How to Block a Number on Android Phones

August 3, 2019

If you’ve received aggravating phone calls from restricted numbers—private callers who have “hidden” their number—on your Android cell phone, you know what a pain it is. Fortunately, once you learn how to block a number on Android, you can apply these steps to all nuisance callers.

How to block unknown numbers on Android phones

In fact, you can block any caller you like if you pinpoint a spammer who’s calling you repeatedly. Or if you want to block the number that just sent you a recorded message from the IRS (a now common scam).

While iPhones have a few options to block unknown, restricted or private numbers, there are several ways to set this up on your Android phone, depending on the make, model and your mobile phone carrier. The directions below will give you a general idea of how to make this happen on your device.

If the steps below don’t apply to your Android model, call your carrier for more information on blocking restricted numbers from your phone.

Find out who’s behind a phone number today

Block restricted calls on a Google Pixel phone

Here’s what to do:

From the Home screen, tap the “Phone” app.
Tap the three-dot icon (top right corner).
Choose “Call Reject.”
Select “Reject calls from.”
Choose “Private numbers.”

Block restricted calls on a Samsung Android phone (Galaxy S8, Galaxy S10, Galaxy GRAND Prime, Galaxy Note9, Galaxy A6, etc.)

Here’s what to do:

From the Home screen, tap the “Phone” app.
Tap the three-dot icon (top right corner).
Choose “Settings.”
Select “Block Numbers.”
Switch the toggle to “On” for “Block unknown callers.”

Or:

From the Home screen, tap the “Phone” app.
Tap “MORE.”
Tap “Settings.”
Tap “Call Rejection.”
Tap “Auto Reject List.”
Move the toggle to “On” for “Unknown.”

Block restricted calls on an HTC Android phone

HTC Android phones do not offer the ability to block all unknown or private callers. You may be able to access this option via your carrier or a third-party app.

Block restricted calls on an LG Android phone

Here’s what to do:

From the Home screen, tap the “Phone” app.
Tap the three-dot icon (top right corner).
Select “Call Settings.”
Select “Call blocking & Ignore with message.”
Tap “Private numbers” to toggle to “On.”
Tape the back arrow to save changes.

Block private calls using your carrier

If your phone doesn’t offer an option to block private or unknown numbers, your carrier may have options. For instance, Verizon offers Verizon Smart Family, a subscription service that offers the ability to block private and restricted texts and calls to a family member’s phone. (Cost: $4.99/month for the basic service.) AT&T offers Anonymous Call Rejection you can activate through your online customer account. Call your mobile provider for more information.

Block private calls using third-party Android apps

If you’re having trouble blocking calls from restricted numbers, third-party apps (see our top picks for call-blocking apps here) might provide more functionality. Some options include Calls Blacklist– Call Blocker, Call Blocker and Mr. Number. All are free, although some may be ad-supported.

The bottom line

One report predicts that nearly half of all U.S. mobile calls in 2019 will be fraudulent. That’s a lot of annoying phone traffic. Although each type of Android device does things slightly differently, they all allow you to block calls to a certain extent. If you can’t block calls to your satisfaction, your carrier may offer an option, or third-party apps can fill the gap.

Another tactic for restricted calls: Keep track of the date and time of your anonymous calls and compare it to the incoming call list on your bill—often those numbers hidden at the time of the call will be recorded here. You can then use a reputable reverse phone lookup to help try and learn the caller’s identity, and possibly other information such as current address and address history, alternative phone numbers, email addresses and social media profiles.