In an age of spam calls and unwanted communication, knowing how to block numbers on Android devices can be a great relief. Let’s delve into the various methods that can be used to stop these calls in their tracks, whether you’re using a Samsung phone, a Pixel, or any other Android device.

Navigating Through Unfamiliar Calls

Every now and then, we all receive calls from numbers that aren’t saved in our contacts. These could be spam calls that slipped through the cracks, charities seeking donations, or legitimate calls from institutions like doctor’s offices. Here’s what you can do to screen these calls on different Android phones.

Google’s Pixel Method

On Pixel phones, if a call comes from an unsaved number that isn’t recognized as spam, a pop-up will appear giving you the option to decline, screen, or answer the call. If you decline, the call goes to voicemail. If you choose to screen it, you’ll see the caller’s words transcribed in real-time on your screen, allowing you to decide whether to answer, refuse, or send an automated message. If you want to block the number, you can do so after the call.

Samsung’s Smart Call Feature

Samsung phones come equipped with a feature known as Smart Call, which provides basic spam identification in its phone application. To activate it, open the phone app, tap the three dots at the top right of the screen, then select Settings > Caller ID and spam protection. From here, you can turn on the feature and enable spam call blocking for unknown numbers. You have the option to block all spam and scam calls or only high-risk spam calls.

How to Block a Call on Android Devices

It’s simple to block a call after you’ve hung up, regardless of the Android device you’re using.

Blocking Calls on Pixel Phones

To block a call on a Pixel phone, follow these steps:

1. Open your Phone or Contacts app.
2. Search for the person (or number) you want to block. If it’s a recent call, you can find the number under the Recents tab in the Phone app.
3. On the person’s page, long-press on the phone number.
4. If you’re using your Contacts app, select Block number. If you’re in the Phone app, select Block / report spam. You’ll be warned that you’ll no longer receive calls or texts from this number. If you wish, you can also report it as spam.
5. Once you’re ready, select Block.

Blocking Calls on Samsung Phones

The process on a Samsung phone is quite similar:

1. Open your Phone or Contacts app.
2. Search for the person (or number) you want to block. If it’s a recent call, you can find it under the Recents tab in your Phone app.
3. Long-press the phone number and tap Block number.
4. In the Recents tab in your Phone app, tap the number, then tap the information icon to expand the entry. You’ll see separate options to block and report the number.

Remember, if the caller is persistent, they might simply find another number to call you from. But with any luck, they’ll get tired of being blocked and leave you alone.

Screening Calls from Unknown Numbers

Sometimes, we receive calls from numbers that aren’t recognized as spam but are still unfamiliar. Is it a spam call that slipped through the net? A charity asking for donations? Or a call from your doctor’s office? Android phones have ways to deal with such calls.

Screening Calls on Pixel Phones

If you receive a call from an unknown number on a Pixel phone, you can opt to screen it. Here’s how:

1. When the call comes in, a pop-up will appear giving you the choice to decline, screen, or answer the call.
2. If you choose to screen the call, the caller’s words will be transcribed in text on your display. From here, you can decide whether to answer the call, refuse it, or send an automatic message.
3. If you want to block the number, you can do so after the call.

Screening Calls on Samsung Phones

Samsung phones have a feature called Smart Call for dealing with unknown numbers. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the phone app and tap the three dots in the upper right of the screen.
2. Tap Settings > Caller ID and spam protection to toggle the feature on.
3. You can enable spam and spam call blocking for callers not in your contacts. There are two options: block all spam and scam calls or only high-risk spam calls.

While Samsung doesn’t currently offer a call screening feature, it might be coming soon.

Blocking a Call After Hanging Up

If you want to block a call after the conversation has ended, here’s how to do it on different Android phones.

Blocking Calls on Pixel Phones

To block a call on a Pixel phone:

1. Go to your Phone or Contacts app.
2. Search for the person you want to block. If it was a recent call from a stranger, you can find it under the Recents tab in your Phone app.
3. On that person’s page, long-press on the phone number.
4. If you’re in the Contacts app, select Block number. If you’re in the Phone app, select Block / report spam. You’ll be warned that you won’t receive calls or texts from this number anymore. If you want, check the box to report it as spam.
5. Finally, select Block.

Blocking Calls on Samsung Phones

The process is similar on a Samsung phone:

1. Go to your Phone or Contacts app.
2. Search for the person you want to block. If it was a recent call from a stranger, you can find it under the Recents tab in your Phone app.
3. From the Contacts tab of the Phone app, or in the Contacts app itself, long-press the phone number and tap Block number.
4. In the Recents tab in your Phone app, tap the number, then tap the information icon to expand the entry. You’ll see separate options at the bottom of the screen to block and report the number.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you should no longer receive calls from that number. Of course, if the caller is persistent, they may find another number to call you from. However, they will hopefully get tired of being blocked and stop calling.

Blocking Contacts in the Contacts App

Both Samsung and Pixel phones allow you to block contacts directly from the Contacts app.

Blocking Contacts on Pixel Phones

To block a contact on a Pixel phone:

1. Open the Contacts app and tap the contact you wish to block.
2. Tap More and then Block contact.
3. Tap Block to confirm.

Please note that even if you block a contact, they will still appear in your Contacts list.

Blocking Contacts on Samsung Phones

To block a contact on a Samsung phone:

1. Navigate to and open the Contacts app, then tap the contact you wish to block.
2. Tap More, then tap Block contact.
3. Tap Block to confirm.

Again, it’s important to note that even if you block a contact, they will still appear in your Contacts list.

Blocking Numbers from the Phone App

You can also manually add a number to your Block list using the Phone app.

Blocking Numbers on Pixel Phones

To block a number on a Pixel phone:

1. Navigate to and open the Phone app.
2. Tap More options (the three vertical dots), then tap Settings.
3. Tap Block numbers.
4. Tap Add phone number, then enter the phone number you want to block.
5. Tap the Add icon (the plus sign) to add the contact to your Block list.

Alternatively, you can block numbers from your call log. Navigate to the Recents tab in the Phone app, tap the phone number you want to block, tap Details, then tap Block.

Blocking Numbers on Samsung Phones

To block a number on a Samsung phone:

1. Navigate to and open the Phone app.
2. Tap More options (the three vertical dots), then tap Settings.
3. Tap Block numbers.
4. Tap Add phone number, then enter the phone number you want to block.
5. Tap the Add icon (the plus sign) to add the contact to your Block list.

You can also block numbers from your call log. Navigate to the Recents tab in the Phone app, tap the phone number you want to block, tap Details, then tap Block.

Blocking Contacts from the Messages App

If you’ve received a spam text message, you can block the sender using the Messages app.

Blocking Contacts on Pixel Phones

To block a contact on a Pixel phone:

1. Open the Messages app and navigate to a conversation with the contact you want to block.
2. Tap the contact’s name or number at the top of the screen, then tap Block & report spam.
3. Tap Block to confirm.

Blocking Contacts on Samsung Phones

To block a contact on a Samsung phone:

1. Open the Messages app and navigate to a conversation with the contact you want to block.
2. Tap the contact’s name or number at the top of the screen, then tap Block number.
3. Tap Block to confirm.

Viewing Blocked Numbers and Messages

You can easily view all of the numbers and messages you’ve blocked.

Viewing Blocked Numbers on Pixel Phones

To view blocked numbers on a Pixel phone:

1. Navigate to and open the Phone app.
2. Tap More options (the three vertical dots), then tap Settings.
3. Tap Blocked numbers.

You’ll now see a list of all the numbers you’ve blocked.

Viewing Blocked Numbers on Samsung Phones

To view blocked numbers on a Samsung phone:

1. Navigate to and open the Phone app.
2. Tap More options (the three vertical dots), then tap Settings.
3. Tap Block numbers.

You’ll now see a list of all the numbers you’ve blocked.

Unblocking Numbers or Contacts

If you change your mind and want to unblock a number or contact, you can do so easily.

Unblocking Numbers on Pixel Phones

To unblock a number on a Pixel phone:

1. Navigate to and open the Phone app.
2. Tap More options (the three vertical dots), then tap Settings.
3. Tap Blocked numbers.
4. Next to the number you want to unblock, tap X.

The number will now be unblocked.

Unblocking Numbers on Samsung Phones

To unblock a number on a Samsung phone:

1. Navigate to and open the Phone app.
2. Tap More options (the three vertical dots), then tap Settings.
3. Tap Block numbers.
4. Next to the number you want to unblock, tap the Delete icon.

The number will now be unblocked.

Blocking Spam Calls with Smart Call

The Smart Call feature on Samsung phones allows you to block unknown numbers that aren’t in your Contacts list. Once Smart Call is activated, you won’t be bothered by spam calls or other unwanted calls.

To activate Smart Call:

1. Navigate to and open the Phone app.
2. Tap More options (the three vertical dots), then tap Settings.
3. Tap Caller ID and spam protection, then tap the switch to turn it on.

When your phone rings, the Block number and Report number options will appear at the bottom of the screen. Tap one of these options if you don’t want to be contacted by that caller again.

Types of Calls You Can Block

Spam Calls

These are unsolicited calls that typically aim to sell something you don’t need. Your Android phone can identify and block these calls, reducing unwanted interruptions.

Scam Calls

Scam calls attempt to trick you into giving out personal information or money. Blocking these can protect you from potential fraud and identity theft.

Robocalls

Robocalls are automated calls delivering pre-recorded messages. They can be legitimate (like appointment reminders) or spam. You can block unwanted robocalls for peace.

Telemarketing Calls

These calls are from companies trying to market their products or services. If you’re not interested, you can block these calls to avoid sales pitches.

Private or Unknown Numbers

Calls from numbers that withhold their caller ID fall into this category. You can choose to block all unknown numbers to ensure only known contacts can reach you.

International Calls

If you receive unwanted calls from outside your country, you can block international numbers. This is useful if you don’t have contacts abroad or if you’re receiving international spam calls.

Specific Numbers

You can block specific numbers that you identify as unwanted. This includes numbers from known individuals or businesses that you no longer wish to be contacted by.

By understanding and utilizing these blocking features, you can tailor your Android phone’s settings to suit your preferences, ensuring a more peaceful and interruption-free experience.

How to Unblock a Number

Unblocking a number on your Android device is straightforward. If you’ve changed your mind about a blocked number or did so accidentally, follow these detailed steps to restore communication.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unblock a Number

1. Open the Phone App: Start by opening the Phone app on your Android device. This app is usually found on your home screen or in the app drawer.
2. Access Your Settings: Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the Phone app to access the menu. From here, select “Settings.” The exact wording may vary depending on your device and Android version.
3. Find the Block List: In the Settings menu, look for an option labeled “Blocked numbers,” “Call blocking,” or something similar. Tap on it to view a list of all the numbers you’ve blocked.
4. Select the Number to Unblock: Browse the list of blocked numbers until you find the one you wish to unblock. The numbers are usually displayed without names, so you may need to recognize the number itself.
5. Unblock the Number: Next to the number you want to unblock, there should be an option to “Unblock,” “Remove from block list,” or a minus sign. Tap on it. Some devices may ask for confirmation. If prompted, confirm that you want to unblock the number.
6. Confirmation: Once a number is unblocked, it will be removed from the blocked numbers list. You should now be able to receive calls and messages from this number again.

Additional Tips

• Review Your Blocked List Regularly: It’s a good practice to review your blocked numbers list periodically. This ensures that you don’t inadvertently miss important calls or messages.
• Blocking and Unblocking Through Contacts: If the number you wish to unblock is saved as a contact, you can also unblock it directly from your Contacts app. Find the contact, tap on it, and look for the option to unblock.
• Restart Your Phone: If you’re having trouble unblocking a number or if the changes don’t seem to take effect, try restarting your phone. This can help refresh your phone’s system and apply the changes.
• Check Carrier Settings: Some carriers offer additional blocking services through their apps or websites. If you’ve used such a service to block a number, you’ll also need to use it to unblock the number.

By following these steps, you can easily manage your block list and ensure that you’re only blocking the numbers you truly wish to avoid. Unblocking a number allows for open lines of communication, so it’s important to know how to perform this action should the need arise.

Conclusion

Knowing how to block numbers on Android devices can bring peace of mind in today’s world of spam calls and unwanted communication. Whether you’re using a Samsung phone, a Pixel, or any other Android device, the methods outlined in this article should help you block unwanted calls with ease.

FAQ: Blocking Numbers on Android Devices

How do I permanently block a number on Android?

1. Open your Phone app.
2. Tap on ‘Recent Calls’ or ‘Call History’.
3. Select the number you want to block.
4. Tap on “Block” or “Report as spam”.

How do I block a contact on my Android phone?

1. Go to your Contacts app.
2. Find and select the contact to block.
3. Tap on ‘More’ or the three dots.
4. Choose ‘Block contact’.

How do I block a number on my Samsung phone?

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to ‘Recent Calls’ or ‘Log’.
3. Tap on the number and select ‘Details’.
4. Choose ‘Block number’.

How do I block my number when calling from my Android phone?

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to ‘Settings’ or the three dots.
3. Look for ‘Call settings’ and then ‘Additional settings’.
4. Tap on ‘Caller ID’.
5. Select ‘Hide number’.

How do you permanently block a number from calling you?

Follow the steps for blocking a number on Android or Samsung. These steps will stop that number from calling you permanently.

How can I permanently block a phone number?

Use the method described for your Android or Samsung device. This will block the number permanently.

How do I block calls and texts on my Android phone?

1. Open the Phone app for calls, Messages app for texts.
2. Find the number or contact to block.
3. Tap on ‘Block’ or ‘Block contact’.

Does *67 work on Android?

Yes, *67 works on Android. Dial *67 before the number you are calling to hide your caller ID.

How do I block *67 calls on Android?

Blocking anonymous calls (*67) varies by phone and carrier:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to ‘Settings’ or the three dots.
3. Look for an option like ‘Block unknown callers’ and toggle it on.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Hassan OUAJBIR; Unsplash – Thank you!