Android has three built-in ways to block calls, plus options from your carrier

The fastest way to block a call on Android is to open the Phone app, find the number in your call history, press and hold it, then tap Block number. That number will never ring through again — calls go straight to voicemail and you won't see a notification. If you don't have the number in your history yet, you can add it manually in the Phone app's settings under Blocked numbers.

You can also block calls directly during an incoming call by tapping the decline button and selecting the block option that appears. Some Android phones show this as a red X with a block icon; others show it as a menu option after you decline. Either way, the call stops ringing when ready and future calls from that number behave the same way.

Beyond the built-in blocker, your phone's carrier — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider — usually offers its own call-blocking service, often included free or for a small monthly fee. These work differently: they filter calls before they reach your phone, so you don't see them at all. Your carrier's website or your bill statement will show whether this service is available to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Android's built-in blocker stops calls from reaching your phone and sends them to voicemail instead, and you can set up it in seconds from your call history.
  • Blocked numbers are stored on your phone, so if you switch devices you will need to block them again on the new phone.
  • Your carrier may offer a separate call-blocking service that filters calls before they reach you, which works even if you don't have your phone with you.
  • Third-party apps like Google Phone can identify spam calls before you answer, though they require permission to access your call history.

Using your phone's built-in blocker

Open the Phone app and go to your Recent calls or Call history tab. Find the number you want to block, press and hold it until a menu appears, then tap Block number or Block contact. The exact wording depends on your phone's manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and others word this slightly differently — but the result is the same.

Once blocked, that number's calls will ring on the caller's end but won't make a sound on your phone. The call goes to your voicemail, and you won't get a notification. If the person texts you instead, those messages still arrive normally unless you also block them in your messaging app.

To see all your blocked numbers, open the Phone app, tap the menu (three dots or lines), go to Settings, then Blocked numbers. From there you can add numbers manually by typing them in, or unblock any number by tapping it and selecting Unblock.

Blocking calls during a call

If someone calls you and you want to block them when ready, tap the decline or reject button. Most Android phones will then show a second menu asking whether you want to block the number. Tap Block or Block this caller, and the call stops ringing.

This method is faster than finding the number in your history later, especially if you don't recognize the number and want to stop it right away. The blocker takes effect when ready, so if the same number calls back within seconds, it will go straight to voicemail.

Blocking contacts instead of just numbers

If the person calling you is already in your contacts, you can block them the same way — press and hold their name in your call history and select Block contact. This blocks all phone numbers associated with that contact, so if they call from a different number, it will still be blocked.

You can also block a contact directly from your Contacts app. Open the contact, tap the menu, and look for Block contact or a similar option. Again, the exact wording varies by phone, but the function is the same across all Android devices.

Using your carrier's call-blocking service

Your phone's carrier — the company you pay for your phone plan — may offer a separate call-blocking tool. Verizon calls theirs Call Filter, AT&T offers Call Protect, and T-Mobile has Scam Shield. These services work differently from your phone's built-in blocker: they filter calls at the carrier's network level before the call even reaches your phone.

Carrier-based blockers can identify common spam and scam patterns, so they catch calls you've never seen before. Your phone's built-in blocker only stops numbers you've already blocked manually. Many carriers include basic call-blocking free, with a paid tier that adds more features like spam identification.

To set up your carrier's service, visit their website, call their customer service number, or look in your phone's settings under Apps to see if the service is already installed. You may need to enable it or create an account, depending on your carrier.

Third-party apps for spam and scam detection

Google's Phone app (available on most Android phones and downloadable from the Play Store) shows you the caller's name and warns you if a call is likely spam before you answer. It doesn't block the call automatically, but it gives you the information to decide whether to answer.

Other apps like Truecaller and RoboKiller offer similar features, with some versions blocking spam calls automatically. These apps need permission to access your call history and contacts to work, so read what permissions they're asking for before you install them. Many offer a free version with basic features and a paid version with more advanced filtering.

Third-party apps are useful if your carrier doesn't offer spam detection or if you want more control over which calls get through. However, they add another layer of software to your phone, so consider whether you actually need the extra features before installing one.

What happens to blocked calls and messages

When you block a number using your phone's built-in blocker, the caller hears their phone ring normally on their end, but your phone doesn't ring at all. The call goes to your voicemail, and you won't see a missed call notification. If you check your voicemail, you can listen to any message they left, but you won't be alerted that it arrived.

Text messages from blocked numbers still arrive in your messaging app unless you also block them there. Your phone's call blocker and your messaging app's blocker are separate, so you may need to block a number in both places if you want to stop both calls and texts.

If you block someone in your contacts, all their phone numbers are blocked at once. If they call from a new number you haven't seen before, that call will go through unless you block that specific number too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a blocked caller tell that I blocked them?

No. A blocked caller hears their phone ring normally, so they won't know the call was blocked. They may suspect it if you never respond to their calls or voicemails, but your phone doesn't send them any notification that you blocked them.

If I block someone, can they still text me?

Yes, unless you also block them in your messaging app. Your phone's call blocker and your text blocker are separate. You can block someone's calls but still receive their texts, or vice versa. Check your messaging app's settings to block texts from specific numbers.

Do blocked numbers stay blocked if I get a new Android phone?

No. Blocked numbers are stored on your current phone, not in your Google account. If you switch to a new Android phone, you will need to block those numbers again on the new device. Your carrier's call-blocking service, if you use one, may carry over depending on your carrier.

What's the difference between blocking and muting a contact?

Muting silences notifications from a contact but still lets their calls and messages through — you just won't hear them ring. Blocking stops the calls and messages from reaching you at all. Use muting for people you want to hear from later but not right now, and blocking for people you don't want to hear from.

Can I block calls from unknown numbers?

Your phone's built-in blocker requires a specific number, so you can't block all unknown numbers at once. However, your carrier's call-blocking service or a third-party app like Google Phone can filter unknown spam calls automatically. Check your carrier's website to see what options are available.