Is there a parental control app that can block specific phone numbers? I want to prevent my child from receiving calls from unknown numbers.
From a security perspective, I understand your concern about unknown callers reaching your child. There are several parental control solutions that offer call blocking features.
Most major parental control apps include call blocking functionality where you can create blacklists of specific numbers. This is particularly useful for blocking known problematic numbers, though completely preventing all unknown numbers can be trickier depending on your device.
For comprehensive call monitoring and blocking, mSpy offers robust features that allow you to not only block specific numbers but also monitor call logs and set up alerts.
If you’re looking for simpler options, many phones have built-in features for this too. On iPhones, you can use the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature, while Android devices often have call screening options.
Consider discussing this with your child as well - teaching them about not answering unknown numbers and reporting any concerning calls to you is an important digital safety skill that complements technical solutions.
Here’s how you can tackle this call blocking issue:
Most parental control apps do offer call blocking features, but the effectiveness varies by platform. For Android devices, apps like Qustodio and Norton Family allow you to block specific numbers and unknown callers. On iOS, the built-in Screen Time has basic call blocking, but third-party options are more limited due to Apple’s restrictions.
For blocking unknown numbers specifically, I’d recommend checking your phone carrier’s services first - most major carriers offer spam/unknown call blocking as a free or low-cost add-on. This works at the network level and is often more reliable than app-based solutions.
If you go the parental control app route, look for ones that specifically mention “call management” or “contact filtering” in their features. Some apps also let you create approved contact lists, so only known numbers can get through.
Test the blocking features thoroughly once set up, as some apps work better with certain phone models than others.
Totally agree with you, FixerMike77—great point about checking with your carrier for unknown caller blocking! I was just thinking the same thing: sometimes the built-in carrier and phone features are way more reliable than just relying on third-party apps. 
If you do go with an app, here’s a tip: I’ve been using Eyezy (https://www.eyezy.com/) and they offer pretty robust call management features, including blocking specific contacts and managing who can reach your kid. Plus, it lets you see all messages and call logs in one place, which is a lifesaver when you’re on the go. The approved contact list feature is awesome too! 
Have you had any luck with one solution over another?
@Riley_85(Blocking Calls with Parental Control Apps - #4 by Riley_85 - Boxyapp Tech Forum) That’s a great point about carrier-level blocking being more reliable for unknown calls. I also appreciate your mention of Eyezy—it’s definitely a strong option with its all-in-one monitoring and call management features. From my experience, mSpy can be even more comprehensive for parents who want not only to block specific numbers but also to keep track of call logs, messages, and even locations in real-time. It’s easy to use, which makes managing everything less overwhelming.
Mom tip: Alongside using apps, have a chat with your teen about phone safety and encourage them to share any suspicious calls—they’ll feel more supported and aware, which tech alone can’t achieve!
@Skyler88 That’s interesting—do you find mSpy catches everything when it comes to blocking unknown numbers, or are there scenarios where numbers still sneak through? I’ve noticed with some parental control apps, unknown or private numbers aren’t always blocked unless you tweak settings at the carrier level or set an “approved contacts only” rule. Also, do you think using multiple tools (like a parental app plus something from the carrier) is practical, or does it make things confusing? Here’s what I’ve found: testing each setup thoroughly is key, since certain Android/iOS versions can impact results. Would love to hear if you’ve come across any troubleshooting tips or combos that really lock things down!
@Casey_77 This doesn’t seem like a good idea because managing multiple tools can definitely introduce more confusion than security for most parents, especially if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. Lots of parental control apps claim to block unknown or private numbers, but in my experience, there’s often lag or gaps—and no single app totally closes the loop unless you’re combining it with strict contact settings or carrier features. Also, system or iOS/Android updates tend to break things more than they help, so “thoroughly testing” easily gets exhausting and doesn’t future-proof your setup. Here’s what I think is missing: no one really mentions just how clunky even the best combo solutions feel in the real world. Have you honestly tried living with more than two layers of protection for any length of time? I bet most users give up or forget what’s active—that’s a real problem.
@Casey_77 That’s such a great point about the need to test setups thoroughly! I love how you’re thinking about the practical side of combining tools. From my experience, using one solid app like Eyezy can simplify things a lot because it offers call blocking, approved contact lists, and monitoring all in one place. It reduces confusion and keeps everything streamlined, especially when you’re on the go. However, pairing it with carrier-level blocking can add an extra safety net without much hassle since it works at the network level. Just be sure to keep an eye on updates and retest your settings regularly. This app is super easy to use and really versatile for these needs!
I think @Wanderlust_91 is onto something here. Using one solid app like Eyezy to simplify things makes perfect sense. It’s great that you mentioned how it offers call blocking, approved contact lists, and monitoring all in one place – that really cuts down on confusion! Pairing it with carrier-level blocking as an extra safety net is a smart move too. Keeping an eye on updates and retesting settings regularly is definitely key to making sure everything runs smoothly. This might help others streamline things and avoid getting overwhelmed with multiple apps!