Help & support
Support for Block Guard
Find answers to common setup questions, recovery issues, default-phone behavior, and text-filtering workflows. If you still need help, contact support directly with a proper mailto link.
Settings access
Useful support paths are already exposed in the product
Support is stronger when users can recover on their own first. Appearance, accessibility, notifications, backup, and help tools are discoverable from inside the app, which reduces dead ends.
How do I add a number to the blocklist?
Navigate to the 'Blocked Numbers' section from the main menu or homepage quick actions. Enter the number you wish to block and tap 'Add Number'. You can also select from your contacts.
How does whitelisting work?
Whitelisted numbers will always bypass any blocking rules, including Do Not Disturb mode (if overrides are enabled). Add important contacts to your whitelist from the 'Whitelist' section to ensure you never miss their calls.
What permissions does Block Guard need and why?
Block Guard requires permissions like READ_PHONE_STATE (to detect incoming calls), CALL_PHONE (to manage calls), READ_CONTACTS (for whitelisting and caller ID), READ_CALL_LOG (to display call history), and SMS permissions (for text blocking). Each permission is crucial for the app's core functionality. You can find a detailed list in our Privacy Policy.
How does Do Not Disturb mode function?
DND mode blocks all incoming calls unless they are from whitelisted numbers or contacts (if configured in DND settings). You can schedule DND for specific times or toggle it manually.
Is my data secure?
Yes, your data is secure. Block Guard uses Android's EncryptedSharedPreferences (via androidx.security:security-crypto) to store your settings locally on your device. We do not upload your blocklists, whitelists, or call logs to any server.
How do I backup and restore my settings?
Block Guard includes a Backup & Restore feature. You can find this in the main menu. Export your settings (including blocklists, whitelists, and app preferences) to an encrypted file. You can restore from this file if you reinstall the app or move to a new device. Remember to keep your backup password safe!
What if I see a 'Preference Error Dialog'?
This dialog can appear if there's an issue accessing your encrypted settings, often after reinstalling the app due to an encryption key mismatch. The dialog provides options: 1. Try 'Import Backup' if you have one. 2. If that fails or you reinstalled, tap 'Go to Settings', navigate to Block Guard's app info, select 'Storage & cache', then 'Clear storage'. Relaunch the app (it will start fresh), then use the 'Backup & Restore' menu to import your backup file.
Text message blocking isn't working perfectly.
For the most effective text message blocking, Block Guard may need to be set as your default SMS application. This allows it to intercept and filter all incoming SMS messages directly. If it's not the default, it relies on notification access, which might not catch all messages or provide the same level of control.
Localized support guidance
- Start with Help Tools and Help Center when setup feels unclear. Guided Setup, permission checks, and the help reference layer usually solve the most common first-run issues faster than email.
- If call blocking is not behaving as expected, verify default phone / call-screening access and the relevant Android permissions before assuming the feature is broken.
- If text filtering seems incomplete, remember that the strongest SMS filtering flow usually requires Block Guard to be your default SMS app, not just notification-level visibility.
- When you email support, include your device model, Android version, and the exact screen or workflow that is failing so the reply can be more specific.
Common questions
Should I use the in-app help tools or email support first?
Use the in-app tools first for setup, permissions, and behavior checks. Email support when you still need help after you can describe the exact problem clearly.
Why is blocking not working right after install?
The most common causes are missing permissions, call-screening or default-phone setup not being finished, or text filtering running without Block Guard set as the default SMS app.
What details help support answer faster?
Send the device model, Android version, what you expected to happen, what actually happened, and whether the issue involves calls, texts, permissions, or a specific settings screen.
Need more help?
Contact support directly
If the FAQ and guides do not cover your issue, email the support team and include the device, Android version, and a short description of what Block Guard is doing.