How to Block a Number
on Android and iPhone 2026
Stop spam callers, scammers or unwanted contacts. Complete guide to block phone number 2026 on any Android or iPhone in under 2 minutes.
Under 2 minutes ✅
Need to block phone number 2026 on Android or iPhone? Whether it’s a relentless call centre, an unwanted contact or a suspected scammer, knowing how to block phone number 2026 is free and takes seconds on any modern smartphone. This guide covers the exact steps for every device, updated February 2026.
1. Block Phone Number 2026: Android
On stock Android (Google Pixel and standard Android phones), the quickest way to block phone number 2026 is through the native Phone app. Works on Android 10 and later.
Method 1 — From recent calls
- Open the Phone app → tap Recents.
- Long-press the number you want to block.
- Tap “Block / Report spam”.
- Choose whether to report it as spam too → tap “Block”.
Method 2 — From a contact card
- Open the Phone app → find the contact.
- Tap the three-dot menu ⋮ in the top right.
- Tap “Block number”.
Method 3 — After receiving a call
- After the call, tap the number in the call log.
- Tap the ℹ️ Details icon.
- Tap the three dots ⋮ → “Block number”.
2. How to Block a Number on Samsung Galaxy 2026
Samsung Galaxy phones run One UI, which has a slightly different layout. Here’s how to block phone number 2026 on Samsung in two ways.
🤖 Samsung One UIQuick method — Samsung
- Open Phone → Recents.
- Tap the number → then the ℹ️ (info) button.
- Tap the three-dot menu ⋮ at the top → “Block number”.
- Confirm by tapping “Block”.
Manage your blocklist on Samsung
- Open Phone → tap the three dots ⋮ → Settings.
- Select “Block numbers”.
- Here you can see all blocked numbers, add new ones by typing, or remove existing blocks.
3. Block Phone Number 2026: iPhone iOS 18
On iPhone, the easiest way to block phone number 2026 is even simpler thanks to the feature built into iOS 18. A blocked number cannot call you, text you or FaceTime you.
🍎 iOS 18Method 1 — From recent calls on iPhone
- Open Phone → tap Recents.
- Tap the ℹ️ icon next to the number you want to block.
- Scroll down and tap “Block this Caller” (shown in red).
- Confirm by tapping “Block Contact”.
Method 2 — From a text message
- Open the message → tap the number or name at the top.
- Tap the ℹ️ icon → “Block this Caller”.
- Confirm. The number is now blocked for calls, texts and FaceTime.
Manage your blocked list on iPhone
Go to Settings → Phone → Blocked Contacts to see all blocked numbers, add new ones, or remove existing ones. The same list applies across Phone, Messages and FaceTime.
4. Block Phone Number 2026: All Unknown Callers
Don’t want any calls from numbers not in your contacts? Both systems have built-in ways to silence all unknown callers automatically.
Filter unknowns on Android
- Open Phone → ⋮ Settings.
- Go to “Spam and blocked numbers”.
- Enable “Filter spam calls”.
- To block all unknowns, also enable “Block calls from unrecognised numbers”.
Silence unknowns on iPhone
- Go to Settings → Phone.
- Enable “Silence Unknown Callers”.
- Calls from numbers not in your contacts go straight to voicemail.
- You can still call back from the call log if it was important.
5. Best Anti-Spam Apps 2026
Anti-spam apps identify and block call centres before your phone even rings. These are the best options to block phone numbers 2026 intelligently.
| App | Platform | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📞 Truecaller | Android + iPhone | Free (basic) | Huge spam database, identifies unknown callers |
| 🛡️ Hiya | Android + iPhone | Free | Auto-blocks call centres, fraud detection |
| 📵 Nomorobo | iPhone | Free trial | Excellent for US robocall blocking |
| ☎️ CallApp | Android | Free (basic) | International number identification |
| 🍎 Silence Unknown | iPhone only | Free (built-in) | No install needed, works natively in iOS |
6. How to Unblock a Number
Blocked someone by mistake or changed your mind? Unblocking is just as quick.
- Open Phone → ⋮ Settings → “Blocked numbers”.
- Find the number and tap the ✕ or “Unblock”.
- Confirm. They can call you again immediately.
- Go to Settings → Phone → Blocked Contacts.
- Swipe left on the number → tap “Unblock”.
- Or: tap Edit → the red circle → “Unblock”.
7. Frequently Asked Questions — Block Phone Number 2026
Does the person I block know they’ve been blocked?
No. Neither Android nor iPhone notifies the caller that they’ve been blocked. Their calls go straight to voicemail (or drop without ringing), and their texts appear to send but are never delivered to you. The block is completely invisible to them.
Can I block a WhatsApp number separately?
Yes. Blocking a number via the Phone app does not automatically block them on WhatsApp. In WhatsApp, open the chat → tap the name at the top → Block. Or go to WhatsApp Settings → Privacy → Blocked Contacts → Add New.
How many numbers can I block on Android and iPhone?
There’s no practical limit on modern devices. On iOS 18 you can block thousands of numbers without any performance issues. On Android the limit varies by manufacturer but is typically in the hundreds to thousands. For additional details see Apple’s guide on blocking contacts.
Does blocking a number also block their texts?
On iPhone yes: blocking a number blocks calls, SMS, iMessage and FaceTime all at once. On Android it depends on the app: the Phone app blocks calls, but to block texts you also need to block in the Messages app separately — or use Truecaller which handles everything in one go.
How do I stop scam calls for good?
The most effective combination is: (1) register with the UK’s Telephone Preference Service (TPS) or your country’s equivalent opt-out registry to legally stop unsolicited marketing calls, (2) install Truecaller or Hiya to auto-block known spam numbers, and (3) use your phone’s built-in spam filter.
Conclusion
You now know every method to block phone number 2026 on any Android or iPhone in under 2 minutes. For broader spam protection use Truecaller or your country’s phone preference opt-out registry. For more tips on customising your smartphone experience, check our dark mode guide below.
📱 Want to customise your phone further?
Learn how to enable dark mode and save battery on your Android or iPhone.