Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 5
    Safety & Privacy
    Beginner

    How to Block a Phone Number on iPhone or Android

    Blocking a number stops calls, texts, and FaceTime from that person — they can no longer reach you. Here is how to block numbers on iPhone and Android in a few taps.

    3 min read 5 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026
    1

    Block from a recent call on iPhone

    ~23s
    Open the Phone app → "Recents" tab. Find the number you want to block. Tap the ⓘ information icon next to it. Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller" → "Block Contact" to confirm. The number is now blocked.

    Quick Tip

    You can also block directly from a text message. Open the conversation → tap the person's name or number at the top → "Info" → "Block this Caller."

    2

    Block from a contact on iPhone

    ~18s
    Open the Contacts app → find the contact you want to block. Tap their name to open their contact page. Scroll down to the bottom → tap "Block this Caller" → "Block Contact." Blocking a contact blocks all their numbers — if they have multiple phone numbers listed, all are blocked.
    3

    Block from a recent call on Android

    ~15s
    Open the Phone app → tap "Recents." Find the number or caller. Tap and hold the entry, or tap the three dots (...) next to it → "Block" or "Block/Report Spam." Confirm. The number is immediately blocked.
    4

    Block from a text message on Android

    ~24s
    Open the Messages app → find the conversation from the number you want to block. Tap and hold the conversation (or open it and tap the three dots at the top) → "Block" → confirm. Blocked messages go to a "Blocked Messages" folder.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: On Android, when you block and report as spam, it also submits the number to Google for spam analysis — helping protect other users.

    5

    Unblock a number

    ~17s
    iPhone: SettingsPhoneBlocked Contacts → tap "Edit" → tap the red minus icon next to a number → "Unblock." Android: Open Phone app → three dots → SettingsBlocked Numbers → tap the X next to a number to unblock. The number can reach you again immediately.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Block a Phone Number on iPhone or Android

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    Blocking a phone number prevents that number from calling you, sending you text messages, or reaching you via FaceTime (on iPhone). When a blocked number calls, the call goes directly to voicemail without your phone ringing. Texts go to a hidden "Blocked Messages" folder.

    The blocked person is not notified that they have been blocked — it looks to them like the call is not being answered or the message is not delivered.

    When to block a number:

    - Repeated unwanted calls or texts from someone you do not want contact with - Harassment or threatening calls - Spam calls that keep coming back (blocking does not fully stop all robocalls, but it helps for persistent ones) - An ex or other person you no longer want to hear from

    Blocking is reversible — you can unblock at any time.

    For robocalls and spam specifically

    : Blocking individual numbers may not stop all spam calls since many robocalls come from different numbers each time. For spam call protection, also turn on "Silence Unknown Callers" (iPhone: Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers) or use a dedicated spam-blocking service like Nomorobo or Hiya.

    Was this guide helpful?

    Your feedback helps us make TekSure better for everyone.

    Want to rate with stars?

    Still have questions?

    Ask TekBrain a follow-up question about this guide. It’s free, no sign-up needed, and the answer will be in plain English.

    Ask TekBrain a follow-upBrowse common questions
    block number
    iphone
    android
    block calls
    block texts
    unwanted calls
    harassment

    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    How to Manage Notification Badges and Alerts on iPhone

    Next →

    How to Report a Scam Call or Text to the FTC

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    Our verified technicians can fix this issue for you — remotely or in person.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Related Guides

    More from Safety & Privacy

    How to Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network

    Simple steps to lock down your home router, keep strangers off your network, and protect every device in your house.

    3 min read

    Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Any Account

    Add a second layer of security to your most important accounts. This one change stops most account takeovers cold.

    3 min read

    Staying Safe on Social Media

    How to protect your privacy on Facebook and Instagram, spot fake accounts, and avoid the most common social media traps.

    3 min read

    How to Block a Phone Number on iPhone or Android — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure