You can block outgoing calls using your phone's built-in settings, your carrier's tools, or third-party apps

Blocking outgoing calls means preventing calls from leaving your phone — either all calls, calls to specific numbers, or calls during certain times. The method depends on what you're trying to stop: a child calling expensive numbers, a family member reaching someone during recovery, or yourself from contacting a number you're trying to avoid. Your phone's operating system, your carrier, and specialized apps each offer different levels of control.

The fastest route is usually your phone's built-in parental controls or screen time settings if you own the device. If your carrier manages the phone (like a work line or a family plan), they may have blocking options in their account portal. Third-party apps give you the most flexibility but require you to install and manage them.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone users can restrict outgoing calls through Screen Time settings without needing an app, but this blocks all calls except emergency numbers.
  • Android phones don't have a native system-wide outgoing call blocker, so you'll need either a carrier service or a third-party app.
  • Your mobile carrier may offer outgoing call restrictions through their account portal or a customer service call, often at no extra cost.
  • Third-party apps like Google Family Link (Android) and Apple's Screen Time (iPhone) let you block specific numbers or set time-based restrictions.
  • If you're trying to prevent someone else from making calls, you need physical access to the phone and the device's unlock code or password.

Blocking all outgoing calls on iPhone

On iPhone, the most direct method is Screen Time, which is built into iOS. Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then tap your own device name at the top. Scroll down to "Phone" under the Allowed Apps section and toggle it off. This prevents all outgoing calls except to emergency numbers (911 in the US).

Screen Time requires a Screen Time passcode to change these settings once they're set. If you're setting this up for someone else's phone, you'll need to know their passcode or have access to their Apple ID. Once the restriction is active, the person can still receive calls and send messages, but they cannot initiate phone calls.

If you want to block only specific numbers rather than all calls, you'll need a third-party app. The built-in blocking feature in iPhone (Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts) only prevents incoming calls and messages from those numbers, not outgoing calls to them.

Blocking outgoing calls on Android

Android does not have a system-wide setting to block all outgoing calls the way iPhone does. However, Google Family Link — Google's parental control app — lets you set call restrictions if you're managing a child's device. Install Family Link on both the child's phone and your own, set up the child's account, then open Family Link on your phone and navigate to their device. Tap "Controls on Google Play" and look for call and SMS restrictions under the app permissions section.

If you don't want to use Family Link, your carrier may offer outgoing call restrictions. Call your carrier's customer service line (the number is on your bill or their website) and ask whether they offer call blocking or parental controls. Many carriers including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer these services, sometimes free and sometimes for a monthly fee.

For blocking specific numbers on Android, apps like Truecaller and Mr. Number can block incoming calls and texts, but they don't prevent you from calling those numbers yourself. If you need to prevent outgoing calls to a specific person, a third-party app designed for that purpose is your only option on Android.

Using your carrier to block outgoing calls

Most mobile carriers offer outgoing call restrictions, though the feature name and availability vary. Contact your carrier directly — the phone number is on your bill or their website — and ask about parental controls, call restrictions, or outgoing call blocking. Be specific about what you want to block: all calls, calls to certain numbers, or calls during certain hours.

Carrier-based blocking has one major advantage: it works regardless of which phone the person is using on that line. If you switch phones or factory reset, the restriction stays active because it's enforced at the carrier level, not on the device itself. The downside is that carrier support can be slow, and you may need to call back multiple times to confirm the restriction is actually active.

Some carriers also let you manage these settings through their mobile app or website portal. Log into your account and look for a section labeled "Parental Controls," "Call Management," or "Family Features." Not all carriers offer this online, so a phone call may be necessary.

Blocking specific numbers from being called

If you want to prevent calls to one or two specific numbers rather than blocking all outgoing calls, your options are more limited. On iPhone, there's no built-in way to block outgoing calls to a specific number. You would need to delete the contact, block the number in your contacts (which only blocks incoming calls), or use a third-party app.

On Android, apps like Truecaller and Call Blocker can block incoming calls from specific numbers, but they typically don't prevent you from dialing those numbers yourself. Some apps marketed as "call blockers" do offer outgoing restrictions, but you'll need to read the app description carefully to confirm this feature exists before installing.

The most reliable way to prevent calls to a specific number is to delete it from your contacts and avoid looking it up. If you're trying to prevent someone else from calling a number, you would need to remove the contact from their phone and monitor their call history — which requires ongoing access to their device.

Time-based call restrictions

If you want to block outgoing calls only during certain hours — for example, after bedtime or during school — both iPhone and Android offer time-based options. On iPhone, Screen Time lets you set "Downtime," a period when only calls to favorites and emergency numbers are allowed. Open Settings > Screen Time > Downtime, set your hours, and toggle it on.

On Android, Google Family Link includes a "Bedtime" feature that restricts device use during set hours, though it doesn't specifically target calls. Some third-party apps like OurPact and Bark offer more granular time-based call blocking, but these require a subscription and installation on both devices.

Time-based restrictions are most useful for managing a child's phone use or helping someone stick to their own boundaries. They're less useful if you're trying to prevent someone from calling during an emergency, since most systems allow calls to emergency numbers and sometimes to favorite contacts even during restricted hours.

What happens when outgoing calls are blocked

When outgoing calls are blocked at the system level (like iPhone's Screen Time), the person trying to call sees a message saying calls are not allowed or the Phone app simply won't dial. They can still receive incoming calls and send text messages. Emergency calls to 911 (or your country's emergency number) always go through, even with restrictions active.

If blocking is set up at the carrier level, the call may fail with a message like "This call cannot be completed as dialed" or "Service not available." The person calling won't know whether the restriction is on their phone or on the account — they'll just know the call didn't go through.

If you're using a third-party app to block specific numbers, the behavior depends on the app. Some apps silently fail the call, some show a message, and some log the attempt so you can review it later. Check the app's settings to see what feedback it provides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone bypass outgoing call blocking?

If blocking is set up through Screen Time or parental controls on the device itself, someone with the device's passcode can turn it off. If it's set up at the carrier level, they would need to contact the carrier and provide account information to remove it. Blocking is a deterrent and a management tool, not a security measure.

Will blocking outgoing calls prevent text messages?

No. Blocking outgoing calls does not affect text messages, email, or data. The person can still send SMS, iMessage, WhatsApp, or any other messaging app. If you need to restrict messaging as well, you'll need to set that separately through parental controls or carrier services.

What if I block outgoing calls and then need to make an emergency call?

Emergency calls to 911 (or your country's emergency number) always go through, even with outgoing call blocking active. Most systems also allow calls to contacts marked as "favorites" or "emergency contacts" to bypass restrictions. Check your phone's settings to confirm which numbers are exempt.

Can I block outgoing calls to just one number without blocking everything?

iPhone and Android don't have a built-in feature for this. You would need a third-party app, though most call-blocking apps focus on incoming calls rather than outgoing ones. Your best option is to delete the contact and avoid looking up the number, or ask your carrier whether they offer selective outgoing call blocking.

Does blocking outgoing calls work if the person uses WiFi calling?

Yes. Blocking set up through Screen Time, parental controls, or carrier services blocks calls whether they're made over cellular or WiFi. The restriction is on the phone or account, not on the network type.