The myriad of options that smartphones give us allow us to do things that in the past would have been impossible. For example, now for block a call It is no longer necessary to have to talk to the operator, and even pay an extra fee, to block calls, now we can do it by installing a simple application.
Integrated functions
First of all, we are going to say that this function does not need to be installed through an additional application in all cases, but there are some smartphones that already have this added function as standard, so we only have to go to Settings to activate it. , is for example the case of the flagships of Samsung, HTC, LG and Sony, as we explained a while ago in this articleEven many non-flagship smartphones also include this option. However, we won't focus on those settings for those specific phones; instead, we'll explain how. block calls or messages on other smartphones.
In pure Android and most platforms, the Phone app and Messages app allow you to: block specific numbers from Recent or from the thread, activate Anti spam protection (Menu > Spam & Blocking/Caller ID & Spam) and filter unknownsThese options silence or reject calls and can mark senders as spam so they won't bother you again.
Block SMS and calls by manufacturer
- Android Stock (Google): In Messages, long press the thread > Block or mark as spam. In Phone, open Recents > Number Info > Block/report spam. You can also activate Filter spam calls in App Settings.
- Xiaomi (MIUI/Android One): Use the Google Messages app and its integrated antispam. Enter the thread > three-dot menu > Details > Block and, if you want, report as spam.
- Samsung (One UI): Messages > three-dot menu > active Caller ID and spam protection. From there you can block strangers or specific numbers.
- Huawei (EMUI): Messages > three-dot menu > Settings > Filter rules > Message filter rules to avoid private/unknown numbers and spam.
- realme, OPPO and OnePlus: Messages > menu > Establish rules > Block messages; allows you to filter by region o unknown.
- live: Messages > long press on the thread > three dot menu > Block. Confirm if a pop-up notice appears.
- Motorola, Pixel or Nokia: They use the Google app, so the process is the standard one described above.
In addition, Android allows block private/unidentified numbers from Phone > Settings > Blocked numbers > activate DesconocidosUse it with caution because you could miss legitimate calls from hidden numbers.
Up to Android 4.0
Install Call Blocker
To do this, we're going to use one of the many apps on Google Play that supposedly offer this feature: blocking calls and messages from other users. The difference between all the others and this one is that Call Blocker is much simpler than the others, and that has two main benefits. On the one hand, we won't have to deal with 200 options, when in reality we only want one, which is... block certain usersOn the other hand, by having fewer features, the app also takes up less memory space, which is really useful if you don't want installing an app to take up memory and performance when you only really want to use one of that app's features.
So, you have to Install Call Blocker on your smartphone from Google Play. The app has the same name, but it's easiest to use the link at the end of this article.
Blacklist
The app is in English, but that doesn't mean you can't use it if you don't speak English. You only need to master two English words: Add y BlacklistThe first one means "add," and when you read it, it will probably be next to the word "Contact." Clicking on that button will take you to the window where you have to enter the phone number of the contact you want to block. This will add the number to the list. The problem is that in the application, you will find two lists, one called "Blacklist" and the other called "Whitelist." Chances are, even if you don't speak English, you'll know what these words mean. "Blacklist" is a black list, while "Whitelist" is a white list. In the first list, we will register all those numbers whose calls we want to block, while on the other list we can add some numbers we'll never want to block. Of course, if we don't add them to the Blacklist, we won't block them. So what's the point of Whitelist? Obviously, it's not for contacts we know, like our family, but for those contacts we might not know at all, but we know we don't want to block. Perhaps in the future we won't remember that they were trusted contacts, and we block them. To avoid this, there's a Whitelist where you can write down all the users you'd never want to add to the blacklist.
Android 4.1 or later
Mr. Number
If you have Android 4.1 or later the best application in your case is MrNumber. The application is not translated into Spanish, so we have the same problem as with the previous one, although it is very basic English that we need. In addition, it will be as easy as running the application and going to Block List. You just have to click on the button that allows you to add a new number for it to be blocked. They warn, however, that the application will not block messages on Android 4.4 KitKat, but at least will block calls, which is the most important thing.
In addition to Mr. Number, there are options such as Truecaller o Hiya that identify and block phone spam, allow you to create custom blacklists and filter by prefix or country. Remember to review the permissions you grant to these apps and activate only the necessary ones.
Lock on iPhone and more useful tools
If you have an iPhone, you can block a number from Phone > Recent > number's "i" icon > block this contact. To reduce interruptions, activate Mute strangers in Settings > Phone: will send calls that are not in your address book or recent calls to your voicemail.
El do not disturb mode (or Focus Modes) on iOS and Android is another effective way: it allows you to temporarily silence calls and text messages from anyone who isn't on your alerts. Set it up in Settings and add Favorites or contacts allowed so as not to miss what is important.
To review your black list, on Android go to Phone > menu > spam and blocked. On iOS, Settings > Phone > Blocked contactsFrom there you can remove a block if you change your mind.
The blockade affects calls and SMS of the blocked number, but it does not prevent messages in apps like WhatsApp or Telegram: you will have to also block within each app if you do not wish to receive communications through these channels.
Anti-spam, operator, and security tips
If you receive commercial insistence, sign up for advertising exclusion lists available in your country (such as the Robinson List). They reduce calls from participating companies. Always check the consent boxes when you share your number and revoke permissions if you do not want communications.
Your operator usually offers network restrictions: blocking of International calls, special pricing or roaming Activate them from your carrier app or customer area if you need to limit these communications.
For suspicious numbers, use the system options or reputation apps to report spamThis way, you'll help more users identify scams and filter them out before they even ring.
Keep your guard up in front of phishing and vishingBe wary of links in SMS messages, don't provide personal information over the phone, and always verify through official channels. If you think you're in danger, call emergencies in your area.
If you use Google VoiceWhen you block a number, its calls and messages are marked as blocked, and the caller hears that the number is out of service. You can confirm if it was spam to fine-tune the filter.
Google Play - Call Blocker - Mr. Number.
With native Android and iOS options, support from reputable apps, and a few good privacy practices, it's possible. silence spam, stop commercial harassment and keep your communications under control without complications.