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How to block a number on the Galaxy S4

galaxy s4 2
© nextpit

It's something that happens to all of us from time to time. It might be a pushy salesperson, or it could be a misdialled call that just keeps coming through to your mobile -- we all get calls we want to avoid. There's no need to ignore the calls, and no need to send it straight to voice mail; you can easily block calls from a specific number on your Samsung Galaxy S4. Once blocked you'll never be pestered with unwanted calls from that number again, and you'll not even be told that the person tried to call -- sweet silence!

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Plagued with unwanted calls? You can have your phone automatically reject them. / © NextPit

The ability to block calls from a specific number is something that is available on your Galaxy S4 without the need for any software -- it is built in by default. There are two different ways to block numbers, the first of which is to make use of call logs.

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Existing call logs can be used to quickly block future calls from particular numbers. / © ANDROIDPIT

Launch the dialer app and move to the Logs section. Scroll through the list and locate an entry for a number you wish to block. Tap the entry and then hit the settings button. From the menu that appears, select Add to reject list and then confirm the action.

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Call rejection needs to be enabled in Settings if you want to use the feature. / © ANDROIDPIT

You can also add numbers to the blocked list from within Android settings. Fire up Settings, move to the My device section and tap Call. At the top of the list, tap Call rejection.

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Various call rejection modes are available -- make you you select the correct one. / © ANDROIDPIT

Tap Auto reject mode and make sure that the Auto reject numbers setting is selected.

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You cal also add number to the reject list if you're yet to receive call from it. / © ANDROIDPIT

Skip back a screen and tap Auto reject list. This is the screen that can be used to managed blocked numbers, and it's possible you'll also ready have some entries here. To add a new number to the block list, tap the + button and enter the number in question and tap Save.

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Number matching patterns can be used to block certain types of call. / © ANDROIDPIT

If necessary, you can opt to block numbers based on patterns -- such as all number from a particular dialing area. To make use of this option, tap Match criteria and select from one of the available options.

Should you ever change your mind about blocking numbers, you can select the ones you want to unblock, and then hit the Delete button to remove them from the rejection list.

Unfortunately, there's no way to use this technique to block calls from unknown numbers, but it's a great way to help cut back on the number of unwanted calls you receive.

Do you get pestered with calls from people and companies you are simply not interested in speaking to? How many numbers have you blocked?

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Go to comment (8)
Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson
Freelance writer

Mark cut his journalist teeth writing for print magazines at the turn of the millennium, and then embraced the web as his permanent office. He has worked with just about every mobile operating system that has existed since the early 90s, but found Android to be his spiritual home. Always on the hunt for the newest and most exciting hardware and software, Mark is keen to share his discoveries.

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8 comments
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  • 1
    peter phillips Oct 8, 2015 Link to comment

    thank you for providing an easy way to block a specific phone from continually ringing me , I was so pleased to be able to get rid of this irritating person . Your pics and commentary were very good .
    thank you


  • 1
    Jawanza W Jul 1, 2015 Link to comment

    You can also block Unavailable numbers. It was already on my list when I went to set it up.


  • 1
    Gerson Pineda Jun 24, 2015 Link to comment

    Is there a way I can get it to stop showing in the call log that they tried?


  • 1
    Janet Marr Apr 23, 2015 Link to comment

    Go to your call log, push and hold the number you want to block. I menu should pop up


  • Gabriel 5
    Gabriel Sep 24, 2014 Link to comment

    So it isn't avaialable by default in stock Android 4.4.4?

    PortlaoiseStephen Allen


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon Sep 30, 2014 Link to comment

      It IS available on stock Android 4.4.4 :)

      Stephen Allen


      • Stephen Allen 6
        Stephen Allen Oct 2, 2014 Link to comment

        Truly? How does one do this on stock Android 4.4.4? I've bought a blocking app; unfortunately all it does is boot directly to voicemail. I don't want blocked numbers going to voicemail. Please advise.


      • 1
        wnd Dec 24, 2014 Link to comment

        I can not activate the drop down option within menu for "add to reject list". I only have ability to add # manually. (Running 4.4.2)

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