Whether it’s your annoying ex, a persistent telemarketer or someone else you’d rather not hear from, there are probably a few phone numbers you’d like to block. You actually have a number of options here, depending on the type of phone you’re using. Let’s take a look at what some of the more popular phones have built in.
Block calls on Android
There’s not a 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 some 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 as spam. You will then have to confirm the message asking if you want to block the number.
Block an iPhone
Blocking calls on an iPhone is pretty straightforward. Open the phone app, then tap “recents.” Find the number you want to block and then tap the little “info” circle on the right. From there, tap “Block this Caller” and then “Block Contact.” That’s it.
Block calls on any phone
The following methods will work no matter what phone you have:
Google Voice
One of the best ways to block calls is to use Google Voice. If you don’t have a Google Voice account and you live in the US, you can sign up here. Blocking calls with Google Voice is pretty simple: you have the option of sending them directly to voicemail, treating all their calls as spam, or blocking them entirely. Here’s how blocking works:
Log in to your Google Voice account.
Find the call you want to block (or the voicemail that resulted from it).
Select the checkbox next to the call or voicemail.
Click the “more” link underneath the call.
Select “Block Caller.”
Silence the call
Another option is to just silence the call. While it isn’t technically a call-blocking method, the result is pretty much the same. Just install a silent ringtone on your phone, then attach it to numbers you don’t want to answer and your phone will stay silent when they call.
Contact your carrier
Most carriers have a means of blocking calls even if they don’t realize it. It usually costs money and it sometimes falls under the header of Parental Controls but it works just the same.
AT&T uses a feature called Smart Controls to get the job done. It’s free for AT&T Mobility customers, while a Plus version of Call Protect with enhanced caller ID and reverse number lookup is available for $3.99 a month.
Verizon has a free call blocking service for customers that lets you know when an incoming call is probably spam and automatically blocks certain robocalls. There’s also an option that’s $2.99 per month, which features caller ID and a personal spam list.
T-Mobile offers customers Scam ID and Scam Block features for free, which not only identifies potential spam numbers, but also gives you the option to block all possible scam numbers before the call even comes in. There’s also a $4/month option which provides caller ID for the spam calls and will send entire categories of calls directly to your voicemail.
Sprint users can manage blocked calls from their My Sprint account settings. It also offers a Premium Caller ID app and service for $2.99 a month that screens calls from unknown numbers.
If you don’t like your carrier options, TrapCall is an inexpensive service that’ll not only block calls, but can even unmask numbers that appear as “blocked” when they call you. It offers some other options, such as voicemail transcription at an additional cost, but $4.95 a month will get you the basic features you’re looking for.
While there’s no obvious one-size-fits-all solution, you’ve got plenty of options for blocking unwanted calls. You just have to find the option that best fits your needs.
This story was originally published in 2013 and was updated on 12/9/19 to provide more thorough and current information.