How to Block a Number on AT&T: A Comprehensive Guide

Got an unwanted caller persistently bugging you? Blocking a number on AT&T is a straightforward process that can bring much-needed peace of mind. You can block numbers directly from your phone, through the MyATT app, or by using AT&T Call Protect. This detailed guide explores each method, ensuring you can effectively manage unwanted calls and texts.

Blocking a Number Directly from Your Phone

This is often the quickest and easiest way to block a number, especially if you’re dealing with a recent unwanted call. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your phone’s operating system (Android or iOS) but the general principle remains the same.

Blocking on an iPhone

Apple makes it relatively simple to block numbers directly through your call history or text message threads:

1. Open the Phone app: Tap the phone icon on your home screen.
2. Navigate to Recents: Select the “Recents” tab to view your call history.
3. Find the Number: Locate the number you want to block. Tap the “i” (information) icon next to the number.
4. Scroll Down and Block: Scroll down to the bottom of the contact card and tap “Block this Caller.”
5. Confirm: Confirm your decision by tapping “Block Contact.”

Alternatively, you can block a number from a text message:

1. Open the Messages App: Open the message thread from the number you wish to block.
2. Tap the Contact Icon: Tap the profile icon (or the number itself) at the top of the screen.
3. Tap “Info”: Tap the “Info” button.
4. Scroll Down and Block: Scroll down to the bottom and tap “Block this Caller.”
5. Confirm: Confirm by tapping “Block Contact.”

Blocking on an Android Phone

Android provides similar blocking capabilities, though the specific menus might differ based on your phone manufacturer (e.g., Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.). Here’s a general guide:

1. Open the Phone App: Tap the phone icon.
2. Access Call History: Tap the three dots (menu) in the upper right corner and select “Call history.”
3. Find the Number: Locate the number you want to block and tap on it.
4. Block Number: You might see a “Block” option directly. If not, look for an option like “Details” and then “Block number.”
5. Confirm: You’ll likely be prompted to confirm your decision. Tap “Block.”

You can also block from the messaging app:

1. Open the Messages App: Open the message thread from the number you wish to block.
2. Tap the Three Dots (Menu): Tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen.
3. Select “Details”: Tap “Details”.
4. Block & Report Spam: You’ll likely see options to “Block & Report Spam”. Choose this option and confirm.

Using the MyATT App

The MyATT app is a powerful tool for managing your AT&T account, including blocking numbers. This method offers more centralized control and can be useful for blocking numbers across multiple devices on your account.

1. Download and Open the App: Download the MyATT app from your app store (Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS) and log in with your AT&T credentials.
2. Navigate to Features: Look for a “Features” or “Services” section within the app. The exact location may vary slightly depending on the app’s version.
3. Find Call Protect: Within the Features section, look for “Call Protect” or “Spam & Call Blocking.”
4. Block Numbers: The Call Protect section will allow you to manage blocked numbers. You can manually enter numbers to block, or sometimes select from a list of recent calls.
5. Save Changes: Be sure to save any changes you make.

Leveraging AT&T Call Protect

AT&T Call Protect is a free app and service offered by AT&T designed to help identify and block spam calls. The premium version offers even more advanced features, but the free version provides a solid level of protection, including manual number blocking.

1. Download and Install: Download the AT&T Call Protect app from your app store.
2. Set Up: Follow the in-app instructions to set up Call Protect. This usually involves verifying your phone number.
3. Access Blocking Features: Navigate to the “Block” or “Spam Blocking” section of the app.
4. Add Numbers to Block List: You can manually enter numbers you want to block.
5. Explore Additional Features: Call Protect also offers features like spam risk warnings and automatic blocking of suspected spam calls.

Important Considerations and Limitations

• Blocked numbers can still leave voicemails: While blocked numbers cannot directly call or text you, they may still be able to leave voicemails. Check your voicemail settings to manage this.
• Number spoofing: Scammers often use number spoofing to disguise their actual number. Blocking a spoofed number might only be a temporary solution as they can easily change their displayed number.
• Blocking only applies to the specific phone: If you have multiple lines on your AT&T account, blocking a number on one phone will not automatically block it on the other lines. You’ll need to block the number on each device individually.
• Unblocking is easy: You can easily unblock a number if you accidentally blocked the wrong one or if you want to re-establish contact.

FAQs: Blocking Numbers on AT&T

1. How do I unblock a number on AT&T that I previously blocked?

The process to unblock a number is similar to blocking, but you select the “Unblock” option. You can unblock through your phone’s settings, the MyATT app, or the AT&T Call Protect app, depending on how you initially blocked the number. Locate the blocked number list and choose to remove the number you wish to unblock.

2. Does AT&T charge to block a number?

No, AT&T does not charge a fee to manually block numbers through your phone, the MyATT app, or the free version of AT&T Call Protect. The premium version of Call Protect has a monthly fee but provides additional features.

3. Will the person I blocked know they are blocked?

Generally, the person you blocked will not receive a notification that they have been blocked. When they call, their call might go straight to voicemail, or they might hear a generic message indicating the phone is unavailable. Text messages will not be delivered.

4. Can I block a number that is calling me from a private or unknown number?

Blocking private or unknown numbers can be tricky. You can often enable settings on your phone or through AT&T Call Protect to automatically silence or reject calls from unknown numbers. However, this might also block legitimate calls from people who have blocked their caller ID.

5. What happens when someone I blocked tries to call or text me?

When a blocked number attempts to call you, the call will either be disconnected immediately, or it will go directly to voicemail without ringing your phone. Text messages will not be delivered to your device.

6. Can I block international numbers on AT&T?

Yes, you can block international numbers using the same methods as blocking domestic numbers: through your phone’s settings, the MyATT app, or AT&T Call Protect. Be aware of the dialing codes when entering the number to block.

7. How many numbers can I block on AT&T?

The number of contacts that you can block might depend on the method that you use. There may be limitations on how many numbers you can block using your phone’s native blocking features, the MyATT app, or the AT&T Call Protect app.

8. Does blocking a number prevent them from leaving a voicemail?

Blocking a number typically prevents calls from ringing your phone, but it may not prevent them from leaving a voicemail. Check your voicemail settings to see if you can block voicemails from blocked numbers.

9. Can I report spam calls to AT&T?

Yes, you can report spam calls to AT&T. The AT&T Call Protect app often has a feature to report suspected spam numbers. You can also report spam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

10. Is AT&T Call Protect available for all AT&T customers?

AT&T Call Protect is generally available to most AT&T wireless customers with a compatible device. However, it’s best to check the AT&T website or app store to confirm compatibility with your specific plan and device.

11. What is the difference between the free and premium versions of AT&T Call Protect?

The free version of AT&T Call Protect provides basic spam and fraud call blocking, spam risk warnings, and the ability to manually block numbers. The premium version typically offers enhanced caller ID, reverse number lookup, and more advanced spam filtering options for a monthly fee.

12. If I change my AT&T phone number, will my blocked list transfer over?

Generally, your blocked number list is associated with your specific phone and account settings. Changing your AT&T phone number might result in losing your previously blocked list. It’s best to check with AT&T customer support about whether blocked lists can be transferred in such cases.