What's the Best Way to Block a Number from Calling My Cellphone? [Ask Lifehacker]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5602865/whats-the-best-way-to-block-a-number-from-calling-my-cellphone

Dear Lifehacker,
I'm receiving tons of unwanted calls per day. My carrier suggests that I change my number, but I don't want to do that. Is there anything else I can do?

Signed,
Endless Ringing

Dear Endless,

You actually have quite a few options depending on the type of phone you're using, but let's take a look at what you can do on any phone first.

Any Phone Options

Google Voice
The easiest way is via Google Voice. If you don't have a Google Voice account you can now sign up (no invite required). Blocking calls with Google Voice is pretty simple, plus you have the option of sending them directly to voicemail, treating all their calls as spam, or blocking them entirely. Here's how blocking works:

1. Log in to your Google Voice account.
2. Find the call you want to block (or the voicemail that resulted from it).
3. Select the checkbox next to the call or voicemail.
4. Click the "more" link underneath the call.
5. Select "Block Caller."

Google Voice is really the best option for blocking calls—assuming you're okay with transferring your cell phone number to Google Voice. If not, reader Grays offers another way of using Google Voice on Sprint:

I do not use google voice normally as I do not give out my GV number, instead I use it as my Voicemail. People call my normal Sprint number and I have it conditional call forwarded (conditional means its only forwards when its busy or I do not answer) to my GV number, this is done on sprints network by using *28. So in example to set it up from my sprint phone I dial *28 (google voice number) and hit call. So now when someone calls my Sprint phone and I don't answer it rolls to google voice as my voicemail and from there I can block calls. In this scenario it still rings to me but if I don't answer and I have them blocked they get a nice "this number has been disconnected" message. It only takes them one or two times before they then quit calling thinking the number is disconnected. This may be a little much info on the inner working of how our network interacts with google voice but it's a great alternative and I get to keep my cell number.

Contact Your Carrier

Most carriers have a means of blocking calls even if they don't realize it. It usually costs money and it usually falls under the header of Parental Controls but it works just the same. AT&T uses a feature called Smart Limits to get the job done and charges $5/month for the service. Verizon's service is free but can only block five callers at a time for a total of three months (eHow provides a tutorial). With T-Mobile, just call 611 and customer service will help you block any particular number. If you're on Sprint, you may be out of luck. According to Sprint customer support, although certain phones may have the ability to block calls through parental controls you cannot request to have calls blocked without involving law enforcement. SMS text messages, however, can be blocked at no extra charge by contacting customer support. If your carrier does support some method of call blocking, generally you can block unknown and blocked numbers as well. In fact, this is generally easier for your phone company to accomplish than blocking individual callers.

If you don't like your carrier options, TrapCall (our previous post) is an inexpensive service that'll unmask blocked callers and blacklist anybody you want to avoid. It offers some other options, such as voicemail transcription, at an additional cost but $5 a month will get you the basic features you're looking for. Thanks sleepmanager for the tip!

Silence the Call
While this isn't technically a call-blocking method, the result is pretty much the same. If you install a silent ringtone (here's a guide for iPhone) on your phone you can attach it to numbers you don't want to answer and never be bothered by them again.

Android Phones

If you're on an Android phone you have a few options via the Android Marketplace, many of which are free. Here are a few options (some can block SMS as well):

• DroidBlock (Free)
• CallFilter (Free)
• Automatic Call Blocker (Free)

These apps, by no means, account for all Android call-blocking apps. If you have a favorite, please share in the comments.

Success with call-blocking apps tends to vary and they're not always 100% effective. If you want to avoid apps you may have another option built into Android. Some Android phones can send calls directly to voicemail, which you can enable by editing the contact information containing the number you want to block.

iPhone

The iPhone doesn't allow developers the freedom they'll find on Android, but if you've jailbroken your phone (which can be very simply) you can purchase iBlackList through Cydia. Other jailbreak options include MCleaner and MobileGate.

As previously mentioned, you can also sign up for AT&T's Smart Limits for call blocking or just install a silent ringtone.

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While there's no obvious one-size-fits-all solution, you've got plenty of options for blocking unwanted calls. You just have to find the option that best fits your needs.

Love,
Lifehacker

P.S. Got any great call-blocking tips? Share 'em in the comments!