The three ways to block calls on a landline

Blocking a number on a landline depends on what equipment you have and what your phone company offers. Most landline users have one of three options: use a feature built into your phone service, add a call-blocking device between your phone and the wall jack, or use a separate call-blocking service. The fastest route is usually checking whether your phone company already includes blocking in your plan at no extra cost.

Unlike cell phones, landlines cannot read an app to block numbers. Instead, you work with either your phone company's network (they block the call before it reaches your house) or a physical device that screens calls as they arrive. Each method works differently and costs different amounts, so the right choice depends on how many numbers you need to block and how much you want to spend.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major landline providers include call-blocking features at no cost, but you must call them to turn it on and add numbers to a block list.
  • Call-blocking devices plug between your phone line and your phone, screen incoming calls, and cost between $30 and $150 one time.
  • Some landline services charge $3 to $5 per month for enhanced blocking that catches spam and robocalls automatically.
  • If your phone company does not offer blocking, a third-party device is usually cheaper than paying a monthly fee.

Blocking through your phone company

Call your landline provider and ask whether they offer call blocking. Most major providers — including Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, and Frontier — include a basic blocking feature at no charge. The feature usually has a name like "Call Block" or "Selective Call Rejection." When you call, have the phone number you want to block ready, and the representative will add it to your account.

The blocking happens at the phone company's equipment, not at your house, so the blocked caller hears a message saying the call cannot go through. You will not see the call on your phone at all. Most plans let you block between 10 and 30 numbers for free. If you need to block more numbers, ask whether the company offers a paid tier — some charge $3 to $5 per month for unlimited blocking or automatic spam filtering.

To add or remove numbers later, you call the company again. Some providers let you manage your block list online through your account, but most still require a phone call. Ask the representative whether you can do it through their website or app before you hang up.

Using a call-blocking device

A call-blocking device sits between your phone line and your phone. It plugs into the wall jack where your phone line enters, and your phone plugs into the device. As calls come in, the device checks the number against a block list you create or against a database of known spam numbers. If the call matches, the device either blocks it completely or sends it to a special ring so you know it is a blocked call.

Popular devices include the CPF32 (around $50), the Nomorobo device (around $80), and the ClearCall device (around $150). Most work with any landline and do not require a monthly fee after you buy them. Some devices let you add numbers by pressing buttons on the device itself; others require you to go online or use an app to manage your block list.

The advantage of a device is that it works no matter what phone company you use, and you own it outright — no monthly bill. The disadvantage is that you have to buy it upfront and manage the block list yourself. Devices that automatically block spam numbers based on a database are more expensive but require less work from you.

Monthly call-blocking services

Some companies offer call-blocking as a standalone service, separate from your phone company. Services like Nomorobo and RoboKiller work with landlines and cost $3 to $10 per month. They use a database of known spam and robocall numbers to block calls automatically, so you do not have to add numbers manually.

These services work by routing your calls through their system before they reach your phone. You usually set this up by changing a setting in your phone company account or by calling the service directly. The setup takes about 15 minutes, and after that, most spam calls are blocked before your phone rings.

The trade-off is the monthly cost. If you only need to block a few specific numbers, paying $3 to $10 per month adds up quickly. But if you get many spam or robocalls and your phone company does not offer automatic spam filtering, a monthly service might be worth it.

Step-by-step: Blocking a number through your phone company

This is the simplest route if your provider offers it. Call your landline provider's customer service number — you can find it on your bill or their website. Tell the representative you want to block a specific number.

Have ready: the phone number you want to block, and your account number (on your bill). The representative will add the number to your account. Ask them to confirm it has been added and to tell you how many numbers you can block for free. If you need to block more numbers in the future, you can call back and add them the same way.

If your provider charges for blocking, ask what the monthly cost is and whether there is a limit on how many numbers you can block. Some companies offer a free trial of their paid blocking service — ask about that too.

Step-by-step: Setting up a call-blocking device

Buy the device and unpack it. Read the instructions that come with it — different devices have different setup steps. Most devices follow this basic process: unplug your phone from the wall jack, plug the device into the wall jack, then plug your phone into the device.

Turn on the device (some turn on automatically when plugged in). Make a test call to your landline from a cell phone to make sure calls still come through. If the call rings normally, the device is working. Now add the numbers you want to block. Depending on the device, you might do this by pressing buttons on the device, visiting a website, or using an app. Follow the instructions that came with your device.

Once you have added numbers, make another test call from a cell phone using a number you blocked. You should not hear it ring, or it should ring differently than a normal call. If it does not work, check the device's instructions or contact the manufacturer's support line.

When your phone company does not offer blocking

If you call your provider and they say they do not offer call blocking, you have two options: buy a device or switch to a service that includes blocking. Buying a device is usually cheaper in the long run. A $50 device costs less than one year of a $5 per month service, and you own it forever.

Before you buy, check whether your phone company has a website or app where you can manage your account. Some smaller providers do not offer blocking through their system, but they may partner with a third-party service you can add on. Ask the representative whether they recommend any devices or services that work well with their network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block a number on a landline without calling my phone company?

Yes, if you buy a call-blocking device. You plug it in between your phone line and your phone, and it blocks numbers without involving your phone company. This works with any landline, regardless of your provider. If you want your phone company to do the blocking instead, you must call them to set it up.

What happens when a blocked number calls me?

It depends on your blocking method. If your phone company blocks it, the caller hears a message saying the call cannot go through. If you use a device, the call may not ring at all, or it may ring to a special line you can listen to later. Check your device's instructions to see which option it uses.

Can I block calls from a specific area code?

Most phone company blocking features let you block individual numbers only, not entire area codes. Some call-blocking devices and services can block by area code, but you should check the product details before buying. Ask your phone company whether they offer area code blocking as part of their service.

Do I have to pay monthly for call blocking on a landline?

Not necessarily. Most phone companies include basic blocking for free. If you want automatic spam filtering or unlimited blocking, some charge $3 to $5 per month. Alternatively, you can buy a device once for $30 to $150 and own it outright with no monthly bill.

Will blocking a number stop text messages too?

Landlines do not receive text messages, so this does not explore. If you are receiving unwanted messages on a cell phone, that requires a different blocking method. Blocking on a landline only affects voice calls.