Knowing how to block a number on Android can save you from the hassle of picking up unwanted phone calls. Whether it’s annoying telemarketers or malicious scammers, you can block these calls for good.
By blocking a number on your Android, you won’t receive calls or texts from these numbers again. What’s more, some Android phones will filter spam calls and identify spam numbers for you. No matter the brand, however, there are plenty of ways to prevent the headache of answering a near-endless stream of annoying calls.
Wondering how to block a number on Android? We’ve got you covered below.
How to block a number on Android
Android phones from different brands, from Samsung to Google, may have slightly different methods and features to block a phone number. That said, you can always block a number in the Phone app, and you can also download third-party apps to detect and avoid robocalls automatically.
Turn on Unkown to block calls
- On your Android, go to the Phone app.
- Tap the three vertical dots located in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Blocked numbers.
- Toggle the switch next to Unknown to block calls from unidentified callers.
In this menu, you can also add specific numbers you don’t want to hear from again. You won’t receive calls or texts from the numbers added to this list. Simply tap Add a number and enter the phone number you wish to block. Quick tip: you can copy a number by tapping and holding it and then copy the number.
It’s important to note that this will block calls from private or unidentified numbers, but you can still receive calls from numbers that aren’t in your list of contacts.
Block a number directly
- On your Android, go to the Phone app.
- Tap the three vertical dots located in the top-right corner.
- Select Call history.
- Tap and hold the phone number your wish to block.
- Select Block/report spam.
- Press Block.
You can also do this by heading to the Contacts tab, selecting the contact you want to block, tapping the three vertical dots and selecting Block numbers.
Use a third-party app
There are several apps on the Google Play Store that will be able to block spam call IDs, stop robocalls and even let you see who’s calling to determine if it’s a spam call or not. A few notable picks include TrueCaller, RoboKiller and Hiya. However, some of the best antivirus software for Android provides spam blocking, such as Avast for Android (check out our thoughts on this antivirus with our Avast One review).
- On your iPhone, go to the Play Store and download your chosen app to block calls.
- In your chosen app, set the app as your default call ID and spam app.
- Give permission for the app to access what is needed and follow the instructions to set it up.
This will allow your Android phone to block robocalls and spammers, along with identifying phone calls to determine if it’s from a verified number or just spam calls.
Get rid of spam
Spam is one of the many ways hackers can sneakily steal your personal data or banking information, and they don’t just operate through phone calls. Whether it’s through emails or text messages, spammers can send a malicious link or attachment that can lead to you mistakenly downloading malware, ransomware, adware and more.
Emails are one of the most-used forms of sending endless amounts of spam. The good news is there are plenty of ways to block spam emails, too.
