Smartphones have become so popular that many people, especially Gen-Y, are starting to forgo the traditional landline in favor of just the one device.
While this might be a great way to stay ever-connected to vital business contacts, for example, you are still going to get calls from telemarketers and other people you simply don’t want to talk to. If you have an Android device there are multiple options at your disposal allowing you to block these calls.
There are actually a number of different ways you can block calls, and it really depends on the type of phone you have. For most devices, call blocking options can usually be enabled from the contact app on your device. Here’s how you can access and enable call blocking:
- Tap the Applications icon on the main screen of your phone.
- Scroll down to the People app and tap on it.
On some devices, like those running Stock Android (Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy 4, etc.) you can technically block individual callers by scrolling to the person in your contact list, tapping on the name and pressing the three vertical squares and selecting All calls to voicemail.
On most HTC devices you should be able to tap on the Menu icon and select Manage Contacts. From here, tap on Blocked Contacts, followed by Add to add people from your contact list. On many Samsung devices, you follow the same steps but the block contact list is called the reject list. Pressing Add to reject list from the menu section associated with individual contacts will reject calls from that caller.
It helps to play around with your phone, as some devices actually have the ability to block all calls. This can usually be found with the phone dialer app. Try opening it, and pressing the menu icon (different depending on the device) and looking for an option to block calls. It may be in Settings.
You could also try installing a call blocking app. Here are three free ones:
1. Call Blocker
This app is a call blocker and more. It allows you to block calls and SMS, by creating lists from your contacts. You can also reject calls from contacts or set up a call forwarding number and auto reply via text message. Beyond that, you can also back up contacts to the company’s server and even transfer them to a new device. Free on Google Play.
2. Call Control – Call Blocker
This app is like a full call manager. It allows you to assign contacts and numbers to black and white lists, with any blacklisted numbers being blocked. When you assign numbers to a blacklist, you can set to either pick up, hang up, send to voicemail or mute the ringer.
If you live in the US, this app also supports the FCC’s Do Not Call Registry. So, if you get a call from a number that has been reported to the FCC as a telemarketer, they will be automatically blocked. The LITE version of this app, which includes the basic blocking features and three numbers on a personal blacklist, is available for free on Google Play. You can upgrade to the full version from within the app, but for most users the LITE version should be adequate enough.
3. Mr. Number
This app allows users to block both calls and texts from individual contacts, area codes or international numbers. When you choose to block a number you can select from a number of options as to what you want the app to do including: hang up, send the call to voicemail, or pick up.
There is also reverse lookup available to users, which is a function that isn’t found on most other apps. It allows users to look up a number to get more information about the mobile number or landline in the US. You get 20 free look ups and then have to buy more at 20 for USD$0.99.
The app is available for free on Google Play.
If you receive a high volume of unwanted calls, a call blocker app might be the best way to go. Learn more about Android and how it fits into the office environment by contacting us today.
