How to block a number on Android
How to stop spam texts and calls from bothering you
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Whether it’s an acquaintance you’d rather not hear from, or a pushy telemarketer, knowing how to block a number on an Android phone is pretty useful.
The ability to block a number is not reserved just for thebest phonesbuilt onGoogle’s Androidoperating system, it’s a standard feature on practically all devices nowadays. Still, if you’re unsure how to do it, or if you’ve just moved from anApplesmartphone and looking to pick up on the basics, we’ve got you covered.
The first thing to know is that there are two ways of blocking a number both from texting or calling you. This depends if you have that number saved in Contacts or not. We’ll go through both options, so you’ll have all the bases covered. Also, bear in mind that different Android phones tend to have different UIs. They might not be drastically different but just keep that in mind if the images down below don’t look 100% the same as the ones on your phone.
Not an Android user? We’ve also put together a guide onhow to block a number on an iPhone.
Steps for how to block a number on Android
Step-by-step guide: Blocking the number from Contacts
1. Go to Contacts in your Phone app
From your home screen,find and open your Phone app.The location of this will vary depending on which Android phone you’re using but should be fairly easy to find.
Once you’re in the app,tap Contactsto see your full list of saved numbers.
2. Open the Contact card
Scroll or search through your contactsto find the saved number you want to block and thentap the contactto open up their contact card.
3. Block the number
Tap the three dots (or the encircled ‘i’ button on some devices), which will bring up a list of options. From this menu,tap ‘Block numbers’.
A boxout will then appear offering you the option to’Report as spam' with a checkbox, which you can select if you feel it necessary. Finally,tap the block buttonto add this number to your block list.
Step-by-step guide: Blocking the number from recent calls
1. Go to Recents in your Phone app
From your home screen,find and open your Phone app.The location of this will vary depending on which Android phone you’re using but should be fairly easy to find.
Once you’re in the app,tap ‘Recents’ to pull up your call log.
2. Open the quick actions menu
Find the numberyou want to block from calling and texting you, and thenlong-press this number.This will pull up a menu with various actions.
On Samsung devices, you’ll instead want totap the numberand thentap the encircled ‘i’ symbol.
From this menu you’ll see an option to’Block/report spam' – tap this. On non-Samsung Android devices, a boxout will pop up, from which you can opt toreport the call as spam, by checking the box. Tap Blockand the number will now be on your phone’s block list.
FAQs
How do I unblock a blocked Contact or number?
In case you change your mind and want to revert and unblock a contact or a number, all you have to do isopen the settingsin your phone app,tap blocked numbers or block numbers, and just pick the details of the person you want to unblock.
Final thoughts
Blocking numbers might seem like an asocial thing to do, but sometimes, it’s the only option to get some peace of mind.
Whether it’s an aggressive former love interest or a person selling you frying pans for the Nth time, having the ability to block a number comes quite handy from time to time.
Apple users interested in Android might find the guide useful, too. In that case, you might also want to consider our guide on how toswitch from iPhone to Androidand transfer contact details.
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As we’ve explained in the guide above, the process is simple and straightforward, and should you ever change your mind, unblocking a number is just as easy.
Josephine Watson (@JosieWatson) is TechRadar’s Managing Editor - Lifestyle. Josephine is an award-winning journalist (PPA 30 under 30 2024), having previously written on a variety of topics, from pop culture to gaming and even the energy industry, joining TechRadar to support general site management. She is a smart home nerd, champion of TechRadar’s sustainability efforts as well and an advocate for internet safety and education. She has used her position to fight for progressive approaches towards diversity and inclusion, mental health, and neurodiversity in corporate settings. Generally, you’ll find her fiddling with her smart home setup, watching Disney movies, playing on her Switch, or rewatching the extended edition of Lord of the Rings… again.
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