How to Block Incoming Calls From a Specific Phone Number on an AT&T Cell

Choose to block numbers from calling your phone with AT&T's Smart Controls.

Phone calls from an unwanted source can be frustrating and annoying. When looking to block a person from being able to call or text your AT&T cell phone, use the Smart Controls program. In cases of true danger or stalking, it may be possible to call AT&T and have the company block the number from its end; otherwise, set up your Smart Controls to receive and block calls from numbers that you choose.

Things You'll Need

• AT&T cell phone
• AT&T wireless plan
• Smart Controls

Instructions

1. Call AT&T to add Smart Controls to your plan. This may also be done on AT&T's website if you use the Internet for phone services. As of December 2010, Smart Controls costs $4.99 per line per month.

2. Call AT&T to speak with a customer service agent about blocking a number if you feel that a certain caller is a threat to you or your family. They may be able to block the number without adding Smart Controls to your plan. This will only happen in extreme cases, however, not for simply being annoyed with a caller.

3. Set up your Smart Controls to block and allow numbers of your choosing. You can also set limits such as the times and days that the phone can be used, the amount of messages sent and received per month and the amount of money that can be spent each month on downloads to the cell phone. These features may be set up online at the AT&T website only by logging into the "My Wireless" section of the website and looking for "Manage My Smart Controls."

Tips & Warnings

• Consider changing your phone number instead of adding Smart Controls if you do not want to pay a monthly fee for the service. Smart Controls is often used by parents to control the amount of time and money they spend on their cell phones, but can also be useful in other situations such as blocking unwanted numbers from calling.

References

• AT&T: Smart Controls