In today’s digital age, our smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. While they offer numerous benefits, they can also expose us to unwanted calls and messages. Fortunately, Android devices provide several features to help you stay in control of your communications.

How to block a number on Android

We will explore how to block a number on Android and provide additional tips to enhance your privacy and peace of mind.

How to block a number on Android using the Phone app

1. Open the Phone app.

2. While on the Dial or Call Logs tab, tap the More Options menu, represented by the three vertical dots on the top-right of the app.

3. Choose Call Settings from the drop-down menu.

4. Tap Call Blocking & Decline with a message in the call settings.

5.  Tap Blocked numbers.

6. Tap the plus sign on the top right to add the number you wish to block.

7. On the pop-up that shows, tap New Number. You can also choose to block a number from your contacts list or call logs on the same pop-up.

8. Manually enter the phone number you want to block calls and texts from then press “Block.”

How to block a number on Android using the Messages app

You can also block a number using the Messages app by following the below steps:

1. Open the Messages app.

2. Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner.

3. Select Settings from the list of options on the drop-down.

4. Tap Message blocking in the settings.

5. Tap Blocked numbers.

6. Tap the plus sign on the top right to add the number you wish to block.

7. On the pop-up that shows, tap New Number.

8. Manually enter the phone number you want to block calls and texts from then press Block.

Do Not Disturb Mode

The “Do Not Disturb” mode on Android is a useful feature that allows you to customize your device’s behavior to limit interruptions during specific periods. It helps you focus, relax, or sleep without being disturbed by notifications, calls, or other alerts. Here’s how you can use the Do Not Disturb mode on Android:

1. Access the Settings menu on your Android device. You can usually find it by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping on the gear-shaped icon or by locating the Settings app in your app drawer.
2. In the Settings menu, scroll down and find the “Sound & vibration,” “Sound,” or “Notifications” option. The naming may vary depending on your device and Android version.
3. Within the sound settings, look for the “Do Not Disturb” or “Do Not Disturb mode” option. It is usually represented by a moon or crescent moon icon.
4. Tap on the “Do Not Disturb” option to access the settings related to this mode.
5. Here, you’ll find various options to customize the Do Not Disturb mode according to your preferences. Some common settings include:
   • Priority only: This option allows you to receive calls, messages, or notifications from specific contacts or apps that you mark as “priority.” You can customize the list of priority contacts and apps to ensure that important calls or notifications can still reach you.
   • Total silence: This option completely mutes all sounds and vibrations, including calls, messages, and notifications. No alerts will be shown on the screen during this mode.
   • Alarms only: With this setting, only alarms will be allowed to sound while all other notifications and calls will be silenced.
   • Customize settings: This option allows you to fine-tune various aspects of the Do Not Disturb mode, such as whether to allow repeat callers to bypass the mode, schedule automatic activation of the mode during specific times or enable certain exceptions like media playback.
6. Once you have configured the Do Not Disturb settings to your liking, exit the settings menu.
7. To activate the Do Not Disturb mode, you can swipe down from the top of the screen to access the quick settings panel and tap on the Do Not Disturb icon. Alternatively, you can also go to the Sound settings or the quick settings panel to enable the mode.

Remember to adjust the settings according to your preferences and needs. You can choose to activate Do Not Disturb mode manually whenever required or set it to automatically activate during specific times, such as bedtime or work hours. This way, you can enjoy uninterrupted periods without being disturbed by notifications and calls while ensuring that important alerts can still reach you.

Report and Block Spam Calls

Receiving spam calls can be frustrating and intrusive. Thankfully, Android provides options to report and block spam calls, helping to combat this issue. Here’s how you can report and block spam calls on your Android device:

1. Identify the spam call: When you receive a suspected spam call, note down the phone number or any relevant details about the call. This information will be useful when reporting spam.
2. Open the Phone or Dialer app on your Android device. It is usually represented by an icon resembling a phone receiver.
3. Access the Call History or Recent Calls section. Look for the icon that resembles a clock or a call history log. Tap on it to view the list of recent calls.
4. Locate the spam call entry in the call log. You can scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top to find the specific number associated with the spam call.
5. Once you’ve found the spam call entry, tap on it to view the contact details.
6. Look for the option to report and block the number. The placement and wording of this option may vary depending on your device and Android version. It might be labeled as “Block/report spam,” “Report call as spam,” or something similar.
7. Tap on the appropriate option to report the spam call. This action helps contribute to the collective effort in identifying and combating spam calls.
8. Confirm your decision if prompted. The specific confirmation prompt may vary, but it will usually ask if you want to block calls, messages, or both from the reported number.
9. After confirming, the number will be added to your block list, preventing future calls or messages from that contact.

Additional tips for dealing with spam calls:

• Install a call-blocking app: Consider using third-party call-blocking apps available on the Google Play Store, such as Truecaller, Hiya, or Mr. Number. These apps provide advanced spam detection and blocking features, enhancing your ability to manage and filter unwanted calls.
• Enable built-in spam protection: Some Android devices come with built-in spam protection features. Check your device’s settings or call settings to see if there are options to enable spam protection or call screening.
• Be cautious with unknown numbers: Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, especially if they seem suspicious. Let them go to voicemail, and if it’s an important call, the caller will likely leave a message.

By reporting and blocking spam calls, you not only protect yourself from further intrusion but also contribute to the collective effort in combating spam and protecting other users.

Maintain an Up-to-Date Contact List

Maintaining an up-to-date contact list on your Android device is essential for efficient communication and identifying unknown callers quickly. Here are some tips to help you keep your contact list organized and current:

1. Sync contacts with your Google account: Android devices allow you to sync your contacts with your Google account. This ensures that your contacts are backed up and can be accessed across multiple devices. To enable contact syncing, go to Settings > Accounts > Google and make sure the “Contacts” toggle is turned on.
2. Regularly review and update contacts: Set aside time periodically to review your contact list. Delete outdated or duplicate contacts and update information for contacts whose details may have changed, such as phone numbers, email addresses, or physical addresses.
3. Utilize contact management apps: Consider using contact management apps available on the Google Play Store to help you organize and maintain your contacts more efficiently. These apps often provide additional features like contact backup, merging duplicate contacts, and adding notes or tags to contacts for easy categorization.
4. Add relevant details: Take advantage of the various fields available when adding or editing a contact. Besides phone numbers, include email addresses, social media handles, company names, and other relevant information. This additional data can be useful when searching for contacts or when syncing with other apps.
5. Use caller ID and spam protection apps: Install caller ID and spam protection apps like Truecaller, Hiya, or CallApp. These apps can automatically identify and label unknown or spam callers by cross-referencing with their extensive databases. This feature can help you decide whether to answer a call or let it go to voicemail.
6. Group and label contacts: Grouping and labeling contacts can make it easier to find specific contacts quickly. You can create groups for friends, family, colleagues, or any other category that suits your needs. Labeling contacts with tags or notes can also help you remember important details about them.
7. Take advantage of contact sharing: Android devices allow you to easily share contacts with others. If you update your contact list or come across a new contact that might be useful to someone else, use the contact sharing feature to quickly share it with friends, family, or colleagues.

By keeping your contact list up to date, you ensure that you have the correct information at your fingertips and can identify callers more efficiently. Regularly reviewing and organizing your contacts will help you maintain a clutter-free and functional contact list on your Android device.

Conclusion:

Blocking unwanted calls and messages on your Android device is crucial to maintaining your privacy and peace of mind. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily block numbers, utilize third-party call-blocking apps, and take advantage of the Do Not Disturb mode. Remember to report spam calls to contribute to the collective effort against phone scams. With these tips, you can reclaim control over your phone and enjoy a more hassle-free communication experience.