How to Block a Number on Your Phone
If someone keeps calling or texting you and you do not want to hear from them anymore, you can block the number.
Blocking a number usually stops future calls and messages from that number.
On iPhone
To block a recent caller:
Open the Phone app
Tap Recents
Tap the i next to the number
Scroll down
Tap Block Caller
To block someone from a text message:
Open the message
Tap the number or name at the top
Tap Info
Scroll down
Tap Block Caller
On Android
The exact steps can vary, but usually:
Open the Phone app
Tap Recents
Tap the number
Choose Block or Block/Report Spam
For text messages:
Open the conversation
Tap the menu
Choose Block or Report Spam
What Happens After You Block Someone?
Usually:
Their calls will not ring through normally
Their messages may be filtered or hidden
They will not be notified that you blocked them
Watch Out for This
Scammers can use different numbers.
Blocking one number may not stop every suspicious call.
If a scammer contacts you again from a new number, block that number too.
Still Not Sure?
If the message or call seems suspicious, you can block it without replying.
You do not have to continue a conversation just because someone contacted you.
How to Take a Screenshot
A screenshot is a picture of what is currently showing on your phone screen.
Screenshots are useful when you want to:
Save a suspicious message
Keep a record of a payment request
Show someone an error message
Save instructions
Report a scam
On iPhones Without a Home Button
Press:
Side button + Volume Up
Press them at the same time and release.
A small preview usually appears on the screen.
On iPhones With a Home Button
Press:
Home button + Side button
or on some older models:
Home button + Top button
Press and release them at the same time.
On Android Phones
On many Android phones, press:
Power button + Volume Down
at the same time.
Some phones also have a screenshot option in the quick settings menu.
Where Does the Screenshot Go?
Screenshots are usually saved in your:
Photos or Gallery app
Look for an album called:
Screenshots
Why Screenshots Matter for Scam Reports
A screenshot can help save important details such as:
Phone numbers
Email addresses
Usernames
Payment requests
Links
Messages
Dates and times
That information can be useful if you need to report what happened later.
Watch Out for This
Before posting a screenshot publicly, check whether it contains personal information such as:
Your phone number
Address
Account number
Email address
Financial information
Crop or cover sensitive information first.
Still Not Sure?
Try taking a screenshot of your home screen as practice.
Once you know how, it becomes a very useful tool.
How to Check Which Apps Can Access Your Location
Some apps need your location to work properly.
For example:
Maps
Weather apps
Ride-share apps
Delivery apps
But not every app needs to know where you are.
You can review which apps have access and change those settings.
On iPhone
Open Settings
Tap Privacy & Security
Tap Location Services
You will see a list of apps.
Tap an app to see its location options.
You may see choices such as:
Never
Ask Next Time
While Using the App
Always
Choose the level that makes sense for that app.
On Android
The exact menu can vary, but usually:
Open Settings
Tap Location
Tap App Permissions or App Location Permissions
You will see which apps can access your location.
You may be able to choose:
Allow all the time
Allow only while using the app
Ask every time
Do not allow
Ask Yourself: Does This App Need My Location?
For example:
A weather app may need your location.
A flashlight app probably does not.
If an app is asking for location access and you cannot understand why, consider turning it off.
Check Precise Location Too
Some phones let you choose whether an app gets your exact location or only an approximate one.
If an app does not need your exact location, you may be able to turn precise location off.
Watch Out for This
If you turn location access off, some app features may stop working.
You can always change the setting again later.
Still Not Sure?
Start by reviewing apps you rarely use.
If an app does not seem like it needs your location, you can reduce or remove that access.
How to Update Your Phone Safely
Phone updates can improve:
Security
Performance
Bug fixes
App compatibility
Privacy
Keeping your phone updated is one of the simplest ways to improve device security.
Before You Update
Make sure:
Your phone has enough battery
You are connected to Wi-Fi if possible
You have enough storage space
Important photos and information are backed up
On iPhone
Open Settings
Tap General
Tap Software Update
Your phone will check for available updates.
If one is available, follow the instructions.
On Android
The exact menu varies, but usually:
Open Settings
Tap System
Tap Software Update or System Update
Follow the instructions if an update is available.
Turn On Automatic Updates
If available, automatic updates can help keep your phone protected without requiring you to remember each time.
Look for an option such as:
Automatic Updates
and turn it on if you are comfortable doing so.
Be Careful With Update Messages
Scammers sometimes send fake messages saying:
Your phone must be updated immediately. Click here.
Do not install phone updates from random links in texts or emails.
Go directly to your phone’s Settings instead.
Update Your Apps Too
Your apps also receive updates.
Use the official:
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
to install app updates.
Avoid downloading updates from unfamiliar websites.
Watch Out for This
A real phone update should come through your device settings or official app store.
You should not need to:
Send money
Enter banking information
Call a phone number
Give someone remote access
just to update your phone.
Still Not Sure?
Open your phone settings yourself and check for updates there.
That is much safer than using a link from an unexpected message.