Text and phone number blockers for Android phones

[VirginiaJim]

Anybody using any apps they like in this regard?

[Poseidon]

You don't need an app for that on iPhone...

[Impster]

I've been using Calls Blacklist Pro for a while now and am pleased with it.

It isn't a service, just an app that lets one block specific numbers or numbers that begin with a specific sequence. I've been getting nailed by a specific area code and was able to block any call from it.

It can block any call that begins with any set of numbers...+1-555-444? will block any USA call from area code 555 and exchange 444.

It can also block text messages from the blacklisted numbers.

There is a free version of it, it just contains ads in the app window and call log window.

Chuck

[maxtog]

You don't need an app for that on iPhone...

That depends on the exact behavior you want.  I could just as easily say you don't need an app under Android, either.  Any number can be blocked in any Android phone, you just long press on the number or use the menu and select "block".

[lather]

I have a blocker on my android. Has a lot of features but i just block any number not in my contacts. Sends them straight to voice mail.

[maxtog]

I have a blocker on my android. Has a lot of features but i just block any number not in my contacts. Sends them straight to voice mail.

That is my problem with even the default "blocking" in Android- it doesn't really block, it just sends calls to voicemail (and you have to do it for every different number).  Voicemail is even more annoying than even the call call.  It still notifies and interrupts and inevitably it would be some stupid sales crap or wrong number, but you have to go and listen or at least just delete that message.  A better option that I want would be that it silently sends non-contact people to an interactive challenge- something like:

"The person you are calling doesn't know you.  If you would like to continue, please enter the sum of the numbers 3 and 2"  (or some suitably simple and randomly changing math question).

If they do that correctly, THEN it rings through and if no answer THEN it allows voicemail.  Otherwise it just logs it somewhere, disconnects them, and blocks them completely from that point forward.

Texting is linked to the phone number- so it could pose a similar challenge, just via text.

[lather]

The vast majority of unwanted calls i get are robocalls and most dont leave messages.

[maxtog]

I find that most spam calls have an unusual amount of silence- no immediate response to my saying hello.  If I hear nothing immediately, I hang up and ban the number (if I answered it at all).  I really think that ANY machine calling or machine assisted calling should be illegal and a criminal offense, and enforced by the user simply pressing some button during or immediately after the call that automatically reports it to the authorities.  The technology wouldn't be difficult and it wouldn't take long to decimate the "business model".

[mikeyw64]

https://www.truecaller.com/

Had it preinstalled on my Wileyfox I think it was but have switched to using it on my Motorola G4+

[O.C.]

I've had quite a few 'nuisance' calls recently, I generally just ignore any number that's not in my contact list....I received a call the other day and almost mistook it for a local code number, as my finger was hovering over the recall button I noticed that the call had originated from the Cayman Islands   

I didn't call back     

[VirginiaJim]

My phone is through Verizon.   I can block phone calls readily enough but I have no way to block texts using Message +.   I have to switch to the Samsung text version to block a text number as there's no way I've found to block it through Message +.  I see something that I can use to report text spam but that's about it.  I think the next time I get something I'll try that or just get one of those text blockers you guys use.

I've had quite a few 'nuisance' calls recently, I generally just ignore any number that's not in my contact list....I received a call the other day and almost mistook it for a local code number, as my finger was hovering over the recall button I noticed that the call had originated from the Cayman Islands   

I didn't call back     

You do realize that it was your off shore bank calling you, right?

[Rhino]

Pretty sure the blocker on iPhone does not send to vmail. But I could be wrong.

That is my problem with even the default "blocking" in Android- it doesn't really block, it just sends calls to voicemail (and you have to do it for every different number).  Voicemail is even more annoying than even the call call.  It still notifies and interrupts and inevitably it would be some stupid sales crap or wrong number, but you have to go and listen or at least just delete that message.  A better option that I want would be that it silently sends non-contact people to an interactive challenge- something like:

"The person you are calling doesn't know you.  If you would like to continue, please enter the sum of the numbers 3 and 2"  (or some suitably simple and randomly changing math question).

If they do that correctly, THEN it rings through and if no answer THEN it allows voicemail.  Otherwise it just logs it somewhere, disconnects them, and blocks them completely from that point forward.

Texting is linked to the phone number- so it could pose a similar challenge, just via text.

[Poseidon]

Pretty sure the blocker on iPhone does not send to vmail. But I could be wrong.

I agree. It blocks texts too.

[Daytona_Mike]

Maybe you have an old phone.
My android can block (fully block- not pass  it on to voice mail)  any number which includes texting  just like my Iphone does.

[maxtog]

Maybe you have an old phone.   My android can block (fully block- not pass  it on to voice mail)  any number which includes texting  just like my Iphone does.

I was probably wrong about blocking sending to voicemail.... my phone is new, Android 7.  I just now realized that I hadn't had any voicemail from SUBSEQUENTLY blocked calls, so it probably does does completely block it.

What it can't do (stock) is block it as it is ringing.  I think you have to reject it, THEN they can leave voicemail (which I don't want).  Only then can you can block the number by going into the log and selecting the number.  Sorry, I wasn't clear about that- I would like it to be a one-step process with three choices during ringing: answer, reject to VM, and block (with no VM), but there are only the first two.

Texting depends on the application being used.  I use Textra (I never use the stock app), and it has an option to blacklist... but if a number is blocked (above) then I don't think texts can come through at all on that number.

Also worth mentioning is that by default, using the Android phone app, all incoming numbers will go through Google's databases of spam numbers and will be labeled as "PROBABLE SPAM" if appropriate, as the caller ID.  I assume this is done by collecting other people's banning activity and after a certain threshold, it enters a master blacklist database.

[Rubber_Snake]

I used to block every telemarketer number I received until I learned that they can randomly change their outgoing number to make that practice a waste of time.  I now follow O.C.’s practice.  If I receive an unknown or unfamiliar number, I ignore it.  iphone voicemail has a speech to text function and I can tell if it was a bogus call simply to looking at it. 

I get about 2 to 3 robocalls a day, usually starting around 9:00 am and ending 8:00 pm local time.  Once in a great while, I’ll get a call late in the evening.  If it worsens, I’ll consider a service, like robokiller.  From the sounds of it, robokiller actually engages the telemarketer in conversation until they realize THEY’RE having their time wasted! 

[O.C.]

My phone is through Verizon.   I can block phone calls readily enough but I have no way to block texts using Message +.   I have to switch to the Samsung text version to block a text number as there's no way I've found to block it through Message +.  I see something that I can use to report text spam but that's about it.  I think the next time I get something I'll try that or just get one of those text blockers you guys use.



You do realize that it was your off shore bank calling you, right?

Damn it Jim.... I didn't think I'd given them my number