Why you might want to block outgoing calls

Blocking outgoing calls means preventing calls from leaving your phone — either all calls, calls to specific numbers, or calls during certain times. The main reason people do this is to protect children or teens from running up charges, calling numbers they shouldn't, or using the phone when they're supposed to be doing something else. Parents sometimes block outgoing calls on a child's device while allowing incoming calls so the child can still reach them in an emergency.

Adults also block outgoing calls to enforce their own boundaries — turning off the ability to call during work hours, or blocking calls to a specific person they're trying to avoid contact with. Some people block international calls to prevent accidental charges if they travel.

The method you use depends on what you're trying to block: all outgoing calls, calls to one number, calls to a whole country, or calls during specific hours. Your phone's operating system, your carrier, and third-party apps all offer different tools.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone lets you restrict outgoing calls through Screen Time settings, which blocks all calls except to emergency numbers and contacts you choose.
  • Android phones can block calls to specific numbers through the Phone app, but blocking all outgoing calls requires a third-party app or your carrier's parental controls.
  • Your mobile carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) offers parental control services that can block outgoing calls, international calls, or calls to specific numbers, usually for a monthly fee.
  • Third-party apps like Google Family Link (Android) and Apple's Screen Time (iPhone) let you set time-based restrictions so calls are blocked during school hours or bedtime.
  • Blocking outgoing calls on a shared family plan requires the account holder's permission and usually involves the carrier or the device's built-in family controls.

Blocking all outgoing calls on iPhone

On iPhone, the most direct way to block all outgoing calls is through Screen Time, which is built into iOS. Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then tap the device you want to restrict. Tap Communication Limits, then choose Contacts Only or Contacts & Groups. This prevents calls to anyone except the people you've added to the allowed list and emergency services (911, 112, etc.).

Screen Time also lets you set time windows when calls are blocked. Tap Downtime, turn it on, and set the hours — during downtime, only emergency calls and contacts you've marked as "favorites" can be reached. This is useful if you want to block outgoing calls during school hours or after bedtime but allow them at other times.

To block calls to a specific person, open the Phone app, find their contact, tap the info icon, scroll down, and tap Block This Caller. That person won't be able to call you, and you won't be able to call them.

Blocking all outgoing calls on Android

Android doesn't have a built-in setting to block all outgoing calls the way iPhone does. However, you can block calls to specific numbers through the Phone app: open it, find the contact you want to block, tap and hold their name, then tap Block Number. You can also open a recent call from that number and tap Block.

To block all outgoing calls on Android, you'll need either Google Family Link (if you're the parent setting up the device) or a third-party app. Google Family Link lets you set app limits and screen time, and you can restrict which contacts can be called. Open Family Link, select the child's device, tap Controls on Google Play, and manage which apps they can use — this includes the Phone app.

If you want more granular control, apps like AppBlock, Freedom, or Digital Wellbeing (built into newer Android phones) let you block the Phone app during certain hours or set contact restrictions. These apps require you to set them up on the device itself or through a parent account if it's a child's phone.

Using your carrier's parental controls

Every major carrier — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others — offers parental control services that can block outgoing calls. These services usually cost between $5 and $15 per month and work on both iPhone and Android.

Verizon offers Verizon Smart Family, which lets you block calls to specific numbers, block all calls except to approved contacts, and set time-based restrictions. You manage it through the Verizon Smart Family app or your online account. AT&T offers AT&T Mobile Security, which includes call blocking and parental controls. T-Mobile offers T-Mobile Scam Shield and parental controls through the T-Mobile app.

To set up carrier parental controls, log into your account online or call your carrier's customer service. You'll need the phone number of the line you want to restrict and the account holder's permission. The carrier can block international calls, block calls to specific numbers, or restrict outgoing calls to a whitelist of approved contacts.

Carrier controls work even if the phone is reset or if someone tries to disable them from the device itself — the restriction happens at the carrier's network level, not on the phone. This makes them more reliable than app-based blocking if you're trying to enforce restrictions on a child's phone.

Blocking international calls

If you want to prevent accidental international charges, you can block outgoing calls to other countries without blocking domestic calls. Your carrier offers this as a separate service, usually at no extra cost.

Call your carrier's customer service or log into your online account and look for International Calling restrictions or International Dialing blocks. You can usually choose to block all international calls, block calls to specific countries, or require a PIN before international calls go through. Some carriers let you set a spending limit instead — once you hit it, international calls are blocked until the next billing cycle.

If you're traveling and want to block outgoing calls to avoid roaming charges, ask your carrier about their travel plans or temporary blocks. Many carriers offer short-term international calling packages that are cheaper than pay-per-minute rates.

What happens when a call is blocked

When an outgoing call is blocked, the person trying to make the call usually hears a message like "This call cannot be completed as dialed" or "You do not have permission to make this call." The call does not go through, and the person on the other end does not know someone tried to call them.

If the block is time-based (like during school hours), the message tells the caller that calls are restricted during this time. If the block is contact-based (like a specific number is blocked), the caller hears that the number cannot be reached.

Some apps and carriers log blocked call attempts so you can see who tried to call and when. This is useful if you're monitoring a child's phone — you can see if they're trying to reach numbers they shouldn't.

Removing or changing call blocks

If you set up the block yourself, you can remove it the same way. On iPhone, go back to Screen Time and turn off Communication Limits or Downtime. On Android, open the Phone app, find the blocked contact, and tap Unblock.

If your carrier set up the block, you'll need to call them or log into your account to remove it. If a parent set up the block on a child's device using Family Link or Screen Time, the child cannot remove it without the parent's password or permission.

If you forget the password to your own Screen Time or Family Link account, you can reset it through your Apple ID or Google account, but this requires access to your email. If you're locked out of your own device, contact Apple Support or Google Support — they can help you regain access, though the process takes time and requires proof of identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone bypass a call block I set up?

It depends on the type of block. Blocks set through your carrier's network are very hard to bypass — they happen before the call even reaches the phone. Blocks set through the phone's operating system (like Screen Time) can sometimes be bypassed if someone knows the password, resets the phone, or uses a different device. Carrier blocks are more find if you're trying to enforce restrictions on someone else's phone.

Will blocking outgoing calls also block text messages?

Not necessarily. Blocking outgoing calls through Screen Time or your carrier usually only affects voice calls. Text messages may still go through unless you specifically block them too. If you want to block both calls and texts to a specific person, you need to block that contact separately in the Phone app or Contacts app.

What if I block a number by mistake?

Open your Phone app, go to Recents or Call History, find the number, tap the info icon, and select Unblock. On Android, tap and hold the number and choose Unblock. If your carrier blocked the number, call them to remove it. The process usually takes a few minutes.

Can I block outgoing calls on a shared family plan?

Yes, but only the account holder can set it up. If you're the account holder, you can use your carrier's parental controls or the device's built-in family controls (Screen Time on iPhone, Family Link on Android). If you're not the account holder, you'll need to ask them to set it up for you.

Does blocking outgoing calls use data or cost extra?

Blocking through your phone's operating system (Screen Time, Family Link) does not cost extra — it's built in. Blocking through your carrier may cost $5 to $15 per month, depending on the service. Blocking through third-party apps is usually free, though some charge a one-time fee or subscription. Check your carrier's website or app to see what services they offer and what they cost.