Calls from unwanted sources is an increasing problem for mobile phone users. In this feature we’ll show you how you can block these annoyances using built-in features on your Android Phone.
How to block a number in Android.
Nuisance calls are one of the modern evils of the world. Whether it’s sales, marketing, or just plain old people you don’t like, having your phone ring at all hours only to find these unwanted interlopers interrupting your day is no fun at all.
Of course, if you’re in the UK, you can sign up to theTelephone Preference Service, which does its best to stop unwanted calls, but some of the more persistent offenders often manage to sneak through.
So what can you do on your Android Phone to stop the madness? In this feature we’ll take a look at the options open to you, and hopefully return your life to the peaceful, robot-salespersonless way it was meant to be.
How to block a number on Android: Block calls in Android
There are three main options for Blocking a number in Android:
• Contact your mobile operator
• Check your Settings menu for an auto-reject list
• Use a third-party app such as TrueCaller
As the layout of Android does tend to vary on different handsets we’ve separated the methods out by manufacturer, but many of the same principles apply on most platforms. So if you don’t see your particular model listed, try using the other solutions provided.
There are some phones that don’t allow the feature directly, and in those cases you can use third party solutions, a couple of which we’ve also included in our guide. Of course if you’re thinking of upgrading to a new model.
How to block a number on Android: Block calls on a Samsung phone
The monolithic Korean manufacturer uses a system called the Auto-Reject list to block calls on Samsung phones. To access this start by tapping on the Phone icon on your home screen.
Now select the number you want to block and when its details appear tap the More option in the top right hand corner of the screen. You’ll see the option Add to Auto-Reject List appear. Tap this and now whenever this particular number rings your phone will bat it away like a finely honed test cricketer.
How to block a number on Android: Block calls on an LG phone
In a similar fashion you can create a Call Reject list on LG handsets. To do so tap the Phone icon on the home screen, then tap the three dots in the top right corner. You’ll see a menu appear and from this select Call Settings>Call reject>Reject calls from.
Now just tap the Plus icon and you can add the numbers of those who have been bothering you. You can also select any number from your Call Logs or Contact list.
How to block a number on Android: Block calls on an HTC phone
HTC make things very easy with it’s quick method of Blocking numbers. On the Home screen simply tap the Phone icon, then swipe in from the right and you’ll see your call history appear.
Long press on the offending number and another menu appears, this time with an option to ‘Block contact’, tap OK, and you won’t be receiving any calls or messages from them any more.
How to block a number on Android: Using third-party solutions to block calls in Android
While the above manufacturers have made it quite simple to rid yourself of annoying telemarketers and their ilk, several others have omitted this option from their platforms.
Google’s Nexus range only allows you to send callers directly to voicemail, but this isn’t really a solution, especially if you actually use your voicemail.
Thankfully, when you can’t block callers from your phone’s OS you can still turn to third-party solutions. If you use anti-virus software on your phone, such as Avast, then you’ll find the feature often included in the service.
Otherwise you can download dedicated apps such as Truecaller or Mr Number which provide the same kind of solutions as those on the phones listed above.
