, ensure your Android phone is updated to the latest OS version for the best compatibility with built-in blocking features.
To effectively block unwanted calls on your Android device, you can follow one of several methods depending on your phone’s brand. For Samsung phones, open the Phone app, tap the ⋮ icon, and then tap Settings. From there, tap Block numbers, enter the number you wish to block, and tap Done on the keypad. The number will now be added to your Samsung’s block list, preventing calls from that number.
For Pixel or Nexus phones, the process is similar. Open the Google Phone app, tap the ⋮ icon, and then tap Settings. Tap Blocked Numbers, then tap ADD A NUMBER, enter the number you want to block, and tap BLOCK below the text field. You can also check the “Report call as spam” box to report the number.
On LG phones, open the Phone app, tap the Call logs tab, then tap the ⋮ icon and select Call settings. Tap Call blocking, then Blocked numbers, and tap + to add a new number. You can enter the number manually or select it from your Contacts or Call logs.
For HTC phones, open the People app, tap the ⋮ icon, and then tap Manage contacts. Tap Blocked contacts, then tap Add, enter the number you wish to block, and tap Save.
If your phone doesn’t have a built-in call blocking feature, or if you need more advanced features, you can use third-party apps like Should I Answer or Mr. Number. To use Should I Answer, download and open the app, follow the on-screen setup instructions, and choose your desired level of protection. You can then block numbers from your Recents list or Contacts.
To use Mr. Number, download and open the app, tap Get Started, and subscribe to the service. Grant the necessary permissions, then tap the Block List tab and tap the plus sign (+) icon to add a new blocked number. You can enter the number manually or select it from your contacts or recent calls.
Regularly reviewing your blocked numbers list is a good practice to ensure it’s up to date. You can unblock numbers at any time if your circumstances change. After successfully blocking unwanted numbers, you might want to explore additional call management features available on your Android device or through third-party apps.
Many phones offer options like silencing unknown callers, setting up voicemail for specific contacts, or utilizing “Do Not Disturb” mode to manage when you receive notifications. Beyond blocking, consider reporting spam numbers to your carrier or relevant authorities to help reduce unwanted calls for everyone.
