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Whether it’s your annoying ex, a persistent telemarketer or someone else you’d rather not hear from, there are probably a few phone numbers you’d like to block. You actually have a number of options here, depending on the type of phone you’re using. Let’s take a look at what some of the more popular phones have built in.


Block calls on Android

There’s not a formula for Android users who want to block calls—it depends on your device and operating system. Not sure where to start? PC Mag has some suggestions:

You should be able to open the Phone app and select recent calls. Tap the number you want to block and find the command that says block and/or report as spam. You will then have to confirm the message asking if you want to block the number.


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Block an iPhone

Blocking calls on an iPhone is pretty straightforward. Open the phone app, then tap “recents.” Find the number you want to block and then tap the little “info” circle on the right. From there, tap “Block this Caller” and then “Block Contact.” That’s it.

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Block calls on any phone

The following methods will work no matter what phone you have:

Google Voice

One of the best ways to block calls is to use Google Voice. If you don’t have a Google Voice account and you live in the US, you can sign up here. Blocking calls with Google Voice is pretty simple: you have the option of sending them directly to voicemail, treating all their calls as spam, or blocking them entirely. Here’s how blocking works:

Log in to your Google Voice account. Find the call you want to block (or the voicemail that resulted from it). Select the checkbox next to the call or voicemail. Click the “more” link underneath the call. Select “Block Caller.”


Silence the call

Another option is to just silence the call. While it isn’t technically a call-blocking method, the result is pretty much the same. Just install a silent ringtone on your phone, then attach it to numbers you don’t want to answer and your phone will stay silent when they call.


Contact your carrier

Most carriers have a means of blocking calls even if they don’t realize it. It usually costs money and it sometimes falls under the header of Parental Controls but it works just the same.



If you don’t like your carrier options, TrapCall is an inexpensive service that’ll not only block calls, but can even unmask numbers that appear as “blocked” when they call you. It offers some other options, such as voicemail transcription at an additional cost, but $4.95 a month will get you the basic features you’re looking for.


While there’s no obvious one-size-fits-all solution, you’ve got plenty of options for blocking unwanted calls. You just have to find the option that best fits your needs.

This story was originally published in 2013 and was updated on 12/9/19 to provide more thorough and current information.