How to block calls on Android: Stop annoying calls using Google’s mobile OS

Smartphones make it much easier for people to text and call us – but what about when we don’t want to be called? If you’re trying to avoid pesky callers, or don’t want to receive texts from certain people anymore, Android smartphones have an easy way of blocking specific numbers – while allowing the rest through. Interested? here’s how to do it:

How to bar a number on an Android smartphone

Blocking a number with a vanilla Android device is simple, and Google gives you a few different ways to do it. These two steps work for phones with a standard installation of Android, and we’ll be updating this tutorial for those with Samsung LG, and HTC handsets soon.  

From the call log

If you’ve been repeatedly called by the same number, it’s possible to block a number from the call log. After finding the offending phone number, simply hit the menu button – often shown as three dots – in the corner of the screen and click “Add to reject list”. Your phone will no longer notify you, or ring if you receive calls from that number.

Create a blacklist

If you’ve just bought a new Android smartphone and want to block certain numbers straight away, it’s worth creating an auto-reject list. Essentially a blacklist full of numbers you don’t want to hear from, an auto-reject list is simple to make and can save hassle.

To make one, go to Calls | Settings | Call | Call Rejection. From there, you need to select “Auto reject list”, and navigate to “Create”. After that, you’ll just need to add undesirable numbers to the list and you’re sorted. You won’t receive any calls or texts from the numbers on the list.