There are times when we simply want to block a number from calling us. Maybe due to abuse, or spam / telemarketing calls, an ex, or someone we have fallen out with, whatever the reason, we just want to stop these annoying calls.
In principle there are 3 main ways you can block calls from certain phone numbers; (1) block them on your phone, (2) use an app or (3) report them and have them blocked across the board.
Block Number on Android
You should be able to open the Phone app and select recent calls or call history. Tap the number you want to block and find the command that says block and/or report as spam. You then confirm the order to block the number. However, these instructions may vary depending on your phone manufacturer, so check with them, if these are different.
Some Android devices also allow you to block all unknown callers. While the process varies among different devices, you typically open the Phone app and go to the settings menu. Find the option for blocking numbers and activate the feature. You can also manually add phone numbers that you want blocked.
Block Number on IOS
Open the Phone app and tap Recents. Tap the Info icon next to the number you want to block and choose Block this Caller > Block Contact.
With iOS 13 or higher installed on your iPhone. You can add an additional feature to automatically silences all calls from numbers that are not in your contacts. Calls are sent to voicemail and appear on your Recents lists so you can return the call if it’s legitimate. Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and turn on the switch for Silence Unknown Callers.
Block Numbers with an App
If you are finding yourself deluged with unwanted calls, it may be your phone number has been hacked and time to get a new number or start using a Virtual Phone Number instead. However, if you need to start blocking multiple numbers, then maybe an app will be your salvation. There are several apps available for you to choose from:
Hiya – warns you of robocalls and scam calls based on a database of known scammers. The app tackles phone calls associated with fraud and illegal activities as well as those connected with telemarketers.
RoboKiller – not only blocks spam calls but has a bit more fun by automatically answering spam calls with prerecorded nonsense designed to frustrate them and waste their time. You can also create your own bot responses.
YouMail – offers robocall blocking with visual voicemail so you can easily view any blocked calls for which the caller left a message.
Do Not Call List
Finally, you can register the number on a Do Not Call List, these will vary county by country, but in principle are there to put your own number on the list so that telemarketers don’t call you. In some cases, you can report abuse and have a third-party number blocked.
For UK – Telephone Preference Service
For USA – National Do Not Call Registry
