How To Block Text Messages On Pixel 3 XL

Tired of getting phone calls and text messages from telemarketers, spammers, and even individuals who seem incapable of leaving you alone? We do, too. And so do many other people out there, which is why many manufacturers are offering built-in ways to block phone numbers. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to exclusively block text messages, as you have to block the whole number, not just one method of contact.

So if you have the Google Pixel 3 XL and are running it on the daily, Google actually has multiple avenues to block a phone number. Not only that, but each one makes it really easy to add a number to the block list. In fact, those numbers will stay blocked for the life of the phone, and you’ll only have to re-block them if you upgrade or move to a new phone.

Follow along below, and we’ll show you how you can block a number on the Google Pixel 3 XL!

Blocking a Phone Number

Like we mentioned, blocking a phone number on the Google Pixel 3 XL is really easy. But, before we continue, just remember that you can only block a phone number as a whole — that means they won’t be able to call or text you. You cannot block one or the other, it has to be both. But, if you’re OK with that, again, Google makes it really easy to block in the Pixel 3 XL.

One way you block a phone number is through the Google Pixel 3 XL’s Messages app. Open the app, then hit the three-dot vertical menu button in the top-right corner. Select the Blocked Contacts option, and then you can add a number to this list. Add the number, and that number won’t be able to reach you through calling or text messages.

Alternatively, you can add a blocked number through the Phone app. Open the app, and hit the three-dot vertical menu button in the top right corner, which sits to the right of the microphone icon or ability. Then, head into Settings > Call Blocking, and add the phone number that you want to stop reaching you!

That’s all there is to it! You just successfully blocked someone from not only calling you, but texting you as well! But what if you want to unblock a number sometime in the future?

Unblocking a number

Unblocking a number is just as easy as blocking a number on the Google Pixel 3 XL. We showed you how to block a number above, and unblocking one is essentially as simple as just re-tracing your steps. For example, you can go into the Phone app, hit the three-dot vertical menu at the top-right corner of the app, and go into Settings > Call Blocking. Then, just swipe away the number that you want to unblock.

One more example is through the Messages app. Just hit that three-dot vertical menu at the top right corner, select Blocked Contacts, and then tap on a number that you want to unblock.

What about telemarketers?

It can be difficult to stop telemarketers from stopping their annoying cold calls, as they always call from new numbers. Sometimes they even trick you into answering the phone by pretending to call from a local number. It’s annoying, and something that you rightly want to stop. They rarely text people; however, some of them still do. So, it’s easy to put a stop to telemarketer calling and texting by putting your number on the Federal Trace Commission’s (FTC) Do Not Call registry. Submit your number to the database for free, and these annoying calls will disappear over the next 48 hours, if not sooner.

Be careful of spammers

You really do want to be careful of spammers that are trying to get in touch with you by way of text message. You cannot always stop spammers from texting you, as you don’t know what number it’s going to come from. You can block the number once the message comes through, either from long pressing the message or manually adding it to your Blocked list in the Phone app. However, remember to be careful when managing spam messages — you don’t want to accidentally open an attachment, as that could open your device up to malware.

Individual people

If you’re actually having a problem with an individual excessively trying to call you, possibly in a stalker-type situation, blocking a number won’t always resolve it. In this case, it’s usually best to take the evidence you have — such as the amount of phone calls and text messages — and take them to the police. From there, you can block the number, or at least follow their suggested route of action.

Verdict

As you can see, it’s really easy to block a number on the Google Pixel 3 XL. No matter what method you choose to follow, you can stop individuals from bothering you at some of the worst times during the day!