How to do a blocked number call

• You can block a specific number on your Android phone using the Phone or Messages app.
• You can also block unknown numbers if you're tired of receiving spam calls from bots and telemarketers.
• When you block someone, they won't get a notification or know for sure that you've blocked them.

You don't need to put up with the annoyance of regularly receiving unwanted phone calls.

If you frequently get a call from the same telemarketer or another unwanted caller, you can block that call.

Once you do, any blocked number that calls you on your Android phone will be sent directly to voicemail. Furthermore, the person who's number you've blocked won't get notified that you've done so, and there's no way for them to find out for sure.

How to block a number on Android

While the steps to block a call can vary depending on the device brand and version of Android, in most cases, you can block calls through the Phone app or Messages app. 

How to block a number on Android using the Phone app

To block a number or contact on your Android phone, navigate to the Phone app's settings and tap the Blocked numbers option.

Here's a full step-by-step breakdown:

1. Open the Phone app.

2. While on the Dial or Call Logs tab, tap the More Options menu, represented by the three vertical dots on the top-right of the app.

3. Choose Call Settings from the drop-down menu.

4. Tap Call blocking & Decline with message in the call settings.

6. Tap the plus sign on the top right to add the number you wish to block.

7. On the pop-up that shows, tap New Number. You can also choose to block a number from your contacts list or call logs on the same pop-up.

8. Manually enter the phone number you want to block calls and texts from then press "Block."

How to block a number on Android using the Messages app

You can also block a number using the Messages app by following the below steps:

1. Open the Messages app.

2. Tap the three vertical dots on the top right corner.

3. Select Settings from the list of options on the drop down.

4. Tap Message blocking in the settings.

5. Tap Blocked numbers.

6. Tap the plus sign on the top right to add the number you wish to block.

7. On the pop-up that shows, tap New Number.

8. Manually enter the phone number you want to block calls and texts from then press Block.

How to block unknown numbers on Android

To use the steps above, you'll have to be able to enter the number in the Phone or Messages app. 

However, this will not work if the number is unknown. So if you're tired of getting spam calls from unknown numbers, Android provides different ways of blocking them all at once.

Dave Johnson

Freelance Writer

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.

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• You can block your phone number so it doesn't show up when you call people.
• The simplest way to block your number is by adding *67 to any phone number you call.
• You can block your number permanently by asking your service provider or changing your phone's settings.

Caller ID is convenient — no one can deny that. Seeing who's calling you is immensely useful, as it lets you take calls from people you actually want to hear from, and filter out the spam.

However, there are times that you might want to block your own number, so it won't appear on caller ID. Maybe you're trying to surprise a significant other or call a company that you don't want to hear from again.

Whatever your reason, it's easy to block your phone number, no matter what kind of phone you have. Once you do, you'll show up as "Anonymous" or "Private" on the recipient's phone.

Use the *67 code

*67 is a "vertical service code" — one of several codes you can dial to unlock special features on your phone. Specifically, adding *67 to the start of any phone number will block your caller ID when you call that number.

This is a quick and temporary way to block your number when making calls. Nearly all phone service providers support it, it works on both smartphones and landlines, and it's totally free.

If you want to permanently block your number when calling a specific person, add them as a contact, and save their number with *67 at the front. This will automatically block your number when you call that contact from now on.

Call your phone service provider

To block your number permanently, you can call your phone service provider and ask them to put a block on your number. 

Just note that you might need to give a reason for the change and that some phone companies charge for it. Be sure to ask for a clear explanation of the process before you agree to it.

Change your smartphone's settings

This isn't available on all phones or with all service providers, but most users will also have the ability to block their number manually by changing a setting on their phone. This will block your number for as long as the setting remains changed, making it great if you need a long-term block.

To block your number on iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app, then scroll down and tap Phone.

2. In the menu that opens, select Show My Caller ID.

3. Your phone will take a moment to connect to your phone service provider. Once it does, tap the "Show My Caller ID" switch button to flip it to the left and turn it off.

To block your number on Android:

1. Open the Phone app, tap the three dots in the top-right and select Settings or "Call settings.

2. Scroll down and select Other Call settings or More settings — the exact button here will differ depending on what phone you have

3. Tap the Show My Caller ID option. If you don't see it on this page, you might need to select another More settings button.

4. In the pop-up that appears, select Hide number.

William Antonelli

Tech Reporter for Insider Reviews

William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He's also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at .

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