We’ve all been glad to have the option to block numbers from time to time. it seems all too easy for companies to get a hold of your number these days, while there definitely might be some people you want to avoid.
The good news is it’s relatively easy to block number, particularly if they’ve just tried to call you.
It’s also worth UK users can take advantage of the Telephone Preference Service, which allows the registering of mobile numbers and does its best to block nuisance calls, but it can’t block text messages. There’s also a much easier way to block a phone number on Android – three, in fact, as we outline below.
Block a number that has just called you
Whether you answered the call or ignored it, all calls are registered in the Recent tab of Android’s Phone app. Launch the app and find the unwanted number.
Tap and hold the phone number to bring up a pop-up menu.
Choose Block/report spam.
Android will check you really want to do that, so if you’re sure tap Block. You’ll notice that by default the option to ‘Report call as spam’ is checked, but if it’s just someone who is annoying you (like a persistent ex) it’s probably best not to report them as spam.
Once you have blocked a number it will appear in your blocked numbers list, accessible by tapping the three dots at the top right of the Phone screen and choosing Settings > Blocked numbers.
It’s a similar process on Samsung phones, although you will have to tap the call and then an ‘i’ button before the block option appears. This is part of One UI’s emphasis on all your interactions being in the bottom half of the screen.
Block a number that has not recently called you
You can block a phone number in Android at any time, you needn’t wait for it to call you.
Launch the Phone app and tap the three dots at the top right of the screen.
Choose Settings, then on the next screen tap Blocked numbers. This is simply phrased as ‘Block numbers’ on Samsung devices/
You’ll be offered a link to ‘Add a number’ so tap this, then in the pop-up enter the phone number and choose Block.
You might also like to know how to stop notifications from appearing on your Android lock screen.
Use a third-party app to block phone numbers
If you’re running a custom version of Android that does not feature the same call-blocking options, you can use an app such as TrueCaller to block unwanted calls. Not only does it filter out unwanted calls and texts, allowing you to block a number by name and series, but can identify whoever is calling you (even unknown numbers) and allow you to record the call. The free version of the app contains ads.
If you have an Apple smartphone, here’s How to block a number on an iPhone.
Author: Marie Black, Editorial Director
Marie is Editorial Director at Foundry. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she's worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our EMEA and LatAm editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry's transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.