Samsung has three built-in ways to block calls: the Phone app's block list, the Messages app's spam filter, and Do Not Disturb mode

The fastest method is to open the Phone app, find the number or contact you want to block, tap and hold it, then select "Block number." Samsung stores these blocks in a list you can view and edit anytime. If you want to block calls from unknown numbers entirely, use Do Not Disturb mode to silence all incoming calls except those from your contacts. For text message spam, the Messages app has its own spam filter that learns over time.

Which method you choose depends on what you're blocking. If it's a specific person or business, use the Phone app's block list. If it's random spam calls, Do Not Disturb is faster. If it's text spam, the Messages app handles it separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Phone app, find the number, tap and hold it, then tap "Block number" to add it to your block list.
  • Blocked callers will not reach you by phone, but their calls still go to voicemail if you have it set up.
  • Do Not Disturb mode silences all calls except from contacts you mark as favorites, which is useful for blocking unknown numbers without listing each one.
  • The Messages app has a separate spam filter for text messages that you can turn on in Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications.
  • You can view and unblock numbers anytime by opening the Phone app, tapping the menu icon, and selecting "Blocked numbers."

How to block a specific number in the Phone app

Open the Phone app and find the number you want to block. This can be in your call history, your contacts list, or a recent call. Tap and hold the number until a menu appears, then select "Block number." The number is now added to your block list.

When you block a number, the caller will not hear a ring on their end—the call goes straight to voicemail if you have voicemail enabled. They will not receive a message saying they are blocked. If they text you instead, those messages will still come through unless you block them separately in the Messages app.

How to view and manage your block list

To see all the numbers you have blocked, open the Phone app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines or three dots, depending on your Samsung model). Select "Blocked numbers" or "Settings," then look for "Block list" or "Blocked contacts." This screen shows every number you have blocked.

To unblock a number, find it in the list, tap and hold it, and select "Unblock." You can also tap the minus sign or delete icon next to the number if your phone shows one. Once unblocked, that person can call you normally again.

Using Do Not Disturb to block all unknown callers

If you want to block calls from anyone not in your contacts without listing each number individually, use Do Not Disturb mode. Open Settings, search for "Do Not Disturb," and tap it. Turn on "Do Not Disturb" and set it to "Allow calls from" your contacts only.

With this setting, only people saved in your contacts can reach you by phone. All other calls go to voicemail. You can still receive text messages and notifications from apps. This is useful if you are getting many spam calls and do not want to block each number one at a time. You can turn Do Not Disturb on and off anytime, or set it to turn on automatically at certain times of day.

How to block text messages and spam in the Messages app

The Messages app has its own spam filter separate from the Phone app's block list. Open the Messages app, find the conversation you want to block, tap and hold it, then select "Block" or "Block number." Some Samsung phones also let you report the message as spam, which helps train the filter.

To turn on the spam filter, open the Messages app, tap the menu icon, select "Settings," then look for "Spam protection" or "Block unknown senders." Turn this on to filter out messages from numbers not in your contacts. The filter learns over time and improves at catching spam.

What happens when you block a number

When you block a number in the Phone app, that person cannot call you—the call goes straight to voicemail without ringing your phone. They will not see a message saying they are blocked; the experience on their end is the same as calling someone whose phone is off or who is not answering. If they text you, those messages still arrive unless you block them separately in the Messages app.

Blocked numbers can still leave voicemail messages if you have voicemail set up, but you will not be notified that they called. You can listen to their voicemail later if you choose. If you unblock the number, everything returns to normal—they can call and text you as before.

Blocking calls from your contacts list

If the number is already saved as a contact, you can block it directly from the contact card. Open the Contacts app or Phone app, find the contact, and tap it to open the full card. Look for a menu icon or "More" option, then select "Block contact" or "Block number." This removes their calls and texts from reaching you.

Blocking a contact does not delete them from your phone—they remain in your contacts list. You can unblock them anytime by opening their contact card again and selecting "Unblock." This is useful if you want to keep someone's information but temporarily stop hearing from them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the person know I blocked them?

No. When a blocked number calls you, they experience the same thing as calling someone whose phone is off or who is not answering. There is no notification or message telling them they are blocked. If they text you, the message will not go through (unless you only blocked calls and not texts), but they will not receive a delivery failure notice.

Can I block calls but still receive texts from the same number?

Yes. The Phone app's block list blocks calls only. To also block texts, you must block the number separately in the Messages app. This lets you silence calls from someone while still seeing their text messages if you want to.

What is the difference between blocking and Do Not Disturb?

Blocking adds a specific number to a list so only that person cannot reach you. Do Not Disturb silences all calls except from your contacts. Use blocking for individual numbers; use Do Not Disturb when you want to silence everyone except people you know.

Can I block a number that is not in my contacts?

Yes. Open the Phone app, find the number in your call history, tap and hold it, and select "Block number." You do not need to save the number as a contact first.

If I block someone, will their voicemail still come through?

Blocked callers can still leave voicemail messages, but you will not receive a notification that they called. You can listen to their voicemail later by opening your voicemail app if you choose to.