Call blocking is one of the quickest ways to reduce repeat nuisance calls. It will not stop every scam campaign, because many callers switch numbers frequently, but it does give you control over persistent offenders and buys you a little more peace.
Blocking on iPhone
Open the Phone app, go to Recents, tap the information icon next to the number, then choose Block this Caller. You can also review blocked contacts in Settings under Phone. If nuisance calls are constant, the Silence Unknown Callers feature is worth considering, although it may also send genuine unsaved callers straight to voicemail.
Blocking on Android
Android steps vary slightly by device maker, but the usual route is the same: open the Phone app, find the recent call, long-press or open the number details, and choose the block or report option. Some Android phones also include spam detection and caller screening tools built into the dialler.
Blocking on landlines
Landline users often have fewer built-in controls, but there are still good options. Some providers offer call protect features, anonymous call rejection, or nuisance call filtering. Many modern handsets also support a local block list. If calls are frequent, a dedicated call-blocking device can be worth the effort.
Quick comparison by device type
| Device | How to Block a Number | Built-in Screening | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone (iOS 13+) | Phone app → Recents → tap (i) → Block this Caller | Silence Unknown Callers (Settings → Phone) | Silencing all calls from numbers not in your contacts |
| Samsung Galaxy | Phone app → Recents → tap number → Block | Caller ID and spam protection (built into dialler) | Automatic spam detection and call labelling |
| Google Pixel | Phone app → Recents → tap number → Block / Report spam | Call Screen (Google Assistant answers and transcribes) | Screening unknown callers before you pick up |
| Other Android | Phone app → Recents → long-press or tap number details → Block | Varies by manufacturer; check dialler settings | Basic blocking; may need third-party app for screening |
| BT Landline | Dial 1571 or use BT Call Protect via My BT account | BT Call Protect (free), BT Privacy at Home (paid) | Diverting nuisance calls to a junk voicemail |
| Virgin Media Landline | Use Virgin Phone Control via My Virgin Media | Call Protect, Anonymous Caller Rejection | Blocking withheld numbers and known spam |
| Sky Landline | Sky Talk Shield (free for Sky Talk customers) | Sky Talk Shield screens calls before they ring | Requiring callers to say their name before connecting |
| DECT Cordless Handset | Add to handset block list via phone menu | Varies; some Panasonic/Gigaset models have built-in blocking | Local block list managed on the handset itself |
Blocking helps with known repeat numbers. It does not stop number spoofing, large scam operations using rotating caller IDs, or withheld calls unless your provider offers tools for those too. Think of blocking as one layer of protection, not the entire solution.
The best results usually come from combining blocking with voicemail screening, TPS registration, number lookups, and a firm habit of verifying organisations independently.