Constant calls from scammers, annoying debt collectors or telemarketing operators can irritate even the calmest person. Owners of Android devices are often faced with the need to quickly restrict access to their line to unwanted subscribers. This issue is especially acute for MTS network users who regularly receive spam mailings and advertising offers. Fortunately, modern smartphones and operator tariff plans provide a wide arsenal of tools to solve this problem without unnecessary financial costs.
In this guide, we will analyze in detail how to block a phone numberso that calls and SMS from specific MTS subscribers stop bothering you. We will look at the built-in functions of the operating system, the capabilities of the operator’s personal account, and third-party solutions. It is important to understand that each method has its own characteristics: some block only voice calls, others completely isolate the contact, including instant messengers and text messages. The choice of a specific method depends on your smartphone model and current needs for traffic filtering.
Built-in Android capabilities for blocking calls
Modern versions of the Android operating system, starting from 6.0 and higher, are equipped with a powerful built-in call filtering module. This is the easiest and most reliable way block a number without installing additional software. The interface may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), but the logic of actions remains the same for most devices. You do not need to download dubious applications from unverified sources, risking the security of your personal data.
To add a contact to the blacklist, open the standard application Phone and go to the call history tab. Find the MTS number you want to block and tap on it to reveal detailed information or hold your finger to open the context menu. In the list that appears, select Block or Add to blacklist. After this, the system will automatically reject all future calls from this subscriber.
In some smartphone models, for example from Xiaomi or Samsung, blocking settings are placed in a separate menu. You need to go to the call settings through the “Phone” application menu (three dots in the corner of the screen) and find the section Blocking numbers. Here you can not only enter a specific contact, but also activate the function of blocking all unknown numbers, which is especially important during massive attacks by spammers.
⚠️ Attention: When blocking through the Android settings, the subscriber may hear beeps instead of a busy message, which may prompt him to call again from other numbers. For complete silence, it is better to combine this method with the services of an operator.
If you blocked an important number by mistake, you can check the list of blocked contacts in the same call settings menu. There, the “Unblock” button is always available next to each number included in the list.
Blocking services from the MTS operator
In addition to the settings of the smartphone itself, the MTS telecom operator offers its own tools to combat unwanted calls. Using operator services is often more efficient, since blocking occurs at the network level, even before the signal reaches your device. This allows you to save battery power and not miss calls even in Do Not Disturb mode or when the phone is turned off.
One of the most popular options is the Black List service. It allows you to add up to 300 numbers to the blocking database. Activating the service is usually free, but for the fact that a number is on the blacklist, a small subscription fee may be charged (depending on the tariff). You can activate the service through a USSD command or your personal account. To manage the list, special commands are used that are entered into the dialing field.
It is also worth paying attention to the Antispam service, which automatically detects and blocks calls from organizations involved in telemarketing. The database is updated in real time based on complaints from other users. This is an effective way to protect yourself from robocallers and intrusive advertising of banks or stores.
| Service name | Connection cost | Subscription fee | Activation command |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black list | Free | 1.50 rub./day (depending on the tariff) | *111*442# |
| Antispam | Free | 2.00 rub./day | *111*940# |
| Parental control | Free | From 3 rubles/day | Through MTS personal account |
☑️ Check before connecting services
Blocking through the “My MTS” application
The most convenient and visual way to manage blockings is to use the official mobile application My MTS. This method allows you to visually monitor the list of blocked numbers and quickly make changes without remembering USSD commands. The application interface is intuitive and regularly updated, providing users with the latest functionality.
To get started, download the application from the store Google Play and log in with your MTS number. In the main menu, find the section Services, and then go to the category Security or Blocks. Here you will see a list of available options, including Blacklist. By clicking on the connect button, you can add a number manually or select it from your call history.
The application also has a temporary blocking function. This is useful if you need to limit communication with a person for a certain period of time without adding him to a permanent blacklist. In addition, through Personal account you can set up forwarding of blocked calls to voicemail or simply to hang up, choosing the most comfortable network behavior scenario.
What to do if the connection button is inactive?
If the option is inactive, check whether you are connected “Who Called” service or other number identification services that may conflict with the blocking function. Disable them before activating the blacklist.
Third-party applications for spam filtering
If the built-in Android tools and operator services are not enough, specialized applications from third-party developers come to the rescue. apps like Truecaller, Call Blocker or Yandex.Telephone have expanded databases of spammers and flexible filtering settings. They are able to recognize numbers even from companies that have not yet entered the official registers of the operator.
Such applications work on the principle of crowdsourcing: users themselves mark numbers as spam, and this information instantly becomes available to the entire audience of the service. When there is an incoming call, the app checks the number against the database and, if there is a match, automatically drops the call or marks it in red on the screen. This allows block a number proactively, even before the phone rings.
However, it is worth remembering about confidentiality. By installing such applications, you often give access to your phone book and call history. Please read the license agreement and privacy settings carefully. For maximum security, it is recommended to use applications from large, trusted companies, such as Yandex or Kaspersky, which value their reputation.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party blockers require permanent permissions to work in the background. This can lead to increased consumption of battery power and RAM of your smartphone.
Features of blocking SMS messages
Blocking voice calls and blocking text messages are technically different processes. It often happens that a number is blocked for calls, but SMS messages from it continue to arrive. The standard application Messages on Android also has a filtering function. To activate it, go to the application settings and find the section Spam protection or Blacklist.
By enabling this option, you can redirect messages from unknown or blocked senders to a separate Spam folder without disturbing you with notifications. If you are using a third-party call blocker, check if it supports SMS filtering. Many paid versions of such apps offer comprehensive protection, filtering out both calls and text garbage from dating services and bookmakers.
For MTS users, it is also possible to disable all paid subscriptions and services that often come in the form of SMS. This is done through the command *152*2# or in the operator’s application. While this does not block a specific sender, it does prevent you from receiving promotional emails from operator partners, which are often a source of irritation.
Comprehensive protection is only achieved by using blocking at the device level (phone) and network level (operator) simultaneously.
Legal aspects and restrictions of blocking
When blocking numbers, it is important to remember the legal restrictions. You have every right to restrict the access of individuals and commercial organizations that engage in spam. However, blocking emergency numbers (112, 101, 102, 103, 104) at the operator level is often impossible for technical and legal reasons. Even if you add such a number to the black list of your smartphone, priority calls can go through.
It is also worth considering that attackers can use spoofing numbers, when one number is displayed on the screen, and a completely different person calls. In such cases, blocking a specific digital combination may not be effective. If you encounter threats or fraud, simply adding to the blacklist may not be enough - you should contact law enforcement agencies and your telecom operator to document the violation.
The interfaces and terms of tariffs of mobile operators are subject to change. Information about the cost of services and teams is current at the time of writing, but may be adjusted by MTS. Always check the current conditions in the official application or on the operator’s website before connecting paid options.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the subscriber know that I have blocked him?
The subscriber will not receive direct notification of blocking. However, he can guess this by the nature of the beeps (there is a reset or a message about unavailability immediately) and by the lack of SMS delivery. When blocked through an operator, calls may simply not go through, creating an “out of range” effect.
Is it possible to block a number if it is not saved in contacts?
Yes, this is possible. In Android call history, tap i or hold the number to bring up the menu and select Block. In the MTS application, you can also enter the number manually in the field to add to the black list.
Is blocking an MTS number free on all tariffs?
The procedure of adding a number to the list is free. However, the “Black List” service on the operator’s side may have a subscription fee depending on your tariff plan. Built-in phone blocking is always free.
What to do if a blocked number continues to call?
Try changing the blocking method. If the phone does not work, connect the operator's service. If calls are coming from different numbers of the same spammer, enable the “Block unknown numbers” function or install an application with an anti-spam database.
How to unblock a number back?
Go to the call settings or the MTS application, find the “Black List” section, select the desired number and click the “Delete” or “Unblock” button. changes take effect instantly.