Android smartphones are great communication devices. But, the downside to it is that it also paves the way for unsolicited calls and messages. These types of communications can be time-consuming and downright annoying. Fortunately, there are methods to block phone numbers on your Android smartphone. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to block calls and texts on an Android phone, so you can avoid distractions and unwanted contacts.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Blocking Calls and Texts on An Android Phone
In today’s digital world, blocking calls and texts on an Android phone has become a necessity. The reason for this is because an increasing number of individuals are receiving unsolicited or spam messages and calls. Not only do such messages take time and effort to read through, but they also have the potential to harm your device by introducing malware and viruses.
The good news is that there are numerous methods by which you can block calls and texts on an Android phone. Some of the methods are already built into the Android operating system, but you can also use third-party apps that offer a wider range of features for this purpose. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the methods to block calls and texts on an Android phone.
Things You Should Prepare For
Before diving into the methods to block calls and texts on an Android phone, there are a few things you should be mindful of. Here are some things you should prepare for:
• Make a list of the phone numbers you want to block.
• Ensure that your phone’s software version is updated to the latest version.
• Make sure that the selected call blocking method is compatible with your Android phone.
Method 1: Block Calls And Texts Using Built-in Settings
The first method to block calls and texts on your Android phone is by using the built-in settings. Here’s how to block calls and texts using built-in settings on your Android phone:
1. Open your phone app and navigate to the “Recent” or “Call Log” tab.
2. Find the phone number you want to block and tap on it.
3. Tap on the three dots on the top right corner of the phone screen.
4. Select “Block OR Report Spam” from the drop-down menu.
5. Confirm your action by tapping on “Block” in the pop-up dialogue box.
Pros:
• Easy to use
• Built into the Android operating system
Cons:
• Limited features
• Does not work on all devices
Method 2: Block Calls And Texts Using Third-Party Applications
Another method you can use to block calls and texts on your Android phone is by using third-party applications. You can download such applications from Google Play Store. Here’s how to block calls and texts using third-party applications on your Android phone:
1. Open the Google Play app on your Android phone and search for “call blocker” or “sms blocker” applications.
2. Select the call blocker or sms blocker application of your choice (such as Truecaller, Mr. Number, etc) and download it.
3. Launch the application and go through the set-up process.
4. Once the app is set up, add the phone numbers you want to block and customize the settings according to your preference.
Pros:
• Offers advanced features
• Detects and blocks numbers automatically
Cons:
• May not work on all devices
• Some applications may be costly
Method 3: Contact Carrier
Another method to block calls and texts on your Android Phone is to contact your carrier and request them to block specific phone numbers. Here’s how you can contact the carrier:
1. Search for the customer service number of your carrier. You can find it on their website or on your billing statement.
2. Call the customer service number and follow the instructions provided by the representative.
3. Provide the phone numbers you want to block and wait for further instructions from the representative.
Pros:
• Carriers can block calls and texts from all devices on your account
• Effective blocking of unwanted calls and texts
Cons:
• Not all carriers offer this service
• You may have to pay extra fees for the service
Why Can’t I Block Calls and Texts on My Android Phone?
If you’re unable to block calls and texts on your Android phone, here are some possible reasons:
1. Your phone’s software is not updated to the latest version.
A: To fix this issue, go to your phone’s settings and check for available updates.
2. The phone number is not valid or recognized on your contacts list
A: Ensure that the phone number is saved on your contacts list.
3. The selected blocking method is not compatible with your Android phone.
A: Consider using a different call blocking method or contact your carrier for blocking calls and texts.
Additional Tips
• Use a strong password to protect your phone’s privacy.
• Always use trusted and popular apps only to block calls and texts.
• Regularly update your phone’s software to avoid potential security vulnerabilities.
5 FAQs about Blocking Calls and Texts on An Android Phone
Q1: Will the blocked numbers know that they’ve been blocked?
A: No. When you block a number, the caller will receive a busy tone or be directed to voicemail.
Q2: Can I unblock a blocked phone number?
A: Yes. Go to the settings of your phone or application you used to block the number and locate the “Blocked numbers” section to unblock the number.
Q3: Can I block all incoming calls and texts?
A: Yes. You can use the “Do Not Disturb” mode on your phone to block all incoming calls and texts during specific hours or leave it on all the time.
Q4: Can I still receive voicemails from blocked numbers?
A: Yes. When you block a number, calls and texts from the blocked number will not go through. However, voicemails can still be received.
Q5: Do I need to pay to use a call and text blocking app?
A: Some applications may require payment to use their services to the fullest extent. Nonetheless, there are call and text blocking applications available for free on the Google Play Store.
In Conclusion
Blocking calls and texts on your Android phone is an easy task that can save you time and energy. Whether you choose to use the built-in Android settings, third-party applications, or contact your carrier, the methods discussed in this blog post will help you to block unwanted calls and texts. Regularly updating your phone’s software and securing it with a strong password is an additional step to keep your device and personal information secure.