How Can I Block a Number for Calls to My Mobile Phone?
Whether it’s your annoying ex, a regular telemarketer, or someone else you don’t want to hear from, there are probably a few phone numbers you would like to block. You actually have several options, depending on the type of phone you are using. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular phones.
Block calls on Android
There is no formula for Android users who want to block calls – it depends on your device and operating system. Not sure where to start? PC Mag has several suggestions :
You should be able to open the Phone app and select recent calls. Tap the number you want to block and find the command that says: block and / or report spam. You will then need to confirm a message asking if you want to block the number.
Lock iPhone
Blocking calls on iPhone is pretty easy. Open your phone app and tap Recents. Find the number you want to block and then click on the small information circle on the right. From there click on “Block this person” and then “Block contact”. That’s all.
Block calls to any phone
The following methods will work no matter what phone you have:
Google voice
One of the best ways to block calls is by using Google Voice . If you don’t have a Google Voice account and live in the United States, you can sign up here . Blocking calls with Google Voice is quite simple: you have the option to send them directly to voicemail, treat all their calls as spam, or block them entirely. This is how blocking works:
- Sign in to your Google Voice account.
- Find the call you want to block (or outgoing voicemail).
- Check the box next to the call or voicemail.
- Click the Advanced link below the challenge.
- Select “Block Caller”.
Disable call
Another option is to simply mute the ringer. While not technically a call blocking method, the result is much the same. Just install a silent ringtone on your phone, then pin it to the numbers you don’t want to answer, and your phone will be silent when they ring.
Contact your carrier
Most operators have a means of blocking calls, even if they don’t realize it. This usually costs money and sometimes falls under the heading of Parental Controls, but it works the same way.
- AT&T uses Smart Controls to get the job done . It’s free for AT&T Mobility customers, and the Plus Call Protect version with extended caller ID and reverse number lookup is available for $ 3.99 per month.
- Verizon offers a free call blocking service for customers that lets you know when an incoming call is likely spam and automatically blocks certain robot calls. There’s also a $ 2.99 a month option that includes a Caller ID and a personal spam list.
- T-Mobile offers customers a free Scam ID and Scam Block feature that not only identifies potential spam numbers, but also gives you the ability to block all possible scam numbers before a call comes in. There is also a $ 4 a month option that provides caller ID for spam calls and sends entire categories of calls straight to your voicemail.
- Sprint users can manage blocked calls in their My Sprint account settings. It also offers a $ 2.99 / month Premium Caller ID app and service that tracks calls from unknown numbers.
If you don’t like your carrier’s options, TrapCall is an inexpensive service that not only blocks calls, but can also expose numbers that appear “blocked” when they call you. It offers some other options like voicemail transcription for an extra charge, but for $ 4.95 a month, you get the basic features you’re looking for.
While there is no obvious one-size-fits-all solution, you have many options for blocking unwanted calls. You just need to find the option that best suits your needs.
This story was originally published in 2013 and was updated on 12/9/19 to provide more complete and up-to-date information.