How To Block a Number on Landline

Learn how to block numbers on your landline using provider services, phone features or call blocking devices in the UK.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in Local SEO Services and have created a guide for how to block a number on landline, ensuring you stay productive and secure at work and home.

Unwanted calls can be frustrating, whether they come from telemarketers, scammers, or persistent wrong numbers. Fortunately, most landline providers in the UK offer ways to block specific numbers or reduce nuisance calls altogether. The process depends on your provider and the type of phone you use, but the following steps cover the most common options for blocking numbers on a landline.

Use Your Landline Provider’s Call Blocking Service

Most major telecom providers offer built-in call blocking features or free services designed to reduce nuisance calls.

BT Customers

BT’s Call Protect feature automatically diverts known nuisance numbers and allows you to block specific ones manually.

  1. Dial 1572 from your BT landline.

  2. Follow the instructions to add a number to your personal blacklist.

  3. You can also log in to My BT online to manage blocked numbers.

BT Call Protect also lets you block international, withheld, or unknown numbers if they’re causing frequent disturbances.

Sky Talk Customers

Sky offers Sky Talk Shield, a free service that screens calls before they reach you. It identifies callers and allows you to choose whether to accept, block, or send them to voicemail.

  1. Dial 1780 to access the settings.

  2. Add specific numbers to your block list directly from the menu.

  3. You can also adjust settings through your Sky online account.

TalkTalk Customers

TalkTalk provides a CallSafe feature that automatically blocks known unwanted callers and lets you approve or block specific numbers.

  1. Dial 1472 to enable CallSafe.

  2. Follow the prompts to add numbers to your blocked list.

  3. You can also manage these settings through your TalkTalk account.

Virgin Media Customers

Virgin Media customers can use the Call Barring feature to block certain types of calls or numbers.

  1. Press *341# to block all outgoing calls.

  2. For incoming call blocking, contact Virgin Media customer support.

  3. You can also request a call-blocking device for additional protection.

Use a Call Blocking Device

If your landline provider doesn’t offer built-in blocking, or if you want more control, you can purchase a standalone call-blocking device. These small boxes connect between your phone and wall socket.

They work by screening incoming calls and allowing only approved numbers to come through. Many models, like CPR Call Blocker or TrueCall, come preloaded with a database of known spam numbers and allow you to manually block more.

Most devices let you block a number instantly by pressing a button while the unwanted call is in progress, making them convenient for stopping persistent callers.

Check If Your Handset Has a Built-In Block Feature

Many modern cordless landline phones come with built-in call blocking options. If you’re using a phone from brands like Panasonic, BT, or Gigaset, it’s worth checking the manual or menu settings.

Typically, you can block a number by:

  1. Navigating to the Caller List or Call Log on your phone.

  2. Selecting the number you want to block.

  3. Choosing Block Number or Add to Blacklist from the options.

Some handsets also let you block anonymous or international calls automatically.

Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)

If you’re receiving unwanted marketing calls, register your number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). This free service makes it illegal for UK companies to contact you for sales or marketing purposes without consent.

You can register online through the TPS website or by calling 0345 070 0707. It may take up to 28 days for the service to take full effect, but it significantly reduces the number of unsolicited calls.

Block International and Withheld Numbers

If you receive frequent calls from international or withheld numbers, you can ask your provider to block them. Most UK landline providers offer this option upon request, though some may charge a small fee.

Alternatively, you can use a call-blocking device that automatically rejects these types of calls while still allowing legitimate international numbers you trust.

Report Scam and Fraudulent Calls

Blocking numbers helps reduce nuisance calls, but it’s also important to report suspicious or fraudulent activity. In the UK, you can report scam calls to:

  • Ofcom: For reporting persistent or aggressive sales calls.

  • Action Fraud: For calls involving fraud or identity theft.

Reporting helps authorities identify patterns and prevent others from falling victim to scams.

Keep Your Number Private

To prevent future unwanted calls, avoid sharing your landline number publicly unless necessary. When signing up for services or online accounts, opt out of marketing communications and avoid listing your number on directories unless you specifically need to.

You can also ask your provider to make your number ex-directory, meaning it won’t appear in phone books or online listings.

Final Thoughts

Blocking unwanted calls on your landline is easier than ever, thanks to built-in services, call-blocking devices, and government-backed initiatives like the TPS. The best solution depends on your provider and phone model, but a combination of these methods can dramatically reduce nuisance calls.

Whether you use your landline for business or personal communication, taking control of who can reach you helps protect your time, privacy, and peace of mind.

We have also written in depth articles on how to become a virtual assistant and how to divert landline phone to mobile as well as our Virtual Landlines Hub to give you further guidance.