How to block a number on Android

Most of us have been there at some point: You have that person who won't take "no" for an answer and keeps calling or the Robocaller that absolutely will not lose your number. The calls can be frustrating, annoying, or even dangerous. Thankfully, there are easy ways to block a number from calling you on an Android.

In order to do so, just follow these easy steps:

1. Go to your phone app, then your recent calls.
2. Find the number you want to block and highlight it. Depending on your model of phone, you'll have a button like "More" or "Info" to click on. It may also be an "i" icon.
3. You can then click on "Block contact." The number is now blocked from calling your phone.

Now, let's say you do this by mistake, or that you want to review the numbers you have blocked. There are a variety of ways to access this information, and they vary, depending on what type of Android phone you have. Generally speaking, it is some variation of going to your phone app, then clicking on the three dots that appear in the right corner. Click on "Settings," then "Blocking Settings." You can review all of your blocked calls from there, while also removing any numbers that you no longer wish to block.

If calls from unwanted numbers are a constant challenge for you, or if you really want to lock down who can call or text you, you have a few options, and those mostly involve downloading any number of Apps that can get this job done for you. Examples include Call Blocker or Calls Blacklist. These apps will allow you to block certain calls, texts, and spam texts. There are other apps, as well. Many are free, but those typically come with some sort of advertising that you have to suffer through in order to get the app to work. This creates an obvious irony: You download an app to get rid of unwanted sales offers, only to have to view more unwanted sales offers.

Thankfully, generally speaking, these apps are not necessary, and Android's built-in functions are usually more than enough to handle any potential unwanted phone calls. If you are giving a phone to a child and don't want them to receive any calls other than ones in their contact list, you should examine other apps that you can download. Furthermore, you can speak with an Android phone professional or call their customer service line. Plans like this are constantly changing, and new options are regularly being designated for Android phone owners.