How to Block a Number on iPhone & Android

To block a number on an iPhone, open the Phone app, tap Recents, tap the info (i) icon next to the number, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller. On Android, open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, select Settings, then Blocked numbers, and add the number, or open the call details and choose Block.

Why Blocking a Number Matters

Blocking a number stops calls, texts, and sometimes FaceTime or other services from that specific caller. It is a basic privacy tool that helps reduce spam, robocalls, and harassment. Most modern phones store the block locally on the device, meaning the blocked caller is not notified, and their messages are silently filtered away. This is different from simply ignoring a call, because the phone never rings or shows a notification.

How Blocking Works on iPhone

On iOS, blocking a number affects calls, FaceTime, and Messages. The blocked caller can still leave a voicemail, but it appears in a separate “Blocked Messages” or “Voicemail” folder that you rarely see. To block a number:

Open the Phone app and go to Recents or Contacts.
Tap the info (i) icon next to the number or contact.
Scroll to the bottom and tap “Block this Caller.”
Confirm by tapping “Block Contact.”

You can also block from a text message: open the conversation, tap the contact name or number at the top, then tap the info icon and choose Block. To view or unblock, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts.

How Blocking Works on Android

Android phones vary by manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.), but the core steps are similar. Most use the Google Phone app or the manufacturer’s dialer. To block a number:

Open the Phone app.
Tap the three-dot menu (or More) in the top right.
Select Settings, then Blocked numbers.
Tap “Add a number” and enter the number, or select from recent calls.

Alternatively, open the call log, tap the number, then tap “Block/report spam” if available. On Samsung devices, you might find “Block numbers” under Settings > Call settings. Blocked calls and texts are usually sent to voicemail or a separate spam folder, depending on the phone.

How to Block Unknown or Private Numbers

If you want to block all unknown or private (hidden) callers, that is a separate setting. On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail. On Android, open the Phone app > Settings > Caller ID & spam, and enable “Filter spam calls.” Some Android phones also have a “Block unknown/private numbers” toggle under Call settings. Note that these settings do not block known spam numbers from your contacts, and they may still show up in your recent calls list.

Blocking on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Other Apps

Blocking a phone number does not automatically block that person on messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. To block someone on WhatsApp, open the chat, tap the contact name, scroll down, and tap “Block.” On Telegram, open the chat, tap the contact’s name, tap the three-dot menu, and choose “Block.” These apps have their own block lists, separate from your phone’s block list. If you want to completely stop contact, you need to block both on the phone and in each app.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that blocking a number prevents the person from leaving voicemail. On iPhone, they can still leave a voicemail, but it goes to a separate folder. On Android, it often goes to voicemail as well. Another misconception is that the blocked person will know they are blocked. They do not get a notification, but they might notice that their calls go to voicemail after one ring, or that messages show “Delivered” but never “Read.” If you have an iPhone and the person uses iMessage, their messages will show as “Delivered” but you won’t see a “Read” receipt. On Android, the message might show as “Sent” but not “Delivered.”

Another issue: blocking a number does not stop spam texts from short codes (like 5-digit numbers). You may need to reply “STOP” to those, but that can confirm your number is active. For persistent spam, use your carrier’s spam-reporting feature or a third-party call-blocking app.

How to Unblock a Number

Unblocking is just as easy. On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts, swipe left on the number, and tap Unblock. On Android, go to the Phone app > Settings > Blocked numbers, and tap the X or trash icon next to the number. Unblocking is immediate, and the person can call and text you again as normal. There is no limit to how many times you can block and unblock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does blocking a number stop them from leaving voicemail?

On iPhone, the blocked caller can still leave a voicemail, but it goes to a separate “Blocked Messages” folder that you never get a notification for. On Android, it usually goes to voicemail as well, but the behavior depends on the phone manufacturer. Some Android phones drop the call entirely.

Can someone tell if I blocked them?

They do not get a notification, but they might suspect it if their calls go straight to voicemail after one ring, or if their texts never show “Delivered.” On iMessage, a message might show “Delivered” but never “Read.” There is no definitive way for them to know for sure.

Does blocking a number work for both calls and texts?

Yes, on both iPhone and Android, blocking a number blocks calls, texts, and sometimes FaceTime or other services linked to that number. However, it does not block them on third-party apps like WhatsApp or Instagram unless you block them there separately.

What happens to blocked calls and texts?

Blocked calls go to voicemail (or are dropped on some Android phones). Blocked texts are stored in a separate folder on iPhone (“Blocked Messages”) and on Android they are usually hidden or moved to a spam folder. You can still view them if you want, but you won’t get a notification.

How do I block a number that keeps changing?

If a spammer keeps calling from different numbers, you can use a third-party call-blocking app like Hiya, Truecaller, or RoboKiller, which maintain large databases of known spam numbers. You can also enable “Silence Unknown Callers” on iPhone or “Filter spam calls” on Android to block any number not in your contacts.

Can I block a number from my carrier’s side?

Yes, most carriers offer call-blocking services, but they usually require a monthly fee or are limited to specific numbers. For example, some carriers let you block up to 5 numbers for free, while others charge a small fee. Check with your carrier for the exact options and costs.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

More cards in this drawer

The whole Numbers and Powers drawer →