How do I block incoming calls on Messenger?

Facebook Messenger allows users to make voice and video calls to friends and contacts. While this can be a convenient way to communicate, you may sometimes want to block incoming calls from certain people. Fortunately, Messenger has settings that allow you to stop unwanted calls.

In this article, we’ll explain how to block incoming calls in the Messenger mobile app for iOS and Android. We’ll also provide tips on managing your overall call settings in Messenger.

Blocking Individual Contacts

The easiest way to stop someone from calling you on Messenger is to block them. This prevents the person from contacting you entirely in the app.

Here’s how to block a contact:

1. Open the Messenger app on your iPhone or Android.
2. Go to your Messages list and select the conversation with the person you want to block.
3. Tap on the contact’s name at the top of the chat window.
4. Scroll down and tap Block [contact name].

Blocking the contact prevents them from:

• Sending you messages in Messenger
• Calling you in Messenger
• Seeing if you’re active in Messenger

To unblock the contact, go back to their conversation, tap on their name, and select Unblock.

Blocking individual contacts is the most effective way to stop unwanted calls from specific people. However, it also prevents any communication with that person.

Turning Off Message Requests

Another option is turning off Message Requests. This prevents new conversations from people you aren’t connected to on Facebook.

Here’s how to turn off Message Requests:

1. Open Messenger and tap your profile picture (on Android) or the People tab (on iOS).
2. Go to Message Requests.
3. Toggle the Message Requests switch off.

With requests disabled, you won’t receive any new messages or calls from people not on your Friends list. Existing conversations are unaffected.

This is a good option if you’re receiving unwanted calls from strangers or people you don’t know well. However, it also blocks new messages from potential friends or connections.

Restricting Calls From Strangers

You can restrict calls from non-friends while still allowing messages. Here’s how:

1. Open Messenger and tap your profile picture (on Android) or the People tab (on iOS).
2. Go to Privacy settings.
3. Tap Calls.
4. Toggle Strangers to Off.

With this setting, you won’t receive voice or video calls from people who aren’t on your Friends list. They can still message you, but calls will be automatically rejected.

This is less strict than disabling requests entirely. It blocks unwanted calls while allowing new conversations over messaging.

Turning Off Active Status

Another minor option is turning off Active Status. This prevents people from seeing when you’re actively using Messenger.

Here’s how to disable it:

1. Open Messenger and tap your profile picture (on Android) or the People tab (on iOS).
2. Go to Active Status.
3. Toggle the switch off.

With active status off, your contacts won’t see the green dot indicator that shows you’re on Messenger. This provides slightly more privacy.

However, it doesn’t directly stop calls or messages. People can still contact you normally even if they can’t see your active status.

Blocking Users By Country

An extreme option is blocking all users from a certain country. This could potentially prevent unwanted calls from foreign numbers.

Here’s how to block a country:

1. Open Messenger and tap your profile picture (on Android) or the People tab (on iOS).
2. Go to Privacy Settings.
3. Tap Block Settings.
4. Select Block Users By Country.
5. Choose the country you want to block calls and messages from.

This will prevent all communication attempts from users whose listed country is the one you selected.

Use this option carefully, as it blocks all users from that country indiscriminately. Legitimate contacts could be affected.

Disabling VoIP Calling

In Messenger’s settings, you can disable VoIP calling and SMS verification. This prevents all calling functionality through the app.

Here’s how to turn this off:

1. Open Messenger and tap your profile picture (on Android) or the People tab (on iOS).
2. Go to the VoIP Calls setting.
3. Toggle the switch off.

With VoIP disabled, you won’t be able to make or receive any calls over Messenger. All calling features will be completely unavailable.

This isn’t ideal, as it disables calling for all your contacts, not just unwanted callers. But it guarantees no calls get through.

Using Do Not Disturb

Your device’s Do Not Disturb mode is another option for blocking notifications. When enabled, you won’t receive sound or vibration alerts for new calls or messages.

Here’s how to turn on Do Not Disturb:

On iPhone

1. Open Settings and go to Do Not Disturb.
2. Turn on Manual, then toggle Staying Silent to on.
3. Customize options like allowing calls or messages from certain people.

On Android

1. Open Settings and go to Sound & vibration.
2. Turn on Do not disturb.
3. Customize options like allowing exceptions.

Do Not Disturb blocks notifications, but calls will still come through. You just won’t get alerts about them.

This is useful for briefly ignoring notifications. But it doesn’t block calling capabilities.

Using Focus Mode

Messenger and Instagram have a Focus mode that pauses most notifications when enabled.

Here’s how to turn on Focus:

1. Open Messenger and tap your profile picture.
2. Tap Focus Mode and toggle it on.
3. Customize options like pausing notifications and allowing message requests.

Focus mode prevents almost all notifications and badges temporarily. You can customize exactly which get blocked.

Like Do Not Disturb, this hides notifications without actually blocking calling or messaging. It’s more convenient than changing device notification settings.

Using Airplane Mode

Turning on Airplane Mode on your iPhone or Android phone disables all calling and mobile data capabilities. This effectively blocks any calls or messages from coming through.

To enable Airplane Mode:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Turn on Airplane Mode.

With Airplane Mode enabled, no calls or messages can reach your device over cellular or WiFi networks.

However, this also prevents you from making any outgoing calls or using mobile data. It essentially disconnects your device from all networks temporarily.

Blocking Numbers in Your Phone App

Most smartphone operating systems allow you to block specific numbers directly in the Phone app.

Here is how to block numbers on iPhone and Android phones:

On iPhone

1. Open the Phone app and select Recents.
2. Tap the info (i) icon next to a number.
3. Select Block Contact.

On Android

1. Open the Phone app and tap the More menu.
2. Select Settings > Block numbers.
3. Add a number you want to block calls from.

Blocking a number in your phone app prevents any calls from that number on your device. But it won’t block the contact in other messaging apps like Messenger.

Using Third-Party Call Blocking Apps

There are various third-party call blocking apps you can install to stop unwanted calls. Popular options include:

• Hiya – Identifies spam numbers and blocks calls and texts.
• Mr. Number – Blocks specific numbers and spam calls.
• RoboKiller – Answers and hangs up on spam calls with prerecorded messages.
• YouMail – Visual voicemail that blocks numbers, identifies spam, and more.

These apps typically offer more advanced spam protection, blacklist management, reverse number lookup, and other easy call blocking options beyond what your Phone app includes.

However, you’ll need to grant accessibility permissions, and some include paid subscriptions for full functionality.

Using Your Carrier’s Tools

Most phone carriers provide call screening and blocking solutions, either through added services or directly integrated into your account.

For example, AT&T offers Call Protect for identifying spam and fraud calls automatically. Verizon includes free spam detection and blocking tools in their My Verizon app. T-Mobile lets you enable scam blocking on your account.

Contact your carrier to check what call management options are available. Using the provider’s own tools can be convenient if included free with your cellular plan.

Asking People Not to Call

If unwanted calls are coming from people you know, you can try simply asking them not to call you on Messenger anymore. Let them know you prefer to only use Messenger for text chats.

In some cases, a quick request is all that’s needed to stop getting calls from someone. This maintains the relationship while setting communication boundaries.

However, unfortunately this isn’t guaranteed to work with everyone. Some people may ignore or forget your request. But it’s worth trying before resorting to blocking if possible.

Conclusion

Messenger makes it easy to block calls from specific contacts, but has limited options for stopping unwanted calls from strangers. On iOS and Android devices, the best ways to manage calls are:

• Block individual people as needed to stop calls from known contacts.
• Disable message requests to prevent unknown callers.
• Restrict calls from strangers if you only want to block calls.
• Use Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode to mute notifications.
• Block numbers directly in your Phone app.
• Try a third-party call blocking app for more robust spam protection.
• Ask callers not to contact you by voice in Messenger.

With the right settings and tools, you can take control of unwanted calls on Messenger while still using it to message the people you want to communicate with. Be selective when restricting access to avoid blocking legitimate contacts unintentionally.