Introduction
Is there anything more annoying than receiving unwanted calls and texts from unknown numbers? Whether it’s telemarketers trying to sell you something or scammers attempting to steal your personal information, these calls and texts can be a major nuisance. The good news is that there are different ways to block phone numbers, helping you take control of your phone and avoid unwanted disruptions. In this article, we’ll explore some easy ways to block phone numbers on different platforms.
The Ultimate Guide to Blocking Phone Numbers: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
It’s important to know how to block phone numbers on different operating systems, as the steps can vary depending on the platform you’re using. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to block numbers on iOS, Android, and Windows.
iOS
If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings and then Phone. From there, select Call Blocking and Identification, then Add New to add the phone number you want to block. You can also add numbers to your blocked list by tapping the “i” icon next to a recent call and selecting Block this Caller.
Android
In Android, the process of blocking numbers may vary depending on the kind of device you’re using. Generally, you can block numbers through the Phone app, the Messages app, or the Contacts app. Open the app you want to use, select the number you want to block, and tap on the three-dot menu icon. From there, select Block Number.
Windows
If you’re using a Windows phone, go to the Phone app and select Blocked Calls. From there, tap the “+” icon to add a number to your blocked list. You can also add numbers to the list from your call history by pressing and holding the number, then tapping Block Number.
5 Best Apps to Block Spam and Unwanted Calls
If you want to take your blocking game up a notch, consider using third-party apps that are designed specifically to block spam and unwanted calls. Here are five of the best apps available:
1. Hiya Caller ID and Block
This app has a database of millions of phone numbers that are known to be spam and fraud, and it automatically blocks calls from those numbers. It also identifies unknown numbers so you can decide whether to answer the call or not.
2. Truecaller
This app not only blocks unwanted calls and texts, but it also has a number lookup feature that helps you identify who’s calling you from an unknown number. You can also use it to block telemarketing calls, blacklist numbers, and report spam.
3. Mr. Number
This app is a great choice for blocking calls and texts from specific phone numbers. It also lets you blacklist numbers and send them directly to voicemail, and it has a reverse phone lookup feature that helps you identify mystery callers.
4. Call Blocker Free – Blacklist
This app lets you block calls and texts from specific numbers, area codes, and even countries. You can also backup your blacklist to the cloud so you can easily restore it if you switch to a new phone.
5. Call Control
This app has both community and personal blacklist features, so you can block numbers based on other users’ experiences or your own preferences. You can also report spam and telemarketing calls, and it will automatically block calls from known offenders.
10 Tips on How to Block Annoying Phone Numbers Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re still struggling with unwanted calls and texts, consider these ten tips:
- Use your phone’s blocking features to block unwanted calls and texts
- Download call blocking apps to help you manage spam and fraud calls
- Get a virtual phone number to avoid giving out your personal number
- Enlist the help of your carrier to block calls and texts from specific numbers
- Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize
- Be careful where you share your phone number online
- Unsubscribe from telemarketers and block their numbers if necessary
- Report spam and fraudulent calls to the Federal Trade Commission
- Be patient and don’t let unwanted calls and texts ruin your day
- Take a break from technology and enjoy some phone-free time
Why and How to Block Phone Numbers of Telemarketers and Other Scammers
Scammers and telemarketers can do more than just annoy you. They can also steal your personal information or trick you into giving away money. Here’s how to block their numbers:
For iOS and Android devices, download one of the call-blocking apps mentioned earlier in this article. These apps have databases of known spammers and telemarketers, and they will automatically block calls from those numbers. Alternatively, both platforms let you block numbers manually through their Phone or Call apps.
For Windows devices, you can use the Call+SMS Filter app to block calls and texts from specific numbers, or you can go to Settings > Blocking options to set up blocking features.
How to Block Phone Numbers on Your Phone and Carrier Network
Your network provider can also help you block unwanted calls and texts. Here’s how:
For iOS, contact your carrier to ask them to block specific phone numbers. For Android, go to your Phone app and tap the menu icon, then select Settings > Call Blocking. From there, you can add numbers to your blocked list. For Windows, as mentioned earlier, you can use the Call+SMS Filter app or the Blocking options feature in Settings.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a good idea of how to block phone numbers on your phone and carrier network. Whether you prefer to use your phone’s built-in features or download third-party apps, there are many options available to help you take control of your phone and avoid unwanted disruptions.