How to Block Unwanted Calls on iPhone, Android & Landline

🔑 Key Takeaways:

  • Device-Specific Methods - Step-by-step instructions for different phone types
  • App Solutions - Third-party applications for enhanced call blocking
  • Carrier Services - How phone providers can help filter unwanted calls

The Growing Problem of Unwanted Calls

Spam and robocalls have become increasingly prevalent:

Types of Unwanted Calls to Block

  • Telemarketing calls from legitimate businesses
  • Robocalls with automated messages
  • Scam calls attempting to steal personal information
  • Spoofed calls disguising their true origin
  • Harassing or unwanted personal calls
  • Political campaign calls

How to Block Calls on iPhone

iPhones offer several methods to block unwanted callers. For business communication solutions, explore our automated call API. For enterprise needs, our automated call center platform offers comprehensive functionality.

✅ Method ❌ Steps
Block After Call 1. Open Phone app
2. Tap "Recents"
3. Tap info icon (i) next to number
4. Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller"
5. Confirm by tapping "Block Contact"
Block from Contacts 1. Open Phone app
2. Tap "Contacts"
3. Select the contact
4. Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller"
5. Confirm by tapping "Block Contact"
Silence Unknown Callers 1. Open Settings
2. Tap "Phone"
3. Tap "Silence Unknown Callers"
4. Toggle the feature on

Using Focus Mode on iPhone for Call Filtering

For more advanced call management:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap "Focus"
  3. Create a new Focus or select an existing one
  4. Tap "People"
  5. Under "Calls From," select who can reach you (Everyone, Contacts, Favorites, or specific contacts)
  6. Set a schedule or automation for when this Focus activates
  7. Non-allowed calls will be silenced and sent to voicemail

How to Block Calls on Android

Android methods vary by device and manufacturer. Track your messaging performance with our call statistics platform. Enhance customer interactions with our phone call auto responder technology.

📱 Standard Android
  1. Open Phone app
  2. Tap three dots (menu)
  3. Select "Settings" or "Call settings"
  4. Tap "Blocked numbers"
  5. Tap "Add a number"
  6. Enter the number to block
  7. Tap "Block" or "Add"
📱 Samsung Galaxy
  1. Open Phone app
  2. Tap three dots (menu)
  3. Select "Settings"
  4. Tap "Block numbers"
  5. Add numbers from recent calls, contacts, or manually enter them
  6. Toggle "Block unknown/private numbers" if desired

How to Block Calls on Landline

For traditional landline phones:

  1. Call-blocking devices: Purchase and connect a call blocker device between your phone and wall jack
  2. Carrier services: Contact your landline provider about call blocking services (often for a monthly fee)
  3. Call-blocking phones: Upgrade to a landline phone with built-in call blocking features
  4. Anonymous call rejection: Dial *77 on most landlines to block calls from private or unknown numbers
  5. Selective call rejection: Some carriers offer services to block specific numbers (dial *60 and follow prompts)
  6. National Do Not Call Registry: Register at donotcall.gov to reduce legitimate telemarketing calls

Professional Call Management Solutions

Robotalker's business communication platform offers:

  • ✔️ Advanced call filtering
  • ✔️ Spam detection
  • ✔️ Custom block lists
Learn More →

Third-Party Call Blocking Apps

For enhanced protection, consider these popular apps:

  • Truecaller: Identifies and blocks spam calls with a community-based spam list
  • Hiya: Offers caller ID and spam detection with regular database updates
  • RoboKiller: Uses AI to identify and block robocalls before they reach you
  • Nomorobo: Blocks known robocallers and telemarketers
  • Call Control: Community-based call blocking with customizable block lists
  • Should I Answer?: Community ratings help identify unwanted calls

Carrier-Based Call Blocking Services

Major carriers offer their own solutions:

  • Verizon Call Filter: Free basic version with spam detection; premium version ($2.99/month) with caller ID and personal block list
  • AT&T Call Protect: Free basic spam blocking; premium version ($3.99/month) with enhanced caller ID
  • T-Mobile Scam Shield: Free scam blocking, caller ID, and scam reporting
  • Sprint Call Screener: Basic version free; premium ($2.99/month) with enhanced caller ID

FAQ: Call Blocking

Blocking calls from unknown or private numbers varies by device type. On iPhone, the simplest method is to enable "Silence Unknown Callers" in Settings > Phone. This feature automatically sends calls from numbers not in your contacts to voicemail without ringing your phone. For Android users, many devices offer a similar feature—on Samsung phones, go to Phone app > Settings > Block numbers and enable "Block unknown/private numbers." On Google Pixel and other Android phones, open the Phone app > Settings > Blocked numbers and toggle "Unknown" on. For landlines, dial *77 to activate Anonymous Call Rejection, which blocks calls from callers who have blocked their caller ID (deactivate with *87). Third-party apps like Truecaller, RoboKiller, and Hiya offer more sophisticated filtering of unknown numbers with spam detection. Carrier services also provide options—Verizon Call Filter, AT&T Call Protect, and T-Mobile Scam Shield all offer unknown caller blocking features. Keep in mind that while these methods reduce unwanted calls, they may also block legitimate calls from doctors' offices, delivery services, or other important callers who might use private numbers, so consider your needs carefully before implementing a blanket block on all unknown numbers.

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