How to Block Cell Phone Numbers on Android or iPhone (iOS)
Most smartphones block incoming phone numbers to avoid receiving spam calls or other calls you don’t want. Another option available is to block your own Caller ID from displaying on the recipient’s device. Both options are possible on Android and iOS phones. All major mobile phone operating systems offer a way to block incoming phone numbers.
Apple iOS Phones
You can block numbers from within the phone’s Recents section, within FaceTime or inside Messages. Blocking a number from one area blocks all three. From each area: To view and manage blocked numbers: You can also filter your iMessages from people who are not in your contacts list. After you have filtered at least one message, a new tab displays for Unknown Senders. You still get the messages, but they won’t be automatically displayed, and you won’t receive any notifications. To filter iMessages:
Android Phones
Because so many manufacturers produce phones (Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, LG, etc.) that run the Android operating system, the procedure for blocking a number can vary widely. Further, versions of Android Marshmallow and older do not natively offer this feature. If you are running an older version like this, your carrier may support it, or you may be able to block a number using an app. To see whether or not your carrier supports phone blocking: If you’re using a different Android phone, like a Pixel, you might do the following after you find the number you want to block in your Phone app: If you don’t have an option to block a call, you might be able to at least send a call to voicemail:
Blocking Your Own Number’s Caller ID
In addition to controlling incoming calls through call blocking, you can also control whether an outgoing call will display your Caller ID. This capability can be configured to operate as a permanent block or a temporary block on a call-by-call basis. Your phone number can’t be blocked when you call toll-free (e.g., 1-800 numbers) and emergency services (911) numbers.
Call-by-Call Block From Caller ID
Just add the *67 prefix before the phone number on your cell phone. This code is the universal command to deactivate Caller ID. For example, placing a blocked call would look like *67 555 555 5555. On the receiving end, Caller ID will usually display “private number” or “unknown.” Though you won’t hear or see a caller ID block confirmation, it will work.
Permanent Block From Caller ID
Call your cell phone carrier and ask for a line block to permanently suppress your phone number in outbound Caller ID. This change is permanent and irreversible. While customer service may attempt to convince you to reconsider, the choice is yours. Various carriers support additional blocking features, such as blocking specific numbers or messages. Though the code to call your mobile carrier can vary, 611 typically works for cell phone customer service in the United States and Canada.
Hide Your Number on an Android Device
Most Android phones provide a Caller ID blocking feature in the Phone settings, either through the Phone app or Settings | App Info | Phone. Some Android versions older than Marshmallow include this feature under an Additional Settings option within your Phone settings.
Hide Your Number on an iPhone
In iOS, the call blocking feature is under the Phone settings:
