There are a number of ways you can block those unwanted phone calls from ever getting through your Android phone. Without reliance on third-party apps, finding the built-in features for this purpose can take some digging. This native blocking features may even lack some older devices. This is a list of ways you can block calls and even text messages on your Android smartphone. This is through use of internal phone features, as well as a few call blocking Android apps.Note that these methods may vary slightly based on the particular device and the Android version you are using.
Blocking calls using an Android phone's native features
There is no general set way for blocking contacts on Android devices. A few devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 which through your phone settings you can enable a mode for blocking.This can be done by tapping the phone icon located on the home screen, then select
Call settings >>
My Device >>
Blocking Mode >>
Disable incoming calls. You can also make a selection of contacts exempted from being blocked by navigating to the
Blocking Mode menu, select Allowed contacts and then choose the contacts that are allowed to contact you when calls have been disabled on your Android phone.
Block specific callers
Select the phone icon on your home screen to navigate to your contact list, then tap the three dotted menu and select
Settings >>
Call >>
Call Rejection >>
Auto Reject List >>
Create. Once on the Create section a search bar will appear, type in the names and phone numbers of the people you want to block and an Auto Reject List will be created.
Blocking from the call log
Disabling incoming call from certain numbers is easy from the call log. On the call log, press the number you intend to block then tap the three dotted menu that appear on the right upper corner then select Add to reject list. This will automatically block incoming calls from that selected number.
Block calls using Google Voice
This is one of the simpler ways of blocking unwanted calls.Navigate to Google Voice and follow the procedure to sign up. Google Voice offers a calling service with an additional calling feature, which displays voice and text messages, just as it does emails.
Block calls using Android apps
If the above methods don't work for you, Android apps can be great alternatives. A good example is the Mr Number app.
Mr Number
This app is available for free, which aside from being an efficient Android blocking app, it also acts as an alternative app for texts and calls. This app features free messaging, and real-time notifications when your messages are read. In terms of blocking, it allows you to block individual numbers and even area codes. With the telemarketer and spam information submitted by a variety of users, you can also create a block list for cold calls.
Contact your Service carrier
Most established carriers can automatically block calls on your device. For example the Verizon and Sprint carriers provide this blocking service for free. There are however, certain limitations, like the Verizon carrier only blocks a maximum of 5 lines with a the need to re-block the lines every 90 days. AT&T can allow blocking of up to 30 numbers for monthly fee of US$5 per line.What other effective ways do you block calls and text messages? Let us know in the comments.
