How to Block a Number on Any Phone

Whether you have an iPhone, Android smartphone, or Windows device, here’s how to obstruct bothersome calls and texts.

There are all sorts of needs to block a number: an ex who will not stop calling, telemarketers who can’t take a hint, scammers, or an auntie who wishes to sign in and see why you’re still not wed.

When your phone has actually buzzed one more time than you can take, you know it’s time to block that number. But how? Here are the actions to take by popular os and providers.

Do Not Call

The first thing to do to minimize the variety of unwanted calls coming to your phone is to put yourself into the National Do Not Call Windows registry. On the site, you can register your telephone number or examine if your digits are already there. On DoNotCall.gov, you can register as much as three contact number at once. You’ll also need to include an e-mail address, as you’ll have to verify your registration. You can also call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register.

According to the FTC, which runs the pc registry, your contact number will be added to the pc registry within 24 hours, but it will likely take up to 31 days for sales calls to stop. If they persist in calling, you can submit a grievance.

Operating Systems

iOS
Note: If you block someone from sending you texts, FaceTime, or voice calls, they will be instantly obstructed from doing all 3 things.

To block a number that called you, go into the Phone app, choose Recent. Discover the number and click the I in the circle beside it. You’ll get a screen with information about the call and actions to take, scroll down to Block This Caller.

If you’re obstructing someone in your Contacts lists, go to Settings > Phone > Call Stopping & Identification > Block Contact. That will bring up your contact list, and you can scroll through and choose those you wish to block. You can likewise get there through Settings > Messages > Blocked > Include New.

If a number texting you is not on your Contacts list, iOS 10 needs you to include it to your Contacts list before blocking it (tap the number/image on top of the screen > Create New Contact). Then follow the steps above. If you have an older variation of iOS, tap the I in the circle at the upper right of the screen, then select Block This Caller > Block Contact.

If you think they’ll sneak a peek at you with FaceTime, then go to that app, discover the last FaceTime discussion you had with them, and click the I in the circle next to it. You’ll get a screen with info about the call and actions to take; scroll down to Block This Caller. If it’s somebody in your Contacts, go to Settings > FaceTime > Blocked > Add New, and select the name or names to obstruct.

In associated news: If you believe you’ve been blocked, signs include being sent out directly to voicemail for calls, never seeing the “Delivered” message appear under your iMessage, and having your text turn green (as opposed to blue). These things can also take place if the individual you’re trying to get in touch with does not have a connection, so do not go crazy right now. However if it’s been some time and you’re still not getting through …

Android

For Marshmallow or Nougat, open Dialer, go to your current calls list, discover the number you wish to block and select Block/Report Spam. (If you do not want to report the number as spam, you can uncheck package.) Then tap Block.

For Lollipop, go to the Phone app and select Call Settings > Call Rejection (ouch) > Auto Turn down List. Type in the number or search for it, choose it, and you’re done.

If you use Messenger for messages, tap the name or number that sent you the message on your message list and select Block/Report Spam. (If you do not wish to report the number as spam, you can uncheck the box.) For Contacts, enter into Messenger, select Menu > Blocked Contacts > Add a Number and enter the number you wish to block.

Windows

To block calls and messages, go to Settings and then Call+ SMS Filter, accept the Regards to Use and Privacy Policy if you have not already, then switch Block Calls to On. Now go to the Phone app, hold down the number you wish to obstruct, and hit Block Number, then OK.

Phones

Most HTC Phones

To block calls, open the Phone app, choose Call History, tap the number, then select Block Contact or Block Caller.

Most LG Phones

To block calls, open the Phone app, choose Menu > Settings > Call Turn down > Reject Calls From and include numbers.

Most Samsung Phones

To block calls for numbers that have actually called you, go to the Phone app and open the Log. Select a number then More > Block settings. There you will have the ability to choose Call Block and Message Block. If the number remains in your contacts, open the Phone app, choose More > Settings > Call Stopping and add the number or numbers you wish to block.

Carriers

AT&T

AT&T gets really specific when it concerns obstructing numbers and wants you to do so on a device-by-device basis, so you’re better off sticking to the instructions above that are specific to your OS or phone.

Sprint

First check in to your Sprint account, then select My Preferences, go to Limits and Approvals, then Block Voice, and select Block Only the Following Phone Numbers for Inbound and Outbound Calls. Get in the number or numbers and then select Add Number and Save.

T-Mobile

Go to the Home screen, select Phone > Contacts. Navigate to the contact you wish to obstruct and select Block. If you wish to obstruct callers via T-Mobile’s site, you can just do so if you have a family strategy. Sign in to your account and after that select Tools > Family Allowance > Gain access to Household Allowances. Go to Allowed Numbers and choose Never ever Allowed and put in up to 10 numbers you want blocked. Make certain to click OKAY and Conserve.

Verizon

You can obstruct 5 numbers on each Verizon account that you have. The block lasts for 90 days. Log into the Verizon site, go to My Account > Manage Verizon Family Safeguards & Controls. Go to Call & Message Obstructing Feature, select Add Now, and add up to five numbers. If you want or require obstructing to be long-term, register for Verizon FamilyBase, which provides you obstructing and parental control over your devices for $4.99 a month.