It seems that no matter how many no-call lists we add our phone numbers to the incessant calls from telemarketers and spammers continue to make it through.

Prior to Android Marshmallow, blocking numbers wasn’t the most intuitive task on Android devices — and, in some cases, required the use of third-party apps. Now, it’s incredibly easy to block any number that comes into your device…once you know what to do.

One caveat: The caller will still be able to leave you voicemails or send texts. However, most cold callers and spammers won’t leave voicemails and don’t bother with texts.

SEE: Android Marshmallow: The smart person’s guide

Blocking a number

  1. Open the Android Marshmallow phone dialer app.
  2. Go to the Recents tab.
  3. Locate the number you want to block.
  4. Long press the entry for the number.
  5. Tap Block Number.
  6. When prompted, tap Block.

The number is officially blocked and no calls from it will ring your device. The numbers will continue to show up on your phone log, so you will see that they have called.

Unblocking a number

  1. Open the Android Marshmallow phone dialer app.
  2. Go to the Recents tab.
  3. Locate the number to be unblocked.
  4. Long press the entry for the number in question.
  5. Tap Unblock Number (Figure A).
  6. When prompted, tap UNBLOCK.

Figure A

Unblocking a number on a Verizon-branded Nexus 6.

If you need to prevent these callers from accessing your device at all, I suggest turning to your carrier. Tools such as AT&T Smart Limits can block phone numbers; many of these services are an add-on to your current plan, so be prepared to pay a premium.