What Happens When You Block a Number
Have you ever received unwanted calls or messages from a certain number and wished that you could just make them disappear? Well, you can. Blocking a phone number allows you to stop receiving calls, texts, and voicemails from that number. If you are not familiar with how this works, read on to learn what happens when you block a number.
How to Block a Number
Blocking a phone number varies based on the software used by various devices and operating systems. Here are the basic steps for blocking numbers on the following platforms:
iOS devices
Step 1: Go to Settings and tap on Phone.
Step 2: Choose the option ‘Call Blocking & Identification.’
Step 3: Click on ‘Block Contact.’
Step 4: Select the contact you want to block.
Step 5: Tap on ‘Block Contact.’
Android Devices
Step 1: Go to your device’s default phone app.
Step 2: Tap and hold the number you want to block.
Step 3: Select the option ‘Block Contact’ or ‘Add to Reject List.’
Voicemail and Carrier Services
Your carrier should have its own guidelines on how to block a number on your phone. Also, voicemail apps like YouMail also enable you to block phone numbers, so they cannot access your voicemail.
Why People Choose to Block Numbers and Its Effects
There are countless reasons why people decide to block phone numbers. Here are some of the various factors that contribute to this decision:
Protecting Personal Privacy
People block phone numbers to safeguard their personal privacy from strangers, telemarketers, and other individuals.
Avoid Harassment
Blocking a phone number helps prevent harassment from someone you no longer want to communicate with.
Removing Negative Elements
You can make yourself feel better by removing negative individuals, such as toxic ex-partners, from your life.
Avoiding Distractions
If you have a deadline to meet, blocking calls and text messages from certain individuals will help you focus on your work.
When you hit the Block button, there are some immediate effects you need to be aware of:
Disconnection
The number you have blocked will not be able to call or message you successfully, or could be redirected to a voicemail message if you prefer. They will know that their attempts are being blocked.
No Notifications Received
You will not get any notifications whatsoever about the calls, text messages, or voicemails received from that number.
Benefits and Limitations of Blocking a Phone Number
Here are some benefits of blocking a phone number:
Improvement of Mental and Emotional Health
Blocking negative individuals from your phone provides mental and emotional relief, reducing the anxiety or depression one might feel as a result of unwanted calls or messages.
Restoring Control
By blocking a phone number, you attain control over who can and cannot access your phone and who can contact you.
However, despite its obvious usefulness, there are a few limitations to blocking a phone number.
Unwanted Communication through Other Channels
If you block an individual from contacting you through your phone, they might reach out to you through other means, such as social media or emails.
Unable to Receive Critical Information
If the blocked number has critical information to share, you may miss out on receiving it. Hence, ensure that you block numbers only in necessary situations.
Scenarios Where Blocking a Phone Number is Necessary
There are many situations where it’s better to block someone rather than receiving unwanted calls and messages.
Harassment from Telemarketers or Robocalls
You do not want to be disturbed by automated phone calls from telemarketers or scammers, which make you waste your time.
Hostile People
Hostile individuals, like ex-romantic partners or former colleagues, can be toxic to your well-being. It’s vital to identify when cutting off contact with them is best for your health.
Scammers
Scamming numbers pretending to be authorities, charities, or organizations you trust need to be blocked to avoid potential loss or harm.
Options Available When You Block a Phone Number
There are other options available once you have blocked a phone number:
Blocking Text Messages, Calls, or Voicemail
You can block a certain kind of communication, whether it’s only text messages, calls, or voicemail.
How to Whitelist or Unblock a Number
If you have blocked someone by mistake, and you’d like to return them to unblocked status, unblocking them is straightforward.
Check Your List of Blocked Phone Numbers
You can monitor the phone numbers you have blocked on your device.
Conclusion
You’re now aware of what happens when you block a number. Blocking can be seen as a last solution when nothing else worked out. There will always be situations where blocking is the only alternative. Whatever your reason is, make sure that you do so to maintain your privacy, safety, and end communication toxicity.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Block only those whom you have a strong reason to block, and not just anyone who disturbs you once in a while. Know that you can always unblock the individual if circumstances change.
