How to Block Calls on Samsung Note

Updated 14 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to block unwanted calls on any Samsung Galaxy Note model, using the built-in Phone app and Settings. You’ll learn to block specific numbers, unknown/private callers, and set up a do-not-disturb schedule. No extra apps or special technical knowledge are needed—everything is done through the standard Samsung interface.

What You’ll Need

A Samsung Galaxy Note (any model, e.g., Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, Note 20)
The Phone app (preinstalled, usually at the bottom of the home screen)
Optional: A list of numbers you want to block

Step-by-Step

Open the Phone app. Tap the green phone icon on your home screen or app drawer.
Go to Recent or Contacts. You can block a number from your recent calls list or from your contacts. Tap the “Recents” tab (clock icon) or “Contacts” tab at the bottom.
Find the number you want to block. Scroll through your call history or contacts to locate the number you wish to block.
Tap the number to open details. Tap the number or contact name to open its detail page.
Tap the “i” icon (info). On the detail page, look for a small “i” in a circle (usually top right). Tap it.
Tap the three-dot menu. In the top right corner, tap the three vertical dots (⋮) to open more options.
Select “Block number.” From the dropdown menu, choose “Block number.” A confirmation pop-up will appear.
Confirm the block. Tap “Block” or “OK” to confirm. The number is now blocked.
To block unknown/private numbers: In the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu (⋮) at the top right, then select “Settings.” Tap “Block numbers.” Toggle on “Block unknown/private numbers.” This will block all calls from numbers that are hidden or unavailable.
To set up a do-not-disturb schedule: Open the Settings app (gear icon). Tap “Notifications” or “Sounds and vibration” (depending on your model). Select “Do not disturb.” Toggle it on, then tap “Allow exceptions” to customize. You can set a schedule by tapping “Add schedule” or “Turn on as scheduled.” Choose the days and times you want to silence calls.

Common Mistakes

Blocking from the wrong place: Some users try to block from the Contacts app directly, but the option is only in the Phone app’s call log or contact detail page.
Forgetting to confirm: The block is not applied until you tap “Block” in the confirmation dialog. If you back out, the number stays unblocked.
Blocking the wrong number: Double-check the number you select, especially if you have multiple similar entries (e.g., +1 vs. 1 prefix).
Assuming “Do not disturb” blocks all calls: By default, Do Not Disturb may still allow calls from favorites or repeated callers. You must adjust exceptions to block all calls.
Not updating after a software update: Samsung occasionally changes menu names. If you can’t find “Block number,” look for “Block” or “Add to auto reject list.”

Tips

Use the auto-reject list: In the Phone app settings, under “Block numbers,” you can manually type a number to block it even if it’s not in your call history.
Block with a prefix: To block all calls from a certain area code, you can enter the prefix followed by a wildcard (e.g., 555*) in the block list, but this feature may not be available on all models.
Unblocking is easy: To unblock, go to the same block list, tap the minus icon next to the number, and confirm.
Use Samsung Smart Call: Some Note models have Smart Call that automatically identifies and blocks spam calls. Enable it in Phone settings under “Caller ID and spam protection.”
Block messages too: The same block list also blocks text messages from that number, so you don’t need a separate setting.

Troubleshooting

Blocked caller still gets through? First, verify the number is actually in the block list. Go to Phone > Settings > Block numbers and check. If it is, but calls still come through, restart your phone. If the problem persists, your carrier may be overriding the block (e.g., for emergency or toll-free numbers). You can contact your carrier to block at the network level.

Can’t find the “Block number” option? On some older Note models (like Note 5), the option might be under “Add to reject list” instead. Also, ensure your Phone app is updated. Go to Galaxy Store or Google Play Store and update the Phone app.

Unknown numbers are still ringing? Make sure you toggled the “Block unknown/private numbers” switch in the same block numbers settings. If it’s on, but you still receive calls from “Unknown,” your carrier may not send the caller ID info correctly. Try using a third-party call blocker app as a workaround.

Do Not Disturb not working? Check that the schedule is enabled and that the “Allow exceptions” are set correctly. If you have “Allow repeated calls” on, the same number calling twice within 15 minutes will bypass DND. Turn that off if you want absolute silence.

Blocked numbers still appear in call log? That’s normal. Blocked calls may still appear in your call history with a “Blocked” label, but you won’t be notified and the call won’t ring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I block a contact without them knowing?
A: Yes, the block is silent. The caller will hear a busy tone or a message that your number is unavailable, but they won’t be notified that you blocked them.

Q: Does blocking a number also block text messages?
A: Yes, on most Samsung Note models, blocking a number blocks both calls and text messages from that number.

Q: Can I block a number that is not in my contacts or call history?
A: Yes, go to Phone > Settings > Block numbers, then tap the “+” or “Add” button and type the number manually.

Q: Will blocking a number affect my ability to call them?
A: No, you can still call the blocked number, but they won’t be able to call you.

Q: How do I unblock a number?
A: Go to Phone > Settings > Block numbers, find the number in the list, tap the minus icon next to it, and confirm. The block is removed immediately.

Q: Does Do Not Disturb block all calls?
A: Not by default. You can set it to allow calls from favorites or contacts, or block all calls. Adjust the “Allow exceptions” to match your preference.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.