How to Block a Number on Landline: Quick Guide

Richard Grey - October 11, 2024

Tired of those annoying spam calls? We get it. It’s super frustrating to have your day interrupted by telemarketers, debt collectors, or random spam callers. Guess what, though? You can take control of your landline and block those unwanted calls for good.

In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to block unwanted numbers on your landline so you can finally enjoy some peace and quiet.

Understanding Call Blocking

Call blocking is a feature that allows you to prevent unwanted calls from reaching your landline. It’s a simple yet effective way to reduce the number of nuisance calls you receive. Before you start blocking numbers, it’s essential to understand how call blocking works and its limitations.

There are several types of call blocking, each with its own benefits and limitations. Here are the most commonly used options:

• Allowlist: This blocks all unknown numbers except the ones you’ve approved. Great for keeping out telemarketers and robocalls, but may not catch spoofed calls or calls from familiar numbers.
• Blocklist: This lets you block specific numbers. Perfect if you know exactly who you don’t want to hear from—like those persistent scammers.
• Global Block: This one’s hardcore. It blocks all incoming calls unless they’re on your approved list or coming from your number. It’s handy if you’re looking to shut out almost everyone but not so great if you still need to take calls.
• Pattern Blocking: This lets you block calls based on certain patterns, like area codes or number ranges. If you’re getting a lot of calls from a specific region or industry, this is your go-to.

In essence, call blocking is like putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign for unwanted callers—a great way to stop those pesky calls before they reach you.

How Call Blocking Works

Think of call blocking as a digital bouncer for your phone. When a call comes in, it’s checked against a list of blocked numbers. If there’s a match, the call is blocked, and you won’t even know it rang.

Here’s a closer look at the typical workflow of a call blocker:

1. Number Recognition: Your phone or call-blocking service analyzes the incoming call’s number.
2. Comparison: This number is compared to a list of blocked numbers you’ve created or a database of known spam numbers.
3. Blocking Action: If there’s a match, the call is immediately blocked. This can happen in different ways:
   1. Direct to Voicemail: The call is sent directly to voicemail without ringing your phone.
   2. Busy Signal: You’ll hear a busy signal when the call is blocked.
   3. No Answer: The caller will hear a “number not in service” message.

Here’s the thing—call blocking isn’t perfect. Some sneaky spammers might still slip through by using fake caller IDs or switching up numbers. While it’s great for most unwanted calls, it might not block unknown numbers or certain types of calls, like emergencies.

Call blocking is a solid tool for cutting down on spam, but it’s not a total fix. Still, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

Ways to Block a Number on a Landline

There are several methods to block a number on a landline, depending on your service provider and the specific features they offer. 

Contact Your Phone Service Provider

Most landline service providers offer call-blocking services as part of their package. This is often the most straightforward way to block unwanted numbers. Get in touch with your service provider and ask about their call-blocking options. They may be able to:

• Block specific numbers or ranges of numbers.
• Block all unknown numbers (also known as “anonymous” or “private” numbers).
• Block calls from specific areas or regions.
• Block calls during specific times of the day or week.

One of the key benefits of going through your provider is that it’s direct and reliable since they manage the service. Many providers offer advanced features, like blocking anonymous or international calls, making this option quite versatile. 

However, keep in mind that some of these services may come with an additional monthly fee, and the blocking options can vary widely depending on your provider. So, it’s essential to weigh the cost against the convenience.

Use Your Landline’s Built-in Features

Many modern landline phones come with built-in features that allow you to block unwanted calls. These features may include:

• Call Blocking: Block specific numbers or ranges of numbers.
• Do Not Disturb (DND): Silence calls from specific numbers or all numbers.
• Anonymous Call Blocking: Block calls from unknown numbers.
• Private Number Blocking: Block calls from private or blocked numbers.

Using your landline’s built-in features is a budget-friendly option since it doesn’t involve any additional costs. Plus, it’s convenient because you can manage everything directly from your phone. The only downside is that not all landlines come with these features, and even if they do, you might have to block numbers one by one, which can be time-consuming.

Get a Call Blocking Device

Call-blocking devices are handy gadgets that connect to your landline and block calls from unwanted numbers. To get started, you’ll need to:

• Purchase a Call-Blocking Device: Popular brands include CPR Call Blocker, Sentry, and Panasonic.
• Connect the Device to Your Landline: This usually involves plugging it into your phone line between the wall socket and your phone.
• Use the Device’s Buttons or Interface to Add Numbers to Your Block List: Some devices also let you block numbers after receiving a call by pressing a button.

These devices are often more versatile than built-in options, offering the ability to block entire area codes or numbers based on patterns. Some even come pre-programmed with thousands of known spam numbers, saving you time and effort. On the flip side, there’s an upfront cost to purchasing the device and setting it up might require a bit of technical know-how.

Register for the DND/DNC Registry

The Do Not Disturb (DND) or Do Not Call (DNC) registry is a government-run service that aims to reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive. To sign up for this service, you can use one of the following methods:

• Online Registration: Visit the official website at DoNotCall.gov and fill out the registration form.
• Phone Registration: Call the FTC’s hotline at 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you wish to register. This option is also available for TTY (teletypewriter) users at 1-866-290-4236.
• Through Your Phone Service Provider: Contact your phone service provider and request them to register your number on the DNC list.

It’s a no-cost, straightforward process that can significantly reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive. However, it’s not foolproof. Some scammers and robocallers might still slip through, and the registry doesn’t block calls from charities, political groups, or survey companies, so it’s not a complete solution.

Try a Third-Party Call Blocker

Third-party call-blocking services offer apps or software that can enhance your landline’s call-blocking capabilities. These services offer additional features other than call blocking, such as:

• Call Screening: This allows you to screen calls and decide whether to answer them.
• Caller ID Information: Provides information about the caller, including their name and location.
• Real-Time Spam Detection: Updates your block list on the fly by constantly scanning new numbers and comparing them with existing patterns.

There are dozens of third-party call-blocking services, each with its upsides and downsides. If you’re okay with the subscription fee, do your research and choose one that best fits your needs. Just keep in mind that most of these services are limited to landlines with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) capabilities, so they may not be compatible with older models.

Additional Tips to Handle Unwanted Calls

Dealing with constant interruptions from unwanted calls can irritate the calmest of us. Here are a few extra tips to help you regain control:

Reverse Phone Lookup

One way to identify unknown numbers is to use online reverse phone lookup tools. These tools allow you to enter a phone number and retrieve information about the caller, including their name, address, and other details. While not always 100% accurate, this can be a helpful tool in identifying and blocking unwanted calls.

Call Screening Apps

Call screening apps are another effective way to screen calls before answering them. These apps allow you to view the caller’s name, number, and other information before deciding whether to answer the call. Some popular call-screening apps include Truecaller, Nomorobo, and Hiya.

Report Spam Calls

Finally, reporting spam calls to your phone provider or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can help others avoid receiving the same unwanted calls. The FTC maintains a list of known spam numbers, and reporting these calls can help the agency take action against these scammers.

By combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls and enjoy more peace and quiet.

Take Control of Your Phone

Unwanted calls can be a major annoyance, but with the right strategies, you can significantly reduce their impact on your life. By combining call-blocking methods, staying informed, and being cautious, you can regain control of your phone.

Your time is valuable, and you deserve to protect it.