There’s a reason why “how to block calls and texts” is such a common question for Android users. Unwanted calls and messages are annoying and can lead to unwanted stress. We’ll show you the best ways to block those pesky spammers, creditors, and crazy ex-lovers.
In this guide, we cover all the methods you can use to block restricted calls, block calls from people you know, block SMS, and much more. There are three main ways to block calls and texts:
The first thing you should do is find out if your specific phone has any built-in tools for blocking calls and texts. Most manufacturers include settings for blocking calls, but not for blocking text messages. These methods should work for most devices on the market. If your phone isn’t included below, a good place to start is the Phone app.
If you want to block a number that recently called you, go to the Log tab in the Phone app. Here’s where you can also block messages.
Motorola only allows you to send unwanted calls to voicemail.
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If you don’t have a phone from the manufacturers listed above, there still might be a built-in solution. Head on over to AndroidForums.com and find the forum for your device. You can ask other users if they know how to block calls and texts with your phone.
If you can’t find a way to block calls and texts with the built-in tools on your phone, there are plenty of apps that can do the job. We’ve got a great list of apps that block restricted calls, calls from people you know, and texts as well. Some of these apps block both calls and texts, but some just block one or the other. Find the one that works for you.
BlackList can block calls and texts. It’s a pretty simple list. As the name implies, you create a blacklist with the numbers you don’t want to hear from. Any number that appears on the list will be blocked. BlackList has a bunch of powerful settings, as well. You can set up a schedule for when numbers should be blocked, block all numbers with the tap of a button, and automatically send a text to blocked calls.
Call Blocker can also block both calls and texts. There are a few different blocking modes you can choose from. You can create a blacklist and whitelist, which means you can choose to block the blacklist or only accept from the whitelist. Call Blocker also has built-in spam blocking tools that will block things like one-ring phone scams.
Call Control is another great app that can block calls and texts. One of the best things about this app is the Community Blacklist. You don’t have to be the only one adding numbers to a list. The community of over 12 million users has done the work for you. Call Blocker also has a handy Do Not Disturb mode for blocking calls and texts at certain times of the day.
Mr. Number is one of the best and most popular apps for blocking calls, texts, and spam. Similarly to Call Control, Mr. Number relies on a community of users to create a universal blacklist. You can even block entire area codes and countries if you want. The beauty of Mr. Number is you don’t have to do a lot of work. Mr. Number takes care of you.
Safest Call Blocker is only for blocking calls. The good thing about only having one purpose is the app is lightweight and simple to use. It allows you to quickly and easily create a blacklist. Numbers can be entered manually, or from your call log and contacts. There’s also a log that shows the history of blocked calls on your device.
This is another app that can block calls, but the main feature is to give you information about incoming numbers. When you receive a call from an unknown or suspected spam number, Should I Answer will display a user rating for the number. This allows you to see if it’s worth answering the phone. The app can also automatically block calls from hidden numbers, numbers with poor ratings, and numbers from your private list.
If you only care about blocking text messages, SMS Blocker is the app for you. You can block texts that contain certain phrases and words. The app will also automatically block spam without any set-up. In order to use this app, it must be your default messaging app. All blocked messages are stored in a separate inbox folder, just like email.
True Caller is one of the most popular apps for blocking calls and seeing caller ID for unknown numbers. With Truecaller, you can see who is calling if you don’t have them in your contacts. The app also allows you to block calls from spammers and telemarketers automatically. Of course, you can manually enter numbers to block as well.
If your phone’s built-in tools aren’t enough, and apps aren’t getting the job done, you can go a step higher. Most major carriers allow you to block calls and texts, but the process is not nearly as easy. Some carriers charge for the service, and others make you re-block after a certain amount of time. Here’s how the four major U.S. carriers do it.
AT&T not only charges you to block numbers, but they charge every month. You’re allowed to block up to 30 numbers for $5 per line per month. On top of that, it can’t even block calls or messages from unknown numbers. You could be paying $150 per month for a weak service. If you’re still interested, head over to the Smart Limits page to sign up.
Sprint is one of the good guys. They’ll allow you to block as many numbers as you want for free.
T-Mobile doesn’t have a great method for blocking calls, and their method of blocking messages is only available for post-paid customers. For $5 per month, you can block calls and texts with Family Allowances.
Verizon allows users to block calls and texts for free, but you can only block up to five lines and you will have to re-block them every three months. If that’s not enough, you can block up to 20 contacts permanently for $5 per month with FamilyBase.
Free method
FamilyBase