Incoming calls can become a source of constant irritation - be it from annoying salespeople, debt collectors, or simply unwanted contacts. Sometimes it is required completely disable the ability to receive calls on the device, for example, during an important meeting, sleep, or when using a smartphone as a tablet for a child. In this article, we will look at all the available methods for blocking incoming calls on Android, including built-in functions, third-party applications and carrier settings.

It is important to understand that completely blocking calls can have side effects: you will miss not only spam, but also important calls from banks, delivery services or loved ones. Therefore, before using any method consider alternative methods of communication (messengers, SMS) or set up exceptions for critical contacts.

The instructions in the article are relevant for most modern smartphones based on Android 10–14, including devices Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi/POCO, Google Pixel, Realme and others. However, the interface and location of menu items may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and the manufacturer's shell.

1. Blocking calls through standard Android settings

The most reliable and universal way is to use the built-in tools of the system. Most smartphones on Android allow you to block all incoming calls without installing additional applications.

To activate this function:

  • 📱 Open the application "Phone"** (usually with a green handset).
  • 🔍 Go to section Recent calls or Log.
  • ⚙️ Click on the three dots (menu) in the upper right corner and select Settings → Blocking numbers.
  • 🔄 Enable the option Block unknown numbers (if available) and add all contacts or number ranges to the black list.

On some devices (for example, Samsung), the path may look like this: Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Blocking numbers → Add number. Here you can manually enter number masks (for example, +7* to block all Russian numbers) or select All contacts.

Save important contacts to the cloud or to a SIM card

Check if emergency numbers are blocked

Make sure you have an alternative method of communication (messengers)

Synchronize your call log with your Google account (if necessary)

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Method limitation: standard blocking does not always work for numbers with hidden identification (for example, Unknown or Hidden number). In this case, additional measures will be required.

2. Using Do Not Disturb (DND)

Function Do Not Disturb** (Do Not Disturb, DND) allows you to temporarily disable all notifications, including calls. This method is convenient if you need to block calls for a limited period (for example, at night or during work).

You can activate the mode in two ways:

  1. Through quick settings panel: swipe down from the top edge of the screen and find the icon 🔔 (or Do not disturb). Click on it to turn it on.
  2. Through system settings:
    • 📱 Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
    • 🔄 Turn on the slider Enable now.
    • ⚙️ Set up exceptions: disable the option Calls or leave only Repeated calls (if someone calls twice within 15 minutes, the call will pass).

On devices Xiaomi the path may be different: Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb mode → Settings → Calls. Here you can select No one in the section Allow calls from.

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If you need Do Not Disturb mode to turn on automatically according to a schedule (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00), configure Rules or Schedule in the same menu.

Important: in default DND mode only calls from contacts not included in exceptions will be blocked.. To block all calls, including unknown numbers, you must manually disable all exceptions.

3. Blocking calls through applications from a telecom operator

Many mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) provide their own services for managing incoming calls. These tools often allow you to block not only individual numbers, but also entire categories (for example, Spam, Advertising, International calls).

How to connect the blocking through an operator:

  • 📱 Install the official application of your operator (for example, My MTS, My Beeline).
  • 🔍 Find the section Security, Antispam or Black list.
  • ➕ Add numbers or categories to block. activate the option Block all incoming (usually a paid service).

Example for MegaFon:

  1. Open the application MegaFon-Personal Account.
  2. Go to Services → Security → Antispam.
  3. Activate the option Blocking all incoming calls (you may need to connect a paid service).
What to do if your operator does not provide a blocking service?

If your operator does not support full blocking of calls, try:

1. Switch to a tariff without incoming calls (for example, "Internet tariff").

2. Use a virtual SIM card (eSIM) with limited functions.

3. Contact support with a request to temporarily suspend the incoming call service (not all operators provide this option).

Warning: blocking services from operators are often paid (from 30 to 100 rubles per month). Check the rates in your personal account or with a consultant.

4. Third-party applications for blocking calls

If the built-in tools are not enough, you can use specialized applications. They offer advanced features such as keyword blocking, scheduling, whitelists and even busy line simulation.

Top 3 call blocking apps:

Application Features Link (Google Play)
Truecaller Spam blocking, identification of unknown numbers, blacklist com.truecaller
Call Blocker Flexible blocking rules, support for regular expressions com.vladlee.easyblocker
Should I Answer? Public database of spam numbers, blocking by category com.shouldianswer

Setting up instructions Truecaller:

  1. Download and install the application from Google Play.
  2. Register (a phone number will be required for verification).
  3. Go to Settings → Blocking → Blacklist.
  4. Add numbers manually or activate the option Block all unknown numbers.
  5. In the section Schedule set up automatic blocking by time.

Attention: some applications (for example, Truecaller) require access to contacts, call log and SMS. This may create privacy risks. Before installation, read the data processing policy.

5. Hardware blocking: disabling the SIM card or communication module

If software methods are not suitable, you can physically disable the ability to receive calls. This is a radical method, but it is guaranteed to block all incoming calls, including system and emergency calls.

Hardware locking options:

  • 📶 Disabling the SIM card: remove the physical SIM or deactivate the eSIM through the settings (Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Your SIM] → Disable).
  • 📵 Airplane mode** (Airplane Mode): activate it in the quick settings panel. This will disable not only calls, but also mobile data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
  • 🔧 Disable the communication module (for advanced users): use ADB-commands to deactivating the radio module: 
    adb shell settings put global airplane_mode_on 1

    adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.AIRPLANE_MODE

    Requires developer rights and connection to a PC.

On devices with two SIM cards, you can disable only one of them, leaving the second for the Internet. For example, on Xiaomi: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Select SIM] → Disable.

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Disabling the SIM card or switching to Airplane mode is the only way to block all incoming calls, including emergency calls (112, 911, etc.).

Attention: if you use a smartphone for two-factor authentication (SMS codes), disabling the SIM card may block access to your accounts. Set up backup login methods in advance (for example, Google Authenticator or backup codes).

6. forwarding and resetting

If none of the above methods are suitable, you can use less obvious solutions. They require additional actions, but sometimes they are more effective than standard methods.

Forwarding calls to a non-existent number:

  • 📞 Enter the code on your phone keypad: *21*000000000# (instead 000000000 indicate any non-existent number, for example, 0000000000).
  • 🔄 Press the call button. After this, all incoming calls will be forwarded to the specified number and immediately dropped.
  • 🚫 To cancel the forwarding, dial ##21# and press call.

Reset network settings (can help if the lock does not work due to a glitch):

  1. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.
  2. Confirm the action. This will return the mobile network settings to factory settings, which sometimes solves blocking problems.

Using a second device:

If you need to leave the smartphone with your child or use it without the risk of incoming calls, you can:

  • 📱 Buy a separate SIM card without an activated incoming call service (for example, only with Internet).
  • 🔄 Use the device without a SIM card by connecting to Wi-Fi for instant messengers.

Standard Android settings

Do not disturb mode

Applications from the operator

Third-party applications (Truecaller, etc.)

Hardware methods (SIM removal, Airplane mode)

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Frequently asked questions

Can I block all calls except emergency calls (112, 911)?

Yes, but not all methods support this. In Do Not Disturb mode** (DND) on most smartphones, emergency numbers are skipped automatically. Also, some applications (for example Truecaller) allow you to add exceptions for critical contacts. However, hardware methods (removing SIM, airplane mode) block all calls without exception.

Will the blocking work if the phone is turned off?

No. All software blocking methods (including blacklists and DND modes) only work when the device is turned on. If the phone is turned off, incoming calls will be forwarded to voicemail (if connected) or simply dropped after a few rings. To completely block it in the off state, you will need to disable the SIM card physically or through the operator settings.

Is it possible to block calls, but leave SMS?

Yes, but it depends on the method:

  • 📱 Standard number blocking in the phone settings it usually does not affect SMS.
  • 📵 No mode disturb"** can block both calls and SMS notifications unless exceptions are configured.
  • 📶 Disabling the SIM card will block both calls and SMS.

For selective blocking, use applications like Truecaller, where you can separately configure rules for calls and messages.

Why does blocking not work for some numbers?

This can happen for several reasons:

  • 🔄 Numbers with hidden identification (displayed as Unknown or Hidden number) often bypass standard blacklists. To block them, special applications or operator settings are required.
  • 📞 Numbers emergency services (112, 911) cannot be blocked programmatically.
  • 🔄 Firmware failures or application conflicts may interfere with the blocking. Try rebooting the device or resetting the network settings.
How to unblock all calls after using these methods?

The cancellation method depends on the selected method:

  • 📱 Standard blocking: remove numbers from the blacklist in the settings phone.
  • 🔕 Do not disturb mode**: turn it off in the notification panel or in the sound settings.
  • 📶 Forwarding calls: dial ##21# and press call.
  • 📵 Airplane mode**: deactivate it in the quick settings panel.
  • 🔄 Applications (Truecaller, etc.): disable blocking in the application settings.

If after applying the blocking you no longer receive important calls, check your exception settings or temporarily disable all restrictions. Also make sure that there is enough free memory on the device and that there are no conflicts between applications responsible for processing calls.