This article will explain how to block phones numbers on Android and iOS, how to view and manage numbers, and how to hide your number from outgoing calls.
How to Block Cell Phone Numbers from Android or iPhone (iOS).
Many smartphones will block calls from unknown numbers, so you can avoid spam call blocking app and other unwanted calls. You can also block your Caller ID from being displayed on the recipient's phone. Both of these options are available on Android and iOS smartphones.
These features can sometimes be hidden by operating systems deep within the settings. This feature can also be blocked by different carriers, so it is not dependent on the OS.
Every major mobile phone operating system offers a way to block incoming calls.
Apple iOS Phones
Block numbers can be done from the Recents section of your phone, within FaceTime, or within Messages. Blocking numbers from one area will block them all. Each area:
- Tap the iicon beside the phone number (or conversation).
- At the bottom of the Info screen, select Block This Caller.
To view and manage the blocked numbers
- Open Settings.
- Tap Phone
- Tap Call Blocking and Identification.
- Next, select a number to see its details. You can then add or unblock it or block it by scrolling down to the bottom and selecting Block Contact. This will launch your Contacts app, where you can choose whom to block.
Filter your iMessages to exclude people not on your contact list. Once you have filtered at most one message, a new tab will display for Unknown Senders. The messages will still be displayed but not automatically. You won't get any notifications.
To filter iMessages
- Open Settings.
- Tap Messages.
- Scroll down and tap Spam.
- Turn on Filter unknown senders.
Android Phones
There are many phone manufacturers (Samsung and Google, Huawei, Xiaomi and LG) that produce smartphones. The procedure to block a number on Android phones that run the Android operating systems can differ widely. This feature is not available in Android Marshmallow or older versions. You may have to use an app to block the number if you're running an older version of Android Marshmallow.
Check to see if your carrier supports phone blocking
- Open your Phone app.
- Choose the number that you wish to block
- Tap Details on a Samsung smartphone.
- If your carrier supports blocking, you will see a menu item that looks like "Block number", "Reject call", or maybe "Add to blacklist."
You might try the following if you have an Android phone other than a Pixel. After you have found the number that you wish to block in your Phone App:
- Tap the vertical dots menu at the upper right corner.
- Tap Blocked numbers.
- Click on Block to confirm.
You might be able at most to send a voicemail call to voicemail if you don't have the option to block calls.
- Open your Phone app.
- Tap Contacts.
- Tap a name.
- To edit the contact, tap the pencil icon.
- Choose the menu.
- Select All calls to Voicemail
You might need to install an separate app depending on your Android version and carrier. Search for "call blocker" in the Google Play Store. Call Blocker Free and Mr. Number and Safest Call Blocker are some of the most popular apps. Some offer premium versions without ads while others display ads and some are free.
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Blocking your own number's caller ID
You can control the display of your Caller ID on outgoing calls, in addition to calling blocking. This ability can be set up to work as either a permanent or temporary block depending on the call.
You can not block your phone number by calling toll-free (1800 numbers, emergency service (911) numbers).
Call-by-Call Call Block from Caller ID
Simply add the *67 prefix to your cell phone's number. This code is the universal command that will deactivate Caller ID.
*67 5555 5555 would be an example of a blocked call. Caller ID on the receiving end will typically display either "private number" (or "unknown") Although you won't be able to hear or see the caller ID confirmation, it will still work.
Permanent Block from Caller ID
Ask your mobile phone company to block your line permanently suppress your number in outbound caller ID. This change is permanent, and cannot be reversed. Customer service might try to convince you to reconsider. However, it is your decision. Different carriers offer additional blocking options, including the ability to block specific numbers and messages. Although the code used to call your mobile carrier may vary, 611 is generally applicable for cell phone customer support in the United States or Canada.
You can temporarily have your number appear if you have a permanent block in place by dialing *82 prior to the number. would allow your number to be displayed in this instance. Some people will automatically reject calls from blocked Caller ID phones. You would need to permit Caller ID to make the phone call in this case.
Protect your number on Android devices
App Info This feature is available in some Android versions older that Marshmallow.