Unwanted calls and texts from scammers and spammers are a common downside of smartphones, but Android users can easily block numbers. The process varies slightly by device manufacturer.

For Samsung phones, block a saved contact via the Contacts app: select the contact, tap More, then Block contact. To block an unsaved number, use the Phone app: tap More > Settings > Block numbers > Add phone number. You can also block recent callers from the Recents tab by selecting Details > More Options > Block number.

On Google Pixel or stock Android devices, open the Phone app, tap More > Call history, select the number, and choose Block/report spam. Blocked calls are automatically declined, and texts are filtered to a spam folder. Note that blocking is device-specific; moving your SIM to a new phone requires re-blocking numbers.

To unblock on Samsung, go to Contacts or Phone app > Settings > Block numbers and remove the entry. On Pixel or stock Android, open Phone app > Settings > Blocked numbers and tap Clear next to the number. Unblocking restores normal call and text delivery, though calls received during the block period remain absent from call logs.