You can block outgoing calls through your phone's built-in settings, your carrier's tools, or third-party apps — the method depends on whether you want to block all calls, specific numbers, or calls to certain types of destinations

The simplest approach is your phone's native settings. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and toggle off Phone. On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but generally you open Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls > App timers or Bedtime mode, then disable the Phone app during specific hours. Both methods prevent outgoing calls entirely during the time window you set.

If you want to block calls to specific numbers instead, most carriers offer this through their account portal or a phone code. AT&T customers can dial *67 before a number to block their caller ID on that single call, or contact AT&T directly to block outgoing calls to certain numbers permanently. Verizon offers a similar feature through My Verizon, and T-Mobile has Call Filter. These carrier tools typically cost nothing or a few dollars per month.

For blocking international calls, premium rate numbers, or other categories, third-party apps like TrueCaller, Mr. Number, or your carrier's native blocking tool often have category-based filters. These work differently than blocking a specific contact — they prevent calls to entire number ranges or types of services.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone's Screen Time (iPhone) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) settings can disable outgoing calls entirely during set hours without needing an app.
  • Carrier tools like AT&T Call Protect, Verizon Call Filter, and T-Mobile Scam Shield let you block calls to specific numbers or categories, usually at no cost.
  • Dialing *67 before a number hides your caller ID for that single call on most carriers, though some services reject blocked calls.
  • Third-party apps add more granular control but require permissions to access your contacts and call logs, so review privacy settings before installing.

Blocking all outgoing calls during specific times

This is the fastest way to prevent calls without managing a blocklist. On iPhone, Screen Time lets you set app limits or downtime windows where the Phone app simply will not open. Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits, select Phone, and set a daily limit (when it expires, the app locks). Alternatively, use Downtime to block the app entirely during certain hours — say, 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Android's Digital Wellbeing feature works similarly. Open Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls > App timers, select Phone, and set how many minutes per day you can use it. Once the timer runs out, the app locks. Some Android phones also have a Bedtime mode that disables calls and notifications during sleep hours.

Both methods require you to know your phone's passcode or Screen Time password to override them — useful if you are trying to enforce the restriction on someone else's device. If you forget the password, you will need to reset your phone or contact your carrier.

Blocking calls to specific numbers through your carrier

Every major carrier offers a way to block outgoing calls to particular numbers. AT&T customers can log into their account online, go to Manage Services, and add numbers to a block list. Verizon offers the same through My Verizon under Call Settings. T-Mobile has a similar feature in the T-Mobile app. These blocks are permanent until you remove them, and they work whether you are on WiFi calling or cellular.

Some carriers charge a small monthly fee for this service, though many offer a basic version free. AT&T Call Protect and Verizon Call Filter both have free tiers that block known spam and scam numbers automatically, with paid upgrades for custom blocking. Check your carrier's website or call customer service to confirm what is included in your plan.

If you want to block a single call without setting up a permanent block, dial *67 before the number on most carriers. This hides your caller ID, and some services will reject the call because they cannot see who is calling. It does not prevent the call from going through — it just masks your number.

Blocking categories of calls instead of individual numbers

Many people need to block entire categories: international calls, premium rate numbers (900 numbers, for example), or calls to specific countries. Your carrier usually handles this through a phone code or account setting. On AT&T, you can dial *61 to block calls to 900 numbers. On Verizon, call customer service and ask them to enable International Calling Block, which prevents calls outside the United States.

Third-party apps like TrueCaller offer more detailed category filters. You can block calls to numbers flagged as spam, telemarketers, or specific business types. These apps require access to your contacts and call logs, so review their privacy policy before installing. Some apps also let you set time-based rules — for example, blocking all outgoing calls after 10 p.m. except to emergency contacts.

If you are managing a device for someone else (a child or elderly parent, for example), parental control apps like Google Family Link (Android) or Apple's built-in Screen Time offer the most control. These let you approve or deny specific contacts, set calling hours, and see a log of attempted calls.

Understanding what happens when a call is blocked

When you block an outgoing call through your phone's settings, the call simply will not connect — the Phone app will not open or will show a message saying calls are restricted. The person you were trying to reach will not know you attempted to call them. There is no notification sent to them, and no record of the attempt appears in your call log (though your phone may keep a separate log of blocked attempts if you check your Screen Time or app timer history).

If you block a call through your carrier (like blocking calls to a specific number), the call will not go through, but your carrier may charge you for the attempt depending on your plan. Some carriers treat blocked calls as completed calls for billing purposes, while others do not. Check your carrier's policy before setting up blocks if you are concerned about charges.

Blocking via *67 works differently — the call goes through, but the recipient sees "Unknown" or "Blocked" instead of your number. Some automated systems and businesses reject these calls, so the call may fail to connect even though you initiated it.

Using third-party apps for more detailed control

Apps like TrueCaller, Mr. Number, and Nomorobo add features beyond what your phone and carrier offer. They let you create custom rules — for example, "block all calls to numbers starting with 1-900" or "allow calls only from contacts between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m." Some apps also let you set different rules for different days or times.

Before installing any app, check what permissions it requests. Call-blocking apps need access to your contacts, call logs, and sometimes your location to work properly. Review the app's privacy policy to understand how it uses this data. Many reputable apps (TrueCaller, for example) sell anonymized data to advertisers, so read the fine print.

Free versions of these apps usually include basic blocking and category filters. Paid versions add features like call recording, detailed analytics, and priority support. For most people, your carrier's free blocking tool or your phone's built-in Screen Time is sufficient — third-party apps are worth considering only if you need features your carrier does not offer.

Blocking calls on a work phone or shared device

If you manage a work phone or a device shared with family, you have a few options depending on your setup. On a company-issued iPhone, your IT department may have installed Mobile Device Management (MDM) software that lets them set calling restrictions remotely. Ask your IT team whether they can block outgoing calls to certain numbers or disable calling entirely during work hours.

For a shared family device, Apple's Screen Time and Google's Family Link are designed for this. Both let you set up a parent account that controls restrictions on a child's device. You can disable the Phone app, set calling hours, or require approval for calls to numbers outside a whitelist. These tools require the child's device to be linked to your account, and they work even if the child tries to change settings (as long as you have set a Screen Time password).

If you are blocking calls on your own device for personal reasons — to avoid distractions or enforce a boundary — your phone's native tools are usually enough. If you are managing someone else's device, parental control or MDM software gives you more oversight and prevents the user from easily disabling the blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block outgoing calls to one number but allow calls to others?

Yes, through your carrier or a third-party app. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all let you add specific numbers to a block list. Apps like TrueCaller let you create a whitelist of allowed contacts and block everything else, or block specific numbers while allowing all others. Your phone's Screen Time does not offer this level of detail — it blocks all calls or none.

Will the person I am trying to call know I blocked them?

No. If your phone prevents the call from connecting, they will not receive any notification. If you use *67 to hide your caller ID, they will see "Unknown" or "Blocked" but will not know it was you specifically. Carrier-level blocks and app-based blocks are invisible to the recipient.

What happens if I block international calls and then try to call someone overseas?

The call will not go through. Your phone or carrier will show an error message saying international calls are blocked. You will need to contact your carrier or change your settings to unblock international calls before you can reach someone outside the country. Some carriers let you unblock temporarily for a single call.

Can my carrier see which calls I blocked?

Your carrier can see that you set up a block, but they cannot see your attempt to call a blocked number unless you call customer service and ask them to check your logs. Blocked calls do not appear in your regular bill or call history. Your phone keeps a record in Screen Time or app timer logs if you check those settings.

Is there a way to block outgoing calls without the person knowing I set it up?

If you are setting restrictions on your own device, no — the person using it will notice they cannot make calls. If you are managing someone else's device (a child's phone, for example), parental control apps and Screen Time let you set restrictions without the user being able to easily disable them, though they will notice the Phone app is locked or restricted.