The fastest way to block a number on Samsung

Open the Phone app, find the number you want to block in your call history or contacts, press and hold it, then tap Block number. The blocked number can still leave voicemails, but their calls won't ring through and won't appear in your call log. If you want to block a number that isn't in your history yet, you can add it manually through Settings > Apps > Phone > Settings > Blocked numbers, then tap the plus icon and type the number.

Samsung phones running Android 6.0 and newer have this feature built in. Older models may not have a dedicated block feature in the Phone app itself, but you can still block numbers through your carrier or a third-party app.

Key Takeaways

  • Blocking a number through the Phone app takes three taps and stops calls from ringing through, though voicemails still arrive.
  • You can block numbers from your call history, your contacts list, or by entering a number manually in Phone Settings.
  • Your carrier may offer additional blocking options through their own app or website, sometimes with extra features like spam filtering.
  • Third-party apps like Truecaller or Nomorobo can block numbers and filter spam calls, but they require separate installation and permissions.

Blocking from your call history or contacts

The easiest method is to block someone you've already called or received a call from. Open the Phone app, go to the Recents tab, and find the number. Press and hold the entry until a menu appears, then select Block number. A confirmation message will appear; tap Block again to confirm.

If the number is saved in your Contacts, open Contacts, find the person, tap the three-dot menu at the top right, and select Block. This blocks all numbers associated with that contact. If someone has multiple phone numbers saved under their name, blocking the contact blocks them all at once.

Adding a number to your block list manually

To block a number you haven't called or received a call from, open the Phone app and tap the three-dot menu (or Settings icon, depending on your Samsung model). Select Settings, then Blocked numbers. Tap the plus icon, type or paste the number you want to block, and tap Add.

You can add numbers with or without the country code or area code — Samsung will match variations of the same number. For example, blocking 555-123-4567 will also block calls from (555) 123-4567 or +1-555-123-4567.

What happens when you block a number

When you block a number on Samsung, that person's calls go straight to voicemail without your phone ringing or showing a notification. Text messages from blocked numbers are not delivered to your phone — they're silently rejected. However, the blocked person won't receive a message saying they've been blocked; the call or text simply fails on their end as if your phone were off.

Blocked numbers can still leave voicemails, and those voicemails will appear in your voicemail inbox. If you want to prevent blocked numbers from leaving voicemails, you'll need to use your carrier's blocking service or a third-party app instead.

Using your carrier's blocking service

Your mobile carrier — whether that's Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider — may offer its own call-blocking service with features Samsung's built-in blocker doesn't have. Verizon Call Filter, AT&T Call Protect, and T-Mobile Scam Shield can block spam calls before they reach your phone and prevent blocked numbers from leaving voicemails.

These services are often free or cost a few dollars per month. You can turn them on through your carrier's website or app. Using both your phone's built-in blocker and your carrier's service gives you two layers of protection, though they work independently — blocking a number in one doesn't automatically block it in the other.

Third-party blocking apps

Apps like Truecaller, Nomorobo, and RoboKiller offer more advanced blocking and spam filtering than Samsung's default feature. These apps can identify and block spam calls automatically, show caller information for unknown numbers, and block voicemails from reaching your inbox. Some charge a subscription fee, while others are free with optional paid features.

To use a third-party app, download it from the Google Play Store, grant it permission to access your phone and call history, and configure your blocking preferences. You may need to set the app as your default Phone app or dialer for it to intercept all incoming calls. Keep in mind that third-party apps use more battery and data than Samsung's built-in blocker, so test one for a few days before committing to it long-term.

Unblocking a number

If you change your mind, you can unblock a number just as easily. Open the Phone app, go to Settings > Blocked numbers, find the number in the list, and tap the minus icon or swipe left on it (depending on your Samsung model). Tap Unblock to confirm. The person can now call you normally again.

Unblocking a number doesn't restore old calls or messages from when they were blocked — those remain deleted from your call log and message threads. It only allows future calls and texts from that number to come through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone tell if I've blocked them?

No. When a blocked person calls, they hear a normal ringing sound and may think you didn't answer. They won't receive a message saying they've been blocked. However, if they try calling repeatedly and always get voicemail, they may suspect you've blocked them.

Will blocking a number stop text messages?

Yes. Text messages from blocked numbers are rejected and won't appear in your messages app. The sender won't know the message failed — it will appear to send normally on their end, but you won't receive it.

What if I block a number but still want to see their voicemails?

Samsung's built-in blocker doesn't let you separate calls from voicemails. If you want to block calls but receive voicemails, use your carrier's blocking service instead, or add the number to a "Do Not Disturb" contact that silences notifications but still delivers messages.

Can I block an entire area code or prefix?

Samsung's built-in blocker doesn't support blocking by area code or prefix — you have to block individual numbers. Third-party apps like Truecaller may offer this feature, or your carrier's blocking service might have pattern-matching options.

If I block someone and then unblock them, will they know?

No. Unblocking a number doesn't notify the person. They'll only know you unblocked them if they try calling during the time you had them blocked and notice the calls now go through, or if you tell them yourself.