How to Block a Number on Android

Learn how to block unwanted calls or messages on Android. Android devices offer multiple ways to block a number directly from their native apps. Although the process may vary slightly depending on the brand, the general steps are quite similar. Below, we show you how to block a number on Android. :)

How to Block a Number on Android Phone? (General Method)

Modern Android phones include native options to block the numbers without installing external apps. These methods work on most devices running Android 8 or higher and allow you to block:

• Block unknown numbers
• Block specific numbers (whether saved in your contacts or not)
• Previously registered contacts

Once a number is blocked:

• Calls will go directly to voicemail (or be rejected automatically).
• You will not receive notifications for calls or text messages (SMS) from that number.

☎️ Using the Phone app - Default Dialer

Going through your phone app's settings is the most common and quickest method for blocking phone calls after receiving a nuisance or spam call.

Steps:

1. Open the Phone app (the headset icon).
2. Go to your call history or the Recent tab in your Phone App.
3. Find the number you want to block.
4. Press and hold the number or tap the info icon (or three vertical dots).
5. Select the "Block" or "Block number" option.
6. Confirm the action. You can also check the box to report spam, if applicable.

👥 Using Android Contacts app

If the number you want to block is saved in your contact list, you can do it directly from there.

Steps:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Find and select the contact you want to block.
3. Tap the more options icon (three dots or top menu).
4. Choose the "Block numbers" or "Block contact" option.
5. Confirm that you want to block a call and messages from that contact.

📝 Note: On some devices, the Contacts app is integrated with the default Phone apps, so you will be automatically redirected to the blocking menu.

💬 Blocking Numbers from Messages App

You can also block numbers directly from the Messages app, which is especially useful if you receive spam & unknown messages.

Steps:

1. Open the Messages app (this may be Google Messages or the manufacturer's default app).
2. Open the conversation with the number you want to block.
3. Select the three vertical dots (top right menu).
4. Select "Details" or "Info."
5. Tap "Block number."
6. You can also check the option to report it as spam.
7. Confirm the block.

💡 Additional tip: Some Android devices include a feature to block calls from unknown or private numbers, i.e., those that do not display identification. You can enable this feature from:

• Phone > Settings > Blocked numbers > Block calls from unknown or private numbers

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How to Block a Phone Number on Android Using Google Pixel

Google Pixel is a brand of electronic devices available in the Android version. It offers an integrated blocking process that syncs with your Google account, meaning that blocked numbers will remain blocked even if you switch phones.

☎️ Blocking Calls from Call History on Pixel

This is the most direct method for blocking a number right after receiving or making a call.

Steps:

1. Open the Phone app on your Android Pixel.
2. Go to the Recent or Call History tab.
3. Find the number of the person you want to block.
4. Tap the number or tap the information icon ("i").
5. Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the phone.
6. Select Block number and confirm.

📞 Blocking numbers through the Google Phone app

The Google Phone app also allows you to manage blocks manually, without the number having contacted you first.

Steps:

1. Open the Google Phone app.
2. Tap the three vertical dots (top right).
3. Select "Settings" and "Blocked numbers".
4. Tap "Add a number."
5. Enter the number you want to block and save your changes.

Learn How to Block a Number on Your Samsung Android Phone

Samsung devices use One UI, a customization layer on top of Android, with its own apps such as the Samsung Phone app and the Samsung Messages app.

📞 Using a Samsung's Phone App

Samsung offers a very intuitive system for blocking contacts from your call history.

Steps:

1. Open the Phone app (green handset icon).
2. Go to Recent or Contacts.
3. Choose the number or contact you want to block.
4. Select the more options icon (three vertical dots).
5. Select to Block contact or Block number.
6. Confirm. You can also enable the option to block and report the number as spam, if you wish.

From settings:

• Go to Phone > More options > Settings > Block numbers.
• There you can:

  • View the list of blocked numbers.
  • Add the number manually.
  • Enable blocking of unknown or private numbers.

💬 Using Samsung Messages App

Samsung also allows you to block senders directly from its SMS or MMS app.

Steps:

1. Open the Samsung Messages app.
2. Select the conversation with the unwanted number.
3. Tap More options at the top.
4. Tap "Block contact" or "Block number".
5. Confirm the action.
6. You can also delete the conversation or mark it as spam.

💡Helpful tip for Pixel & Samsung

Review your blocked numbers list to make sure you haven't blocked an important one by accident.

How to Block a Private Number on Android

A private or unknown number could hide its caller ID, so you can't see who's calling. These are often robocalls, phone spam, or people who want to remain anonymous. Fortunately, Android provides diverse options to block these calls automatically. :)

⚙️ Blocking Personal Numbers via Call Settings

Many Android devices allow you to block all calls from hidden or private numbers from the settings menu. Here's how to do it!

On Android devices:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Select the three vertical dots menu in the upper right corner.
3. Select "Settings" or "Configuration."
4. Go to the "Blocked numbers."
5. Or go to the "Call blocking" section.
6. Activate the "Block calls from unknown numbers" or "Block private calls."

📝This option may have different names depending on the brand of your device. On Samsung, for example, it may appear as "Block calls from unidentified numbers." All calls from numbers that hide their ID will be automatically rejected or sent to voicemail.

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📲 Third-party Apps to Block Private Numbers

If your device does not include this feature by default or you want extra protection, you can download reliable third-party apps. These allow you to block all spam and scam calls with more advanced features.

Some recommended apps:

1. Truecaller

   • Detects and blocks spam calls, hidden numbers, and users reported by others.
   • Shows the identity of the caller, even if they are not in your contacts.

2. Hiya

   • Integrates a database of suspicious calls and automatically blocks private or unidentified numbers.
   • Has a clear interface and customization options.

3. Calls Blacklist

   • Lightweight app to block calls and SMS from specific or unknown numbers.
   • You can set up filters for private numbers.

⚠️ Check app permissions and download only from the Google Play Store to avoid security risks :)

How to Permanently Block a Number on Android

Blocking a number permanently means that even if you restart your phone, update the system, or reset your settings, that number will still be unable to contact you. Great for harassment, persistent calls, or unwanted contacts :)

🛠️ Ensuring Numbers Remain Blocked After Updates

Some ways to keep the block active are:

• Use the Google Phone app or the manufacturer's app:

These apps usually store the list of blocked numbers in the cloud or within your Google/Samsung account.

When you change phones or update your Android device, it syncs automatically.

• Sync with your account:

On a Google Pixel - Ensure you are signed in to your Google account and that syncing is enabled.

On Samsung - Enable backup of contacts and settings in your Samsung account.

• Avoid untrusted third-party apps:

Some apps do not retain the list after system updates.

Make a copy of your blocked list.

✅ After a major system update, check the "Blocked numbers" in your Phone app to confirm that the list is still active.

📞 Block Numbers through Mobile Carrier Services

Another powerful option for permanently blocking a number is through your mobile carrier, directly at the network level.

• Call your provider's customer service (Orange, Movistar, Telcel, Free).
• Request the permanent blocking of a specific number.
• Some operators allow you to manage this from their app or web portal (for example, Mi Movistar, Orange et Moi, Mi Telcel).

This has several advantages:

• The blocked number will not be able to contact you on any device with your SIM card, even if you change phones.
• The block is applied before the call reaches your local network.

Additional services:

• Some operators offer customized blacklists, hidden number blocking, and spam filters.

🔒 This option is helpful if the number you want to block is recurring and you want to make sure it never bothers you again, without relying on the operating system.

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How to Unblock a Number on Android

If you've blocked a number by mistake or simply changed your mind, unblocking it on Android is easy. Depending on the app or device you used to block it, the steps vary slightly, but they're all quick to perform.

📞 Unblocking a Number through the Phone App

This is the most common method for reversing the block directly from the history or list of blocked numbers.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three dots right in the upper right corner.
3. Go to Settings > Blocked numbers or Call blocking.
4. You will see a block list of currently blocked numbers.
5. Tap the X icon or the unblock button next to the number you want to unblock.

💬 Unblocking a Number through the Messages App

If you blocked the number from the messaging app (Google Messages or Samsung Messages), you can also reverse the block from there.

In Google Messages:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap the three dots.
3. Go to Spam and Blocked.
4. Find the blocked number or conversation.
5. Press and hold the conversation or tap it to open it.
6. Select "Unblock number" from the top menu.

In Samsung Messages:

1. Open the blocked conversation.
2. Tap the three dots > Unblock contact.

📱 Unblocking a Number on Google Pixel

On Pixel devices, unblocking a number is easy thanks to synchronization with your Google account.

Steps:

1. Open the Google Phone app.
2. Tap the three dots > Settings.
3. Go to Blocked numbers.
4. Find the number you want to unblock.
5. Tap the delete icon X or select "Unblock".

📝 Changes take effect immediately & you can block the number again if you need to.

📱 Unblocking a Number on Samsung Android Phones

Samsung lets you manage blocks from its native calling app.

Steps:

1. Open the Samsung Phone app.
2. Tap More options > Settings.
3. Select Blocked numbers.
4. You will see a list of all the blocked numbers.
5. Tap the delete icon (−) next to the number you want to unblock.

What Happens When You Block a Number on Android

Blocking a person does not remove the number from your contacts, but it does limit how they can communicate with you. Blocking affects both calls and text messages, and in some cases, voicemail.

📵 Calls and SMS from Blocked Numbers

Calls:

• Calls from blocked numbers are automatically rejected.
• On most devices, you will not see notifications that the number tries to call you.
• Some phones show a history of rejected calls (in a separate section or in gray).

Text messages:

• SMS/MMS messages from the blocked number do not reach your inbox.
• You will not receive any notification that the number has written to you.
• The sender will not know that they have been blocked: the messages will appear as sent, but they will never be delivered.

🎙️ Blocked Numbers & Voicemails

This point may vary depending on your mobile operator and device:

• In many cases, even if you block a number, that person can still leave a voice message.
• The message is saved in a separate folder called "Blocked messages", or simply archived without notification.
• Some operators allow you to activate a filter so that blocked numbers cannot even access your mailbox. To do this, you should contact your operator and activate complete blocking.

⚠️ Extra tip: If you don't want anyone to be able to leave you voicemails, check with your mobile carrier to block calls at the network level. :)

If I Block a Number on Android Will They Know

Sometimes, the blocked person will not be notified directly. Android does not send any alerts, messages, & warnings to the contact indicating that they have been blocked. However, depending on the device and mobile carrier, they may be able to suspect it based on certain clues. Possible signs that the blocked contact may notice:

• Calls go directly to voicemail or ring once and then cut off.
• Text messages appear to have been sent but never receive a delivery confirmation (if the device allows it).
• Inability to communicate via built-in apps such as Google Duo or Samsung Messages, if the block extends to all forms of contact.

🛡️ Important: Even if the other person suspects something, there is no official or visible way to know for sure that you have been blocked from Android.

FAQ

How do I unblock a number on my Android phone

You can unblock a number from:

• Phone app: Go to Settings, then to Blocked numbers, and delete the number.
• Messages app: Go to Spam and Blocked, open the conversation, and tap "Unblock."
• Google Pixel: Open the Phone app, go to Settings, then to Blocked numbers, and Tap the "X" to remove it.
• Samsung: Phone, go to Settings, then Block numbers & tap the delete icon.

Can blocked numbers still leave voicemails on Android

It depends on your carrier and device settings. In many cases, they can leave voicemails, but:

• They go to a hidden folder or don't generate notifications.
• They don't appear in your main voicemail list.

Does blocking a caller on Android also block texts

Yes. When you block a number on your Android:

• Calls and SMS/MMS messages are blocked.
• Messages from the contact are not delivered or generate notifications.
• The sender does not receive any notification that they have been blocked.

Is there a limit to how many numbers you can block on Android

There is no known practical limit to blocking numbers on Android. You can block:

• Individual numbers.
• Unknown or private numbers.
• Range of numbers, on some devices or third-party apps.

Considerations:

• The blocking capacity depends more on the device or system version than on a maximum number.
• Some third-party apps such as Truecaller or Hiya allow you to create blacklists with hundreds or thousands of numbers.

Can I see if a blocked number has tried to call me on Android

It depends on your device and app settings:

• On many phones, blocked calls do not appear in the standard history.
• Some devices display a specific section such as: Blocked calls, Rejected, or Spam history.
• In apps such as Truecaller, you can see blocked call attempts with the date and time.
• Samsung and Google Pixel do not show active notifications, but you may be able to see the attempts by manually accessing the filtered call log.