Does blocking a number tell the caller they're blocked?

No. When someone you've blocked calls, the call typically goes straight to voicemail (or doesn't ring at all) and they hear no special message. They aren't notified that you blocked them.

Will a blocked number still leave voicemail?

On many phones a blocked caller can still leave a voicemail, but it's filed in a separate 'Blocked Messages' area so it won't interrupt you. You can check it later if you want, or ignore it entirely.

Can I block a number I've never called?

Yes. If the number called you, it's in your recent calls and you can block it from there. To block a number that hasn't called yet, add it manually through your phone's blocked-numbers settings or save it as a contact and block the contact.

Why do I keep getting spam calls after blocking them?

Because spammers spoof phone numbers — they fake a new caller ID for nearly every call. Blocking one number only stops that exact number, so the calls keep coming from new ones. Carrier spam apps and the Do Not Call Registry help more than blocking one at a time.

Does blocking work the same on every phone?

The idea is the same everywhere, but the menus differ. iPhone uses 'Block this Caller,' stock Android and Pixel use 'Block / report spam,' and Samsung has its own 'Block numbers' screen. Pick your device guide above for exact steps.

← Help center

How to block a number on any phone

Stop unwanted calls in a few taps — whatever phone you carry.

Blocking a number is the fastest way to stop one specific caller from reaching you. The exact steps depend on your device, but the idea is always the same: open the call, find the block option, confirm. This page covers the high-level steps for iPhone, Android, Samsung, and landline/carrier blocking, then points you to a detailed guide for each. One honest heads-up: blocking only stops *that* number. Spammers spoof new numbers constantly, so blocking is a useful tool, not a cure. For the wider war on robocalls, see our spam call guide.

Block a number on iPhone

On an iPhone, the quickest path is through your recent calls.

Open the Phone app and tap Recents.
Tap the (i) info icon next to the number you want to block.
Scroll down and tap Block this Caller, then confirm.

To manage everything you've blocked, go to Settings → Phone → Blocked Contacts. Full walkthrough, including silencing unknown callers, is on our iPhone blocking guide.

Block a number on Android

Most Android phones (Pixel and others) block from the call log.

Open the Phone app and go to Recents.
Tap or long-press the number you want to block.
Choose Block or Block / report spam and confirm.

You can also turn on Caller ID & spam protection in the Phone app settings to flag suspected spam automatically. See the Android blocking guide for details.

Block a number on Samsung

Samsung Galaxy phones use Samsung's own Phone app, so the steps differ slightly.

Open Phone and tap Recents.
Tap the number, then tap Block.
Or go to Settings → Block numbers to add numbers manually.

Samsung also lets you block all calls from unidentified numbers from that same screen. The Android guide covers Samsung alongside stock Android.

Block a number on a landline or through your carrier

Landlines and carrier-level blocking work a little differently.

Many landlines support call block codes dialed on the keypad — your phone provider can tell you the exact code.
Your wireless carrier likely offers a free spam-blocking app:

Carrier	App
Verizon	Call Filter
AT&T	ActiveArmor
T-Mobile	Scam Shield

These apps block at the network level, before your phone even rings. For the full rundown on robocalls, the registry, and third-party apps, see how to block spam calls.

Blocking stops the wrong calls — but you still have to answer the right ones

Here's the catch every small business owner hits: blocking keeps the junk out, but you still have to pick up the calls that matter. A booked appointment, a new customer, an after-hours emergency — miss those and it costs you real money.

That's where RingOwl comes in. It answers every legitimate call 24/7, screens out the noise, handles questions, and books appointments straight into your calendar. Spam and robocalls waste zero human time, and real customers always get through. Learn more about our 24/7 answering service.

FAQ

Does blocking a number tell the caller they're blocked?: No. When someone you've blocked calls, the call typically goes straight to voicemail (or doesn't ring at all) and they hear no special message. They aren't notified that you blocked them.
Will a blocked number still leave voicemail?: On many phones a blocked caller can still leave a voicemail, but it's filed in a separate 'Blocked Messages' area so it won't interrupt you. You can check it later if you want, or ignore it entirely.
Can I block a number I've never called?: Yes. If the number called you, it's in your recent calls and you can block it from there. To block a number that hasn't called yet, add it manually through your phone's blocked-numbers settings or save it as a contact and block the contact.
Why do I keep getting spam calls after blocking them?: Because spammers spoof phone numbers — they fake a new caller ID for nearly every call. Blocking one number only stops that exact number, so the calls keep coming from new ones. Carrier spam apps and the Do Not Call Registry help more than blocking one at a time.
Does blocking work the same on every phone?: The idea is the same everywhere, but the menus differ. iPhone uses 'Block this Caller,' stock Android and Pixel use 'Block / report spam,' and Samsung has its own 'Block numbers' screen. Pick your device guide above for exact steps.

Block the spam. Never miss a real customer.

RingOwl is a 24/7 AI answering service for small businesses. It answers every call, screens out the noise, and books real customers straight into your calendar — so spam wastes no time and genuine callers always get through. Free 7-day trial, no credit card.

Start your free trial →