Why you might need to block outgoing calls

Blocking outgoing calls means preventing yourself or someone else on your phone from dialing certain numbers. This is different from blocking incoming calls — you are stopping calls from leaving your phone, not stopping them from arriving. The most common reason is parental control: a parent wants to make sure a child cannot call expensive numbers, international lines, or specific contacts. Another reason is self-protection: if you are trying to break contact with someone, blocking outgoing calls to that number removes the option to call them in a moment of weakness.

Some people also block outgoing calls to premium services or numbers they know will charge them money. If you share a phone with family members or employees, outgoing call blocking can prevent accidental or unauthorized calls that rack up charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Most phones let you block outgoing calls through settings, but the exact steps depend on whether you have an iPhone or Android device.
  • Parental control apps like Screen Time (iPhone) and Family Link (Android) let you block calls to specific numbers or all calls during certain hours.
  • Your phone carrier may offer call-blocking features through their own apps or account settings, separate from your phone's built-in tools.
  • If you want to block outgoing calls completely, you can turn on Airplane Mode or disable cellular service, though this also blocks incoming calls.

Blocking outgoing calls on iPhone

iPhone does not have a single "block outgoing calls" button in the main settings. Instead, you use Screen Time, which is Apple's parental control feature. Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then tap Communication Limits. From there, you can set limits on who the phone owner can call and message during downtime hours — for example, only allowing calls to Mom and Dad between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

If you want to block calls to one specific number, you can use the Contacts app. Open the contact you want to block, scroll down, and tap Block This Caller. This stops that person from calling or texting you, but it does not prevent you from calling them — it only blocks incoming contact from that number.

For more granular control, third-party parental apps like Google Family Link (which works on iPhone) or Bark let you block specific numbers or categories of numbers from being called. These apps run in the background and enforce the rules you set.

Blocking outgoing calls on Android

Android phones vary by manufacturer, but most have built-in parental controls. The most straightforward option is Google Family Link, which works on any Android phone. Install the app, set up a supervised account for the person whose calls you want to limit, and you can then block calls to specific numbers or turn off calling entirely during certain hours.

If you use Samsung, you can also access parental controls through Settings > Parental Controls (or Kids Home, depending on your model). From there, you can restrict which apps are available and set time limits, though call blocking is less granular than Family Link.

Like iPhone, Android lets you block a specific contact from calling you, but blocking incoming calls does not stop outgoing calls to that number. To block outgoing calls, you need either Family Link or a third-party app.

Blocking outgoing calls through your carrier

Your phone company may offer call-blocking or call-restriction services. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers have their own apps and account settings where you can restrict outgoing calls. Call your carrier's customer service line to ask what options they offer — some charge a small monthly fee, while others are free.

Carrier-level blocking is useful because it works even if someone tries to disable the phone's built-in restrictions. However, it usually requires you to manage the settings through the carrier's website or app, not through your phone's native settings.

Completely disabling outgoing calls

If you want to stop all outgoing calls (not just to specific numbers), you have two options. Airplane Mode turns off all cellular and wireless connections, so no calls can be made or received. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right and tap the airplane icon. On Android, swipe down twice from the top and tap Airplane Mode.

The downside is that Airplane Mode also blocks incoming calls, texts, and data. If you want to block outgoing calls but still receive calls, you cannot use Airplane Mode. In that case, you would need to use a parental control app that disables the Phone app entirely or removes calling permissions.

What happens when someone tries to call a blocked number

If outgoing call blocking is active and someone tries to dial a blocked number, they usually hear a message saying the call cannot be completed, or the call straightforward fails to connect. The blocked contact does not receive a notification that a call was attempted — the call never reaches them.

If you are using parental controls and a child tries to call someone outside their allowed list, the phone may show an error message or straightforward refuse to dial. The parent can usually see a log of attempted calls in the parental control app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block outgoing calls to international numbers?

Yes, but it depends on your method. Parental control apps like Family Link let you block specific numbers or number patterns. Your carrier may also offer international call blocking through their account settings. Contact your carrier to ask if they can block all outgoing international calls or calls to specific countries.

Will the person know I blocked them from calling me?

No. If you block someone from calling you (incoming block), they will not receive a notification. They may notice the call failed, but they will not know you blocked them. If you block outgoing calls to someone, that person has no way to know unless you tell them.

Can I block outgoing calls during certain hours only?

Yes. Screen Time on iPhone and Family Link on Android both let you set downtime hours when calling is restricted. Outside those hours, calls are allowed. You can customize the hours to match school time, bedtime, or any schedule you choose.

What if someone disables the parental control app?

If the phone owner knows the Screen Time or Family Link password, they can disable the restrictions. Carrier-level blocking is harder to bypass because it happens at the network level, not on the phone itself. For stronger enforcement, use a third-party app that requires a separate password or runs with device administrator permissions.

Does blocking outgoing calls cost money?

Built-in features like Screen Time and Family Link are free. Some third-party parental apps charge a monthly subscription, usually between $5 and $15. Carrier-level blocking may have a small monthly fee depending on your phone company — ask when you contact them.