As a long-time Android user and Samsung Galaxy device owner, I’ve become quite familiar with the various software features Samsung includes on their phones over the years. One useful capability is the ability to easily block unwanted calls right from your phone. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain the different ways to block calls on the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus.
Table of Contents
Using the Built-In Call Blocking Features
Samsung includes some helpful built-in call blocking capabilities on the S8 and S8 Plus. Here are the steps to use them:
Block Numbers from the Phone App
Step 1: Open the Phone app and tap the Recents tab to see your call history.
Step 2: Tap the information icon next to any number you want to block.
Step 3: Tap “Block number” to block that number.
Step 4: Confirm the block when prompted.
The number will now be blocked and calls from it sent directly to voicemail.
Block Private Numbers and Unknown Callers
You can easily block calls from private numbers and unknown callers:
Step 1: Open the Phone app and tap the More options icon.
Step 2: Select “Settings”.
Step 3: Tap “Block numbers”.
Step 4: Toggle on the switches for “Block unknown callers” and “Block private numbers”.
This will automatically block any calls from numbers marked private or that aren’t in your contacts list.
Using Third-Party Apps to Block Calls
If you want more advanced call blocking capabilities, third-party apps provide additional options. Here are some top call blocking apps for Galaxy devices:
Mr. Number
Mr. Number is my personal recommendation, as I’ve used it for years. Features I like include:
- Blacklist to block specific numbers
- Screen unknown callers and block robocalls
- Reverse phone lookup
- Reporting spam calls for others
Cost: Free or $3.99 monthly subscription
Truecaller
Truecaller is another great option with useful features like:
- Crowdsourced spam and robocall blocking
- Identify unknown callers
- Blacklist capabilities
- Block top spammers
Cost: Free or $3.99 monthly Gold subscription
Hiya
Hiya focuses specifically on call protection. Key features:
- Block fraud calls and spam risks
- Reverse phone number lookup
- Identify business calls
- Maintains privacy
Cost: Free or $2.99 monthly Premium
Tips for Managing Blocked Calls on Galaxy S8/S8 Plus
Here are some additional tips to help you manage blocked calls:
- Check the block list in your Phone app settings to view and unblock any numbers that were blocked accidentally
- Disable call blocking features when expecting important calls from unknown numbers
- Blocked callers go straight to voicemail—review voicemails periodically for important calls
- Restart your device if you aren’t receiving calls from numbers you haven’t blocked
