Cell phone capabilities, and the services offered by the major carriers, have advance dramatically in the first decade of the 21st century. There was a time when pesky callers, including telemarketers or wrong numbers, were something you had to grin and bear, but number-specific blocking finally came to Verizon in 2008, and AT&T soon followed.
Verizon
Step 1
Log on to your Verizon Wireless account online and sign up for "Usage Controls." The service costs $5 per month. When the signup is complete, go to "My Verizon" and click on "My Services."
Step 2
Click on "Usage Controls." You can set content filters, usage allowances and designate specific numbers to block. You can block up to five numbers at time.
Step 3
Save your changes and allow 24 hours for the block to take effect.
AT&T
Step 1
Sign up for AT&T's "Smart Limits" service. It is similar to Verizon's "Usage Controls." It also costs $5 per month.
Step 2
Set limits for content, number of text messages and total value of download purchases in addition to blocking specific phone numbers. You can also block any incoming text, instant message or picture message.
Step 3
Allow 24 hours for your changes to take effect.
Other Carriers
Step 1
Download an app for your smart phone. Many such apps are available across the various platforms. One such app is MCleaner for the iPhone, available at the App Store.
Step 2
Check your phone's menus to see if specific numbers can be automatically routed to voice mail. It's not as handy as blocking the number outright, but it can prevent unwanted interruptions.
Step 3
Use a silent ring tone for unwanted numbers. You can set specific ring tones to incoming numbers on most phones. If your phone doesn't have a silent ring tone, you can download one and add it to your list. When the unwanted call comes in, you at least won't be interrupted by the ring or vibration.
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