Your Block List is a list of phone numbers you never want to hear from. When someone on your Block List calls, the call is automatically rejected - they can't leave a message and you won't be bothered.
What Happens When a Blocked Number Calls?
When someone on your Block List tries to call you:
- Gini sees the incoming call
- Gini recognizes the number is blocked
- The call is rejected immediately
- Your phone never rings
- The caller cannot leave a message with Gini
- You won't receive any notification
The blocked caller will hear the call fail or go to a busy signal. They won't know for certain that they've been blocked.
Why Use the Block List?
Use the Block List for:
- Known scam numbers - Numbers that have called you with scams
- Persistent telemarketers - Salespeople who won't stop calling
- Harassers - Anyone you don't want contacting you
- Robocall numbers - Automated calling systems
How to Add a Number to Your Block List
Method 1: From the App
- Open Gini Help
- Tap Settings at the bottom
- Tap Call Protection
- Tap Block List
- Tap Add Number
- Enter the phone number
- Optionally add a note (like "Scam caller" or "Telemarketer")
- Tap Block
Method 2: After a Screened Call
When Gini screens a call and you see it's spam or a scam:
- Tap the notification to see the call details
- Look for the Block button
- Tap it to add the number to your Block List
This is the easiest way to block numbers - wait for the bad actors to call, then block them.
Method 3: From Your Call History
- Go to the Dashboard in Gini Help
- Find the call you want to block in your recent activity
- Tap on the call
- Tap Block This Number
Viewing Your Block List
To see all blocked numbers:
- Open Gini Help
- Tap Settings
- Tap Call Protection
- Tap Block List
You'll see all blocked numbers with any notes you added.
Removing a Number from Your Block List
If you blocked a number by mistake:
- Go to Settings > Call Protection > Block List
- Find the number you want to unblock
- Swipe left on the number (iPhone) or tap and hold (Android)
- Tap Unblock or the trash icon
After unblocking, calls from that number will be screened normally by Gini.
Block List vs. Not Answering
| What Happens | Ignore/Don't Answer | Block List |
|---|---|---|
| Phone rings | Yes (or goes to Gini) | No |
| Can leave message | Yes (with Gini) | No |
| You get notification | Yes | No |
| They know you're avoiding them | Maybe | Unclear |
Blocking is stronger - the caller gets nothing. They can't leave messages, and you won't be notified.
Important Things to Know
Blocked Numbers Can Still Text
The Block List only affects phone calls. If you're also receiving unwanted text messages, you'll need to:
- Block them in your phone's messaging app
- Set up SMS Protection in Gini to catch spam texts
Scammers Use Many Numbers
Blocking one scam number helps, but scammers often:
- Call from multiple different numbers
- Use new numbers regularly
- Fake different caller IDs
So while blocking helps, Gini's call screening catches new scam numbers even if they're not on your Block List yet.
Legitimate Businesses
Be careful blocking businesses you might actually need:
- Your bank (use the real number from your card)
- Medical offices
- Pharmacies
- Insurance companies
If you're unsure if a call is legitimate, let Gini screen it first rather than blocking.
You Can Block Without Answering
You never have to talk to someone to block them. After Gini screens a call, you can block the number without ever calling back or interacting with the caller.
Tips for Using Your Block List
- Block after screening - Let Gini identify the bad actors, then block them
- Add notes - Write why you blocked each number so you remember later
- Don't block numbers you're unsure about - Let Gini screen them instead
- Review occasionally - You might want to unblock numbers over time
Questions?
For more help, see:
- Understanding Your Allow List
- How Call Screening Works
- Why Gini Did Not Screen My Call