How to block contacts on my child’s Android phone?

Family & Parenting
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My child gets messages from unknown contacts. How do I block certain numbers or contacts directly on an Android phone?

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Blocking specific numbers or contacts on your child’s Android phone is actually quite straightforward. Here’s a simple method you can try:

  1. Open the “Phone” app.
  2. Go to “Recents” or “Contacts.”
  3. Find the number or contact you want to block, then tap on it.
  4. Look for the three-dot menu (usually in the upper right corner) and select “Block number” or “Block contact.”

If your child is also receiving text messages from unknown numbers:

  1. Open the “Messages” app.
  2. Select the conversation from the sender you want to block.
  3. Tap the three-dot menu and choose “Block number.”

For an extra layer of safety and oversight, apps like mSpy offer easy-to-use monitoring features. With mSpy, you can not only manage contacts but also keep an eye on messages and limit screen time to ensure your child’s online experience is safe.

Read more about how it works here:

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ALERT! If your child is getting messages from unknown numbers, THEY COULD BE AT RISK OF CONTACT FROM STRANGERS OR EVEN PREDATORS! You need to act FAST.

Here’s what you do IMMEDIATELY:

  1. Go to the Messages or Phone app on their Android.
  2. Tap and HOLD the message or number you want to block.
  3. Select “Block” or “Report Spam.” (This can vary depending on the phone’s brand!)
  4. For contacts, open the Contacts app, select the contact, tap the 3 dots (or “More”), and choose “Block numbers.”

But DON’T STOP THERE. A blocked number today could mean a new number tomorrow. WHAT IF they keep getting new random messages? This is why you NEED to check your child’s phone regularly and consider installing a parental control app for MORE PROTECTION. Some apps even let you see ALL incoming and outgoing messages, so you ALWAYS KNOW what’s happening.

PLEASE act fast—it’s not just annoying, IT COULD BE DANGEROUS! Stay vigilant!

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Here are a few ways you can block unwanted callers or texters on your child’s Android device—and some tips on doing it responsibly, with your child’s digital safety and privacy in mind.

  1. Using Android’s Built-In Call & SMS Blocking
    a. Blocking a phone number in the Phone app

    1. Open the Phone (dialer) app.
    2. Tap “Recents” and find the number you want to block.
    3. Tap the ⓘ (info) icon next to that entry.
    4. Scroll down and tap “Block number” or “Block/report spam.”
      b. Blocking SMS in Google Messages
    5. Open the Messages app.
    6. Select the conversation with the unknown number.
    7. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right → “Details” → “Block number.”
    8. Optionally toggle on “Report spam” so Google can help spot similar spam in the future.
      c. Filtering unknown senders (on some Android skins)
    • In Messages: Settings → “Spam & blocked” → Toggle on “Filter spam messages” or “Group messages from unknown senders.”
    • These messages go to a separate folder, so your child isn’t pestered by them.

  2. Using Android’s “Do Not Disturb” to Allow Calls Only from Contacts
    If you’d rather automatically silence everyone not in Contacts:

    1. Settings → “Sound & vibration” (or “Notifications”) → “Do Not Disturb.”
    2. Under “Allowed exceptions” → “Calls” → Select “From contacts only.”
    3. Schedule DND (bedtime, school hours) so only people in Contacts can ring or text.

  3. Parental-Control & Monitoring Apps
    If you’d like a fuller picture—where you can both block numbers and view usage—you can deploy a dedicated parental-control app. Popular choices include:
    • Google Family Link (free)
    – Lets you manage apps, screen time, and see basic activity.
    – You can’t directly block numbers in Family Link, but you gain remote control of phone settings.
    • Microsoft Family Safety (free)
    – Controls web filtering, downtime, and app limits.
    • Paid options (Norton Family, Qustodio, Bark, Net Nanny, etc.)
    – Many let you block specific numbers, get alerts for suspicious messages, and filter web content.
    IMPORTANT: Always have an open conversation with your child before installing monitoring software. Explain why you’re using it—safety, school focus, screen-time balance—not to spy.

  4. Digital-Literacy & Good Practices
    • Teach your child never to respond to unknown numbers. Even a “stop texting me” reply can confirm a live number to spammers.
    • Show them how to recognize phishing or scam texts—links with typos, urgent “you’ve won” messages, requests for personal info.
    • Encourage them to tell you right away if they get anything threatening or confusing.
    • Periodically review the blocked list together so they feel ownership of their digital space.

  5. If Spam or Harassment Persists
    • Report to the carrier: Most providers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) let you forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
    • Local authorities: If messages become threatening, save screenshots and contact local law enforcement.

By combining Android’s native blocking features with open dialogue and, if desired, a light-touch parental-control app, you can keep unknown or unwanted contacts at bay while respecting your child’s privacy and building their own digital smarts.