How to Block Someone’s Number on Your Cell Phone

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Put an end to annoying calls on your smartphone
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Telemarketers, political campaigns, and other unwelcome callers can disrupt you with ill-timed calls. If you want to get rid of their phone calls altogether, there are several ways you can set up your phone to deny the call. Your options will differ depending on your handset, wireless provider, and application preferences. This wikiHow article teaches you how to block a number on your cell phone, with tips from IT expert Mitch Harris.

Block a Number on a Cell Phone

  • iPhone: Open the Phone app and tap Recents . Tap the info icon ("i") next to a number. Scroll down and tap Block Caller .
  • Android: Open the phone app and tap the icon with three dots ( â‹® ). Tap Call history and tap a number you want to block. Tap Block/report spam .
  • Samsung Galaxy: Open the phone app and tap the icon with three dots ( â‹® ). Tap Settings and tap Block number . Enter a phone number and tap the plus ( + ) icon.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Blocking Numbers on a Smartphone

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  1. According to Harris, it's fairly simple to block a number on your iPhone. You simply need to add numbers to a block list through the phone app. Use the following steps to do so: [1]
    • Open the Phone app.
    • Tap Recent , Contacts , or Voicemail .
    • Tap the info icon with an "i" next to the number you want to block.
    • Scroll down and tap Block Caller .
  2. Harris explains that if you have a stock Android device, such as a Google Pixel, you can block numbers using the Google Phone app. Use the following steps to do so: [2]
    • Open the Phone app.
    • Tap the icon with three dots ( â‹® ) in the upper-right corner.
    • Tap Call history .
    • Tap a number you want to block.
    • Tap Block/report spam .
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  3. If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, you can block calls using the Phone app. Use the following steps to do so: [3]
    • Open the Phone app.
    • Tap the icon with three dots ( â‹® ) in the upper-right corner.
    • Tap Settings .
    • Tap Block numbers .
    • Enter a phone number and tap the plus ( + ) icon.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Going Through Your Provider

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  1. If AT&T is your provider, you can use an app called ActiveArmor to block numbers. You can create a personal list of blocked numbers using the free version of the app, or you can get the Advanced plan for 3.99 a month. Use the following steps to block a number using ActiveArmor: [4]
    • Open the ActiveArmor app and go through the setup prompts if it's your first time.
    • Tap Calls & Texts
    • Tap Block Caller .
    • Tap Call log , Contacts , or Number .
    • Follow the prompts to block a caller. [5]
  2. Verizon allows you to temporarily block numbers for up to 90 days for free. You can permanently block up to 20 numbers using the Verizon Family app. Use the following steps to block a number using the Verizon:
    • Using the My Verizon app: [6]
      • Open the My Verizon app.
      • Tap the Account tab at the bottom.
      • Tap Manage or Manage devices below a number.
      • Tap Block calls & messages .
      • Enter the 10-digit number you want to block.
      • Tap Block Number .
    • Using the Verizon Family app: [7]
      • Sign up for Verizon Family here .
      • Download and install the Verizon Family app and set it up.
      • Open the app and tap the Family Profiles tab.
      • Tap Manage contacts .
      • Tap Add new blocked number .
      • Enter the 10-digit number.
      • Tap Save .
  3. T-Mobile does not have a specific feature that allows you to block numbers. However, if you call customer service and request to speak to a representative, they may be able to block numbers for you depending on your plan and phone type. [8]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Other Means

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  1. You can use star codes to enable and disable certain features on both landline and cellular phones. You can also use it to block calls and numbers. Some star codes may not be available in certain areas or with certain carriers. [9]
    • Dial *60 and hit the call button. Then, follow the instructions to either block the most recent call or a specific number.
    • Dial *77 and hit the call button to block anonymous calls.
  2. If you're interested in blocking calls from salespeople and other spam calls, register for the National Do Not Call List. Registering is fairly simple. You just enter your number and e-mail. You should get an e-mail within 72 hours with instructions on how to complete your registration. [10]
  3. In addition to blocking specific numbers through your phone or mobile service provider, you can also block calls from numbers marked as scam or likely scam calls through your provider.
    • AT&T Wireless: In addition to blocking specific numbers, AT&T Wireless customers can also use the ActiveArmor app to block spam and scam calls.
    • Verizon: Verizon has a service called Call Filter, which you can use to block scam and spam calls. The service is free, but Call Filter Plus costs $3.99 a month and has more features. [11]
    • T-Mobile: T-Mobile has a service called Scam Shield that costs $4 a month. With a subscription, you can block scam and spam calls using the Scam Shield app or the T-Life app on your mobile device. [12]
  4. If you want to block certain numbers from multiple phones and electronic devices, consider getting a Google Voice account. A Google Voice account will keep all your numbers and contacts in one account. You can easily block numbers through Google Voice.
    • You can sign up for Google Voice for free if you live in the US. Log into your Google Voice account and find the number you want to block. [13]
    • Select the check box next to the number. Hit "block." This will block this person from contacting you on any phone or electronic device hooked up to your Google Voice account. [14]
  5. Not all Android phones have specific tech you can use to block calls. However, Android offers many free or cheap apps that can be used to block numbers. [15]
    • CallApp is a free app that comes with caller ID and allows you to block calls.
    • Truecaller is an app that can detect and weed out spam calls. It also allows you to block specific numbers.
    • There are many free apps on the app store that can be used to block calls. Browse apps and read reviews to find an app that works for your needs.
  6. Your service provider can block calls from reaching your number. Dial 611 to contact your cellular service provider. Ask them to block a number on your account.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I block texts and calls on my child's phone?
    Community Answer
    Contact your provider/online account to get the steps and codes to place parental blocks on specific numbers, messages and so on.
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  • Question
    How do I block a call on flip phone?
    Community Answer
    If the phone doesn't have a call blocking option built in, you can typically block the number on your provider's website. Verizon, for example, allows you to add 5 numbers through their web page that will then be blocked.
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  • Question
    How do I block and text messages on a flip-phone?
    Community Answer
    Go to your call history, select the number you want to block, then select Block Contact or Block Caller.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/block-or-avoid-unwanted-calls-iphe4b3f7823/ios
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/phoneapp/answer/6325463
      3. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/africa_en/support/mobile-devices/how-to-block-certain-incoming-calls-on-your-galaxy-phone/
      4. ↑ https://www.att.com/security/security-apps/
      5. ↑ https://www.att.com/device-support/article/wireless/000092356/Apple/iPhone11ProMax
      6. ↑ https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-211870/
      7. ↑ https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-152722/
      8. ↑ https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/block-unwanted-calls
      9. ↑ https://www.att.com/support/article/local-long-distance/KM1010653/
      1. ↑ https://www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx
      2. ↑ https://www.verizon.com/solutions-and-services/add-ons/protection-and-security/call-filter/
      3. ↑ https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits/scam-shield
      4. ↑ https://support.google.com/voice/answer/115061
      5. ↑ https://support.google.com/voice/answer/115089
      6. ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/block-robocalls-and-spam-calls

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you need to block a number on a cell phone, you may be able to do so through your system setting. If you have an iPhone, tap the small “i” icon next to the number in your contact list, then scroll to the bottom of the screen and click “Block this Caller.” If you have a newer Android model, go to your Settings, then Call, then Call Rejection. You can then enter the number you want to block. If that doesn’t work, you might need to contact your mobile provider. For tips on using an app to block certain numbers, keep reading!

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