How to block a phone number? Pixabay
Add it to the blacklist and forget about it
If you have always wanted to know how to block a phone number so they stop bothering you, here we show you how to do it.
Persistent or untimely calls, people we do not want to speak to again, commercial calls… the reasons for wanting to block a phone number are varied and personal, and it is not our intention to list them all.
Although blocking a number is one of the options that almost all phones on the market currently include, not everyone knows that this possibility exists.
Until now, usually, to block calls from an unwanted number you had to call the operator and process the request.
Therefore, now it is much simpler: by following these steps you can solve it in less than five minutes.
How to block a phone number?
The instructions on how to block a phone may vary slightly from one brand to another or between different operating systems, so here you will find several options you can try:
- The quickest and most direct way is to find the number you want to block and click on an icon that will be at the top or bottom. Clicking on that icon should open a drop-down menu where you will find the option to “block the phone number” or “add to the blacklist.” And that’s it: all calls from that contact will not come through and you will not receive any notification from that number.
- Another option is, first, to tap on the calls app and, at the top right, tap on the drop-down, where there should be an option called “Settings.” It should be noted that the icons may vary slightly depending on the type of phone. A menu should appear where the option “Block Numbers” must be present. Enter the number from which you do not want to receive calls or notifications and press accept. You will likely also find an option to block hidden numbers.
- Also, another possibility that may work is to go directly to the phone’s Settings menu. From there, under “security and privacy,” you can manage your numbers added to the “blacklist,” blocked messages, and add more if you wish. Some brands have a whitelist where you can note those numbers from which you do want to receive calls and messages.
What if we want to allow a phone number that we have blocked?
In that case, we have the option to find the contact we want to “free” again and tap on the same options icon we pressed when we wanted to block it. In one of the boxes, the alternative to “unblock” the number or “remove from the blacklist” should appear. Automatically, you will be able to receive calls and messages associated with that number again.
Most ways to block a phone number are similar across all operating systems, so it is advisable, if you do not find it at first, to start looking in the phone’s call menu and then in the Settings option.
If that does not work, you can always go directly to “Settings” to look under “Security” and then blocking, etc.
It is important to explain that you can also block a phone number in instant messaging apps like WhatsApp. In this case, you must enter the chat of the contact you want to block and tap, depending on the phone, at the top or bottom on the left side to open the options menu.
By pressing “More,” the menu expands and shows the option to “block contact.” Just like on the general phone, you can reverse the operation by entering the contact again and allowing it.
To manage the contacts you have blocked in the app, you can access a summary by following this path: first, enter “Settings”; then select “Account” and, once inside, tap on “Privacy.”
At the bottom, the Messaging section will appear. Clicking on that option, the app shows which contacts are unwanted and the blocked messages.
With these simple steps and tips, you can free yourself from annoying unwanted calls, manage your “blacklist”, and, if you wish, allow the contact again.
