How to Block a Number

So it’s come to this: you have to block a number. Fortunately, blocking a number from calling you is easier than ever now that it’s a built-in feature on most iPhone and Android phones. In this article we’ll cover the steps for blocking a number from your wireless phone, blocking a number from a landline phone, hiding your number when you call people, and go over some nice-to-know info about blocked numbers.

How to block a number on iPhone

There are a few ways to block a number on your iPhone, but you only need to go through these steps once to block the number everywhere:

From your recent calls:

• Go into your Recents section
• Tap the i icon next to the number you wish to block
• Select Block this Caller

From the Settings menu:

• Go into Settings and select Phone
• Select Blocked Contacts and tap Add New

How to block a number on Android

Android phones have varying menu layouts depending on make and model, so these steps may not be exact but they should be pretty close:

On a Samsung phone:

• Open the Phone app and go into your Recents
• Tap on the number you wish to block
• Tap the i icon
• Select Block at the bottom of the screen

On a Google Pixel:

• Open the Phone app and go into your Recents
• Tap on the number you wish to block
• Tap on the three dots in the top right corner to open a menu
• Select Block Number

How to block a number on a landline

Since they don’t have the same apps, menus or features built-in, blocking numbers on a landline is all done through the keypad.

• Pick up the phone and dial *60
• You’ll hear an automated message with instructions for blocking a number
• Dial #01# to block the last number that called you
• To block a different number, dial #, the complete ten-digit number you wish to block, then press #

How to block text messages

Blocking a number via the steps above will block calls and messages from them, so this isn’t a necessary step if you’ve already blocked them. But if you don’t have a recent call to block them from, you can block a number from your text messages instead.

How to block text messages on iPhone

• From the Messages app, select the conversation you wish to block
• Tap the contact name or number at the top of the screen
• Tap the i icon to open the contact’s info
• Select Block this Caller

How to block text messages on Android

• From the Messages app, select the conversation you wish to block
• Tap the contact name or number at the top of the screen
• Tap the i icon to open the contact’s info
• Select More at the bottom of the screen
• Select Block this Caller

How to block your phone number

It’s not exactly the same as blocking a number, but you can hide your number from displaying on someone’s caller ID when you call them. Dial *67 before you dial their full ten-digit number, and their caller ID will display “Anonymous” or “Private” instead of your phone number. This may, of course, result in them not answering the phone, though. 

How to call a blocked number

Blocking a number in your phone does not keep you from being able to call it, since blocking only applies to incoming calls. If you need to reach someone that you’ve blocked in the past, you can dial their number like normal and you’ll still get through (unless they blocked you back, of course). Just be sure to unblock them if you want them to be able to call you back.

How to know if someone blocked your number

If you suspect someone may have blocked your number in their phone, it may be best to just give them some space and wait for them to reach out to you. But if you really want to test the waters, there are a few things you can try to see if you’ve been blocked:

Hide your caller ID before calling them

If calling them usually results in a single ring before going straight to voicemail, but calling them from another number or with your caller ID hidden goes through normally, you may be blocked.

Send them a text message

If messages to other people in your contact list go through just fine but messages to a specific number show as “Not Delivered,” you may have been blocked. However, they could just be experiencing technical difficulties or have their phone turned off.

Of course, if you have been blocked, it’s probably best to respect the person’s boundaries and wait it out. When they’re ready to start a new conversation, they’ll reach out. If they don’t, it’s time to move on.

Make unwanted calls & texts a thing of the past

Now you know the ins and outs of blocking numbers so you can eliminate unwanted calls and texts and enjoy some well-deserved peace of mind.