How to Block Calls and SMS on Windows Phone

This guide shows you how to stop unwanted calls and text messages on a Windows Phone (Windows 10 Mobile or Windows Phone 8.1). You’ll learn to block specific numbers, use the built-in blocking features, and manage unknown callers. No special apps or technical skills are needed—everything is done through the Phone and Messaging apps.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows Phone running Windows 10 Mobile or Windows Phone 8.1.
• The phone number(s) you want to block.
• Access to the Phone and Messaging apps (they come preinstalled).

Step-by-Step

Block Calls from a Specific Number

1. Open the Phone app (the green icon with a white handset).
2. Go to the History tab (the clock icon at the bottom).
3. Find the call from the number you want to block. Tap and hold on that call entry until a context menu appears.
4. Tap Block number in the menu.
5. Confirm by tapping Block in the pop-up. The number is now blocked.

Block SMS from a Specific Number

1. Open the Messaging app (the green icon with a white speech bubble).
2. Open the conversation thread from the number you want to block.
3. Tap the More button (the three dots “…” at the bottom right).
4. Select Block number from the menu.
5. Tap Block to confirm. You will no longer receive texts from that number.

Block Unknown or Private Callers

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the More button (three dots) at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select Settings.
4. Under Call blocking, toggle Block unknown callers to On. This will block calls from numbers that are hidden or not in your contacts.

Manage Your Blocked Numbers List

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the More button (three dots) and select Settings.
3. Tap Blocked numbers to see the list of all numbers you’ve blocked.
4. To unblock a number, tap and hold it, then select Unblock. Or tap the number and then tap Unblock.

Common Mistakes

• Blocking from the wrong app: Blocking a call from the Phone app does not automatically block texts from that number. You must block separately in both Phone and Messaging apps if you want to block both calls and SMS.
• Assuming blocking is immediate: Sometimes it takes a few minutes for the block to take effect, especially if the network is slow. Be patient.
• Forgetting to block unknown callers: If you’re bothered by spam calls from different numbers, blocking individual numbers won’t help. You need to enable the “Block unknown callers” setting.
• Not using the correct method for your OS version: Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile have slightly different menus. If you don’t see “Block number” in the context menu, try the settings route instead.

Tips

• Block both calls and texts: If you want to block a number completely, block it in both the Phone and Messaging apps.
• Use the blocked numbers list: Check your blocked list periodically to make sure you didn’t accidentally block a legitimate contact.
• Report spam: If you receive spam calls or texts, you can report them to your carrier. This helps reduce future spam.
• Consider a third-party app: If you need more advanced features like auto-blocking unknown numbers or blocking by prefix, you can search the Microsoft Store for call-blocking apps. However, the built-in features cover most needs.

Troubleshooting

Blocked number still gets through: First, confirm you actually blocked the number in both Phone and Messaging apps. If it’s still getting through, restart your phone. If the problem persists, check if your carrier supports network-level blocking—some carriers offer this service, but it’s not part of Windows Phone’s built-in features.

Can’t find the “Block number” option: On Windows Phone 8.1, the option might be under “Add to blocked list” instead. On Windows 10 Mobile, it’s usually in the context menu. If you still can’t find it, go to Phone > More > Settings > Blocked numbers and manually add the number.

Blocked numbers list is empty after restart: This is rare, but if it happens, try re-adding the numbers. If the issue persists, check for system updates in Settings > Update & Security > Phone update.

Blocking unknown callers doesn’t work: Make sure the toggle is actually on. Some carriers don’t pass the “unknown” flag, so calls may still appear. In that case, you might need to block the specific number manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I block a number from my contacts list?
A: Yes. Open the contact, tap the “…” menu, and select “Block contact.” This blocks both calls and messages from that contact.

Q: Will blocked callers know they’re blocked?
A: No. They will hear the phone ring normally, but you won’t get any notification. Their call will go to voicemail if you have it set up.

Q: Can I block text messages from unknown senders?
A: Windows Phone doesn’t have a built-in option to block all unknown SMS senders. You’ll need to block each number individually or use a third-party app.

Q: Does blocking a number also block it from WhatsApp or Skype?
A: No. Blocking in the Phone and Messaging apps only affects regular calls and SMS. You’ll need to block the number separately in each messaging app.

Q: How do I unblock a number?
A: Go to Phone > More > Settings > Blocked numbers. Tap and hold the number, then select “Unblock.”

Q: Can I block international numbers?
A: Yes, you can block any number by entering it in the blocked numbers list, including international formats. Just make sure to use the correct country code.

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