There are all sorts of reasons to block a number: an ex who won't stop calling, telemarketers who can't take a hint, scammers, or an aunt who wants to see why you're still not married.
When your phone has buzzed one more time than you can take, you know it's time to block that number.
But how? Here are the steps to take by popular operating systems and carriers.
Do Not Call
The first way to reduce the number of unwanted calls coming to your phone is to put yourself into the National Do Not Call Registry.
On DoNotCall.gov, you can register your phone number (up to three at once) or check if your digits are already there.
You'll also need to include an email address to confirm your registration.
You can also call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone you want to register.
According to the FTC, which runs the registry, your phone number will be added to the registry within 24 hours, but it will likely take up to 31 days for sales calls to stop. If telemarketers persist in calling, you can file a complaint.
You can also download apps like RoboKiller and Nomorobo that block telemarketers and robocallers (and even deploy answer bots that pester them).
They handle text spammers, too, while they're at it.
Don't expect this to end unwanted calls, though.
Robocalls are still rampant although the FCC has taken measures to cut down on them, like having mobile carriers implement an authentication system.
While you wait for real results, there are other steps you can take to reduce your phone ringing off the hook.
Operating Systems
iOS
In iOS 13 and above, you can silence calls from unknown callers by going into Settings > Phone and turning on Silence Unknown Callers.
Anyone who is not in your contacts list, Siri Suggestions, or recent outgoing calls will be automatically directed to voicemail when they call.
You can also send texts from numbers that are not in your contacts to a separate list.
Go to Settings > Messages and turn on Filter Unknown Senders.
To block a number that called you on all versions of iOS, open the Phone app and tap Recent.
Find the number and tap the icon that looks like a lowercase letter ”i” in a circle.
Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
Confirm and that number will automatically go to voicemail if it calls again.
To block someone in your Contacts lists, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
Scroll to the bottom and tap Add New.
That will bring up your Contacts list; select those you want to block.
You can also get there via Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts > Add New.
To block someone from a text, tap the number on the top of the screen, which will produce a drop-down menu with three options: audio, FaceTime, and info.
Tap info.
You'll see the number, a phone icon, and an arrow.
Tap the arrow, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller.
If you think they'll sneak a peek at you with FaceTime, go to that app, find the last FaceTime conversation you had with them, and click the info icon.
You'll get a screen with information about the call and actions to take; scroll down to Block this Caller.
If it's someone in your Contacts, go to Settings > FaceTime > Blocked Contacts.
Scroll to the bottom, tap Add New, and select the name or names to block.
In related news: If you think you've been blocked, signs include being sent directly to voicemail for calls, never seeing the Delivered message appear under your messages, and having your text turn green (as opposed to blue) when you're messaging other iOS users.
These things can also happen if the person you're trying to contact does not have a connection, so don't freak out right away.
But if it's been awhile and you're still not getting through, well.
Android
Android allows phone makers some freedom when it comes to customization, so if you have an Android device, the process for blocking a number might vary from device to device.
In general, though, if you have a newer Android device, you should be able to tap the phone number and either scroll to the bottom to block the call, or tap the ellipsis icon and select Block number.
Older Android OSes will have different interfaces.
On Android Lollipop, go to the Phone app and select Call Settings > Call Rejection (ouch) > Auto Reject List.
Type in the number or search for it, select it, and you're done.
For Marshmallow or Nougat, open Dialer, go to your recent calls list, find the number you want to block and select Block/Report Spam.
(If you don't want to report the number as spam, you can uncheck the box.) Then tap Block.
