How to Block All Calls on Android: A Complete Guide, Options, and Tricks

The unstoppable advancement of mobile technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, allowing us to stay connected with family, friends, colleagues, and businesses from anywhere. However, the omnipresence of mobile phones has also brought with it challenges, such as an increase in unwanted calls, spam, telemarketing, and constant interruptions that affect our privacy, concentration, and well-being.

Beyond messaging apps and social media, traditional calls are still a reality. Not all users enjoy receiving calls, whether due to social anxiety, a desire to avoid interruptions, or simply wanting to steer clear of phone scams and promotions. Fortunately, today block all calls on android It is a simple task and there are numerous ways to do it, from the system's own settings to the use of advanced utilities and filters adapted to our needs.

Want to know how to selectively silence your phone, block calls from all unknown numbers, restrict specific contacts, or prevent spam calls? Throughout this article, you'll discover all the available methods, including steps for different brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, Realme, Pixel, and more), customized settings, little-known tricks, temporary and permanent blocks, and even restrictions based on regions or international prefixes. We'll also show you the best third-party apps, the differences between blocking and reporting numbers, and how to unblock calls if you change your mind. Get ready to have complete control over receiving calls on your smartphone!

Why block all calls on Android?

There are multiple reasons to want block all incoming calls on AndroidBelow we list the most common reasons:

Avoid spam calls, telemarketing, and intrusive sales pitches.
Reduce distractions during study, remote work, or rest periods.
Protect your privacy from stalkers or unwanted contacts.
Control international calls from unknown or fraudulent numbers.
Being able to respond to only important notifications and messages without interrupting your workflow.

Blocking all calls doesn't necessarily mean isolating yourself: Android allows for nuances, exceptions, and workarounds to help you receive only what you really want.

Block all calls on Android: System options

Android offers several native call blocking tools. The availability and location of these features may vary slightly depending on the operating system version and the brand's customization layer, but they generally follow a very similar logic.

Do Not Disturb Mode: Silence all incoming calls

Do Not Disturb mode It's one of the fastest and most flexible ways to stop receiving notifications and calls. This option allows you to filter alerts, calls, and messages based on your preferences:

Activate Do Not Disturb from the quick panel (swipe down from the top of the screen) or from the sound settings.
You can customize what you want to block (calls only, calls and messages, or everything).
Allow exceptions for repeated contacts or calls (for example, if someone calls several times within a few minutes).
Allows you to schedule automatic schedules to activate/deactivate the mode.

To customize the behavior of Do Not Disturb mode:

Go to Settings > Sound > Do not disturb.
Accede to Exceptions o Allow only.
Uncheck the option to allow calls, or select only those from your favorite contacts if you don't want to miss any important ones.
Activate the “Repeated Calls” feature if you want to receive emergency calls (when someone insists on calling you several times in less than 3 minutes).

Advantages: Allows you to block all calls in seconds, with flexibility for exceptions and without the need for external applications. Ideal for avoiding interruptions at critical moments.

Call Restriction: Block all or part of calls from the Phone app

Some Android phones allow you to restrict all calls directly from the Phone app or call settings. This is useful if you want to block only specific calls, such as international calls, unknown calls, private calls, or all calls.

Open the phone app.
Click on the three points in the upper right corner to open the menu.
Accede to Settings o Call settings.
Sign in Call restriction, Call blocking o Call filters (name may vary).
Select the appropriate option, such as “Block all incoming calls,” or set specific rules (unknown numbers, regions, etc.).
Confirm the change. In some cases, a PIN may be required (the standard is 0000 or 1234, but you can request one from your carrier if it doesn't work).

Some brands (such as Samsung, OPPO, Realme, Xiaomi, Huawei, Motorola, OnePlus, Vivo, Google Pixel) have variations in the menus, but the flow is usually the same: Access advanced call options and select the most restrictive filterThese options allow you to block calls completely, only from unknown or private calls, or manage exceptions individually.

Block unknown and private numbers

Another useful option is Block only calls from hidden, private, or non-stored numbers in your address bookThis prevents spam and calls from companies without restricting your real contacts.

Open the app Telephone and access Settings.
Look for the section Blocked numbers o call filter.
Activate the option Block unknown numbers o Private (name may vary depending on customization layer).

Special cases: Manufacturer blocking

On Samsung (One UI):

Go to the Phone app > More options > block numbers.
Activate spam protection and the option to block calls from unknown callers.

At Huawei:

Go to the Phone app > Settings > Filter rules.
Set up filters to block calls from unknown, private, or even calls from all regions.

On Realme and OPPO:

Go to Phone > Blocks & Filters > Set Rules > Block Calls.
You can block by region, unknown number, or customize exceptions.

Filter and block calls with Google and official apps

Google Call Screen and Spam Filter

La Google Phone app offers powerful protection against unwanted calls through the function Caller ID and spam protection. The general steps are:

Open the Phone app (Google Phone).
Press on More (three points) > Settings.
Sign in Caller ID and spam o Call screen.
Active View caller ID and spam.
Optionally, activate Filter spam calls so that you will never be disturbed (these calls won't even get through).
Set the filtering level to Call screen to automatically reject calls from unknown or potential fraudsters.

Open Phone > Call History.
Press and hold the number or access the call details.
Press on Block/Mark as spam.

This way, you can add any annoying number to your "blacklist," whether you're being harassed by a specific number or receiving recurring robocalls. Also, if you want to block international calls or calls from certain prefixes, check out how to block telephone prefixes.

Block international calls or calls from certain prefixes

If you're experiencing international spam calls, you can filter by area code by following these steps:

Go to Phone > Settings > Call blocking o Blocked numbers.
Add the international prefix (e.g., “+44” for the UK) to the block list.
Save the changes. This way, all calls from that country will be automatically ignored.

How to unblock numbers on Android

Access the Phone app > More > Settings > Blocked numbers.
To remove a number, tap the cross icon next to it and select Unblock.

Apps to block calls on Android

If you want to extend your protection even further, there's a wide range of dedicated apps on the Google Play Store designed for advanced call blocking, with smart filters and centralized management. Some of the most recommended and secure are:

truecaller: Automatically identifies and blocks spam numbers, filtering out commercial calls and unwanted numbers. Allows you to create custom blacklists and provides caller ID information.
Hiya: It stands out for its ability to block both spam calls and SMS, identify fraud, and protect privacy. It is highly valued for its collaborative database.
RoboKiller: Block robocalls and spam bots. It has options to intercept suspicious calls and respond with humorous auto-replies.
Avast MobileSecurity: In addition to antivirus, it includes an effective call blocker and additional protection for Android.

Are these applications safe?

Many blocking apps require access to your address book and call management. Always use reputable apps, checking the requested permissions on their Play Store listings and reviewing other users' reviews. Truecaller, Hiya, or Avast are safe options, but be wary of little-known apps or those with low ratings.

Advantages of apps over system methods

They allow advanced filtering (white and black lists, filters by prefixes, time aspects, etc.)
They identify in real time who is calling you, even if the number is not in your contacts
Mass spam blocking thanks to collaborative databases
Deep customization of rules and notifications

Blocking on messaging apps and other services

Remember that if you also receive calls or video calls through apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, or similar, you can set up blocks or mute contacts directly from each app.

On WhatsApp:

Open the conversation with the contact.
Click on the three dots > More > Block.

On Telegram:

Go to the main menu > Settings > Privacy & Security > Calls.
Select whether you want to allow calls from everyone, only from your contacts, or from no one, and create your exceptions list.

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Advanced alternatives to block calls on Android

In addition to conventional methods, there are advanced and lesser-known approaches that allow you to further increase control over incoming calls:

Robinson List: End telephone advertising

In Spain there is an official registry called Robinson ListBy registering for this database, you expressly opt out of receiving promotional calls, both from companies you haven't given your consent to and from new advertisers. Follow these steps:

Access the official website of the Robinson List.
Sign up and select the ways you do not want to receive advertising (calls, email, SMS, etc.).
Once you've opted in, companies are legally obligated not to include you in promotional campaigns.

Temporary restrictions: Airplane mode and concentration modes

El airplane mode Temporarily stops all phone communications (calls, SMS, mobile data). This is useful if you need to completely isolate yourself for specific periods, although it disables all network functions simultaneously.

Some manufacturers include modes of concentration or similar, allowing calls to be filtered only during certain hours of the day (for example, during the work day or at night).

Block calls by operator or through special services

In addition to Android's own features, many carriers offer additional services for blocking calls, either through restriction codes or from their official app.

Consult your operator If they offer international call blocking, hidden number blocking, or network-level blacklisting, which protects you even if you change your device.
Some carrier apps have "locks" sections that allow you to activate restrictions without modifying your Android's main settings.

What is the difference between blocking and reporting as spam?

Block a number prevents you from being contacted by phone or SMS (depending on the system) without notifying the other person. Report a number as spam This involves informing your carrier or Google that the number is making fraudulent calls, helping to protect other users in the future. Both options can be used simultaneously to maximize protection.

Common mistakes when blocking calls on Android

Not checking if exceptions are configured correctly: Make sure your important contacts are whitelisted if you want their calls to go through.
Forgetting to turn off Do Not Disturb mode: If you don't remember to reactivate it, you could miss important calls if you keep filters too restrictive.
Do not update blocking apps: Always use the latest versions to benefit from updated spam databases and security patches.
Allow low reputation apps: Some apps may abuse your permissions. Stick to official apps and check reviews before installing.

Frequently asked questions about call blocking on Android

If I block all calls, will I still receive messages and notifications?
It depends on the method: Do Not Disturb mode allows messages to continue arriving if you set it up. Airplane mode stops everything. Call blocking from the Phone app only affects calls.

Will the sender be notified that they have been blocked?
No. The phone will simply reject the call or send it to voicemail, without the sender receiving any explicit alert.

Do blocks affect SMS?
Not automatically. However, many specialized apps also allow you to block messages from unwanted numbers.

Can the lock be scheduled to only work on certain days or times?
Yes, both Do Not Disturb mode and some apps allow you to schedule rules for specific hours or days.

Is there a limit to the number of numbers I can block?
The Phone app doesn't typically set any practical limits, although some third-party apps may have restrictions depending on the version installed.

Security and privacy recommendations

Always use official methods and reputable apps.
Do not download blocking applications from unknown sources to avoid malware or data theft.
Protect the privacy of your address book reviewing the permits granted.
Take advantage of automatic call and SMS filters to avoid threats such as phishing..
Periodically check the lists of blocked numbers to make sure you don't accidentally block any relevant calls.

Blocking and unblocking calls on other systems: iOS and alternatives

If you combine multiple devices or have family members who use iPhones, you should know that iOS also includes similar options to block both individual and unknown calls and automatically silence spam.

In Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts, you can add or remove numbers to block.
The “Silence Unknown Numbers” option sends all calls from numbers not in your address book to your voicemail.
Do Not Disturb mode on iOS also allows you to set exceptions and schedules.

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