NoDial

A Phone That Only Calls One Number: 5 Ways to Set It Up on Android (2026)

NoDial Editorial ／ 2026-09-29

You want a phone that can call one number, or only a handful of numbers, and nothing else. Maybe it is a first phone for a child, a phone for an older family member who should reach you with one tap, or your own phone while you cut back on calls. You do not always need a special device. This guide compares five ways to get there on Android, from parental controls to a SIM setting to an app, and which one fits which situation.

Current as of September 2026. Supported devices and menu names change; check the linked help pages for your model.

1. The short answer

For a child's Android phone, use Google Family Link and set calls and texts to "Only contacts I add". On a Samsung Galaxy, Samsung Kids gives a locked-down home screen where the child can call contacts a parent allowed. For a phone where someone else holds the key, the SIM's Fixed Dialing Numbers (FDN) allows only a listed set of numbers. For your own phone, an outgoing call blocker such as NoDial can block all outgoing calls except the numbers you allow.

KEY POINT

"Only calls one number" is an allow-list: everything is blocked except what you list. That is the opposite of a normal block list, so the ordinary "Block number" option in the Phone app will not do it.

2. Google Family Link: "Only contacts I add"

Google Family Link lets a parent manage the contacts on a child's Google Account. Google's help page describes the setting directly: "Only contacts I add: This limits your child's calls and texts to contacts that you add to their account." If you add a single contact, the child's phone can call only that person through the supported apps.

3. Samsung Kids

On Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, Samsung Kids is a separate, simplified home screen for children. Samsung's support page says that in its My Phone section, "Kids can call specific contacts allowed by parents." It suits a shared or hand-me-down Galaxy that a child uses for a limited time. Closing Samsung Kids asks for the PIN set by the parent.

4. Fixed Dialing Numbers (FDN) on the SIM

FDN is a SIM card feature defined in the mobile standards (3GPP TS 22.101). When it is on, the phone bars calls to numbers that are not on the list stored on the SIM. Changing the list or turning FDN off needs a second code, PIN2, and emergency calls remain possible. It is optional, so not every operator or SIM supports it.

FDN fits a phone controlled by someone else: whoever holds PIN2 decides what can be called. It is awkward on your own phone, because you hold PIN2 yourself and every new number needs a trip into settings. Full steps: Fixed Dialing Numbers (FDN) on Android.

5. A kids smartwatch instead of a phone

Some families skip the phone and use a kids smartwatch with a fixed contact list. For example, Verizon says its Gizmo Watch 3 "can have up to 20 contacts, including the Primary Guardian." Check emergency calling before you buy: Verizon states that Gizmo watches "aren't compatible with 911 or similar emergency telephone number systems."

6. On your own phone: block all calls except allowed numbers

The options above are built for a parent managing a child's device. If you want your own phone to call only certain numbers, for example to cut back on calls while keeping one or two important numbers open, you need a different tool.

NoDial is an outgoing call blocker for Android. With the Premium Unlimited plan you can block all outgoing calls while up to 20 Allowed numbers can still be called. Incoming calls are not affected, and the contact list stays as it is. Turning a block off takes effect one hour later and can be cancelled during that hour, so the setting cannot be undone on a whim. More: How to Block All Outgoing Calls on Android.

* Emergency calls are never blocked. NoDial controls calls placed from this phone; calls made through other apps such as WhatsApp are not covered.

7. Which one to choose

OptionBest forWho can change it
Family Link "Only contacts I add"A child's Android phone (Android 14+)The parent
Samsung KidsA Galaxy a child uses for set periodsThe parent (PIN)
Fixed Dialing NumbersA phone controlled by whoever holds PIN2The PIN2 holder
Kids smartwatchYounger children without a phoneThe parent in the companion app
NoDial (Premium Unlimited)Your own phoneYou, with a one-hour delay before a block turns off

8. FAQ

Can I make an Android phone that only calls one number?
Yes. For a child, set Google Family Link to "Only contacts I add" and add one contact. For a phone controlled by someone else, Fixed Dialing Numbers on the SIM allows only the listed numbers. For your own phone, an outgoing call blocker such as NoDial can block all outgoing calls except allowed numbers.
Can a child still call other numbers with Family Link contact limits?
Through Google Dialer and Google Messages, no. Google notes that apps such as WhatsApp or Google Chat are not covered, so block those apps as well.
Can emergency numbers still be called?
With Fixed Dialing Numbers, emergency calls remain possible. NoDial never blocks emergency calls. Some kids smartwatches do not support emergency calling at all, so check before buying.
Is the Block number option in the Phone app enough?
No. It blocks calls coming in from the numbers you choose. To allow only certain numbers to be called, you need an allow-list such as Family Link, FDN or NoDial's Allowed numbers.

9. Summary

SUMMARY

A phone that only calls one number needs an allow-list. For a child: Family Link or Samsung Kids. For a phone someone else controls: Fixed Dialing Numbers. For your own phone: block all outgoing calls except Allowed numbers with NoDial.

NoDial: call only the numbers you allowBlock all outgoing calls except up to 20 Allowed numbers.Get it on Google Play

Sources

NoDialOutgoing call blocker · First number freeGet it on Google Play