The simplest ways to block calls on a landline
Most landline providers offer call blocking as a free or low-cost service you can turn on through your account. The method depends on which company provides your service — AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, or a smaller regional provider — but the basic steps are the same: contact your provider, request call blocking, and they set up it on your line. You do not need to buy equipment or install software.
If your provider does not offer call blocking, or if you want more control over which calls get through, a standalone call-blocking device sits between your phone line and your handset and filters calls before they ring. These devices cost between $30 and $100 and work on any landline, regardless of provider.
Key Takeaways
- Your landline provider likely offers call blocking for free or a small monthly fee, activated through a phone call or online account.
- Call-blocking devices plug into your phone jack and work on any landline without needing your provider's involvement.
- The National Do Not Call Registry stops most telemarketing calls, but scammers and charities often ignore it.
- Blocking a specific number through your provider is permanent until you unblock it, while device-based blocking can be adjusted anytime.
- Some landlines allow you to block calls using star codes (*77 or *60) dialed directly from your phone, though this varies by region and provider.
How to block calls through your landline provider
Call your landline provider's customer service number — it is on your bill — and ask for call blocking or spam call filtering. Most providers have a service with a name like "Call Block" (AT&T), "Call Filter" (Verizon), or "Spam Guard" (Comcast). Tell them you want to block unwanted calls, and they will walk you through the options available in your area.
Some providers let you block calls through your online account instead of calling. Log into your account on the provider's website, look for a section labeled "Phone Settings," "Call Management," or "Call Blocking," and follow the prompts to add numbers to a block list. You can usually add up to 30 numbers this way, though limits vary.
Once the service is active, calls from blocked numbers will not ring your phone — they go straight to a blocked-call message or voicemail, depending on your provider's setup. You can add or remove numbers from the block list anytime by calling customer service or using your online account.
Using a call-blocking device on your landline
A call-blocking device is a small box that plugs into your phone jack. The device answers incoming calls silently, listens for the caller's number, and either lets the call through to your phone or blocks it based on a list you create. Common devices include the CPF32 (around $40), the Nomorobo Call Blocker (around $60), and the ClearCall Blocker (around $50).
To set up a device, unplug your phone line from the wall jack, plug the device into the wall jack, and plug your phone line into the device. Then follow the device's instructions to add numbers you want to block. Most devices have a small screen or buttons on top where you enter numbers, or they connect to a smartphone app where you manage your block list remotely.
The advantage of a device is that it works on any landline, regardless of your provider, and you control exactly which calls get through. The disadvantage is that you have to buy it upfront and manage the block list yourself. Some devices update their block lists automatically with known spam numbers, which saves you work.
Blocking calls using star codes
Some landline providers allow you to block calls using codes you dial directly from your phone. The most common are *77 (to set up call blocking) and *87 (to deactivate it), though some providers use *60 instead. These codes work only if your provider supports them in your area.
To use a star code, pick up your phone and dial the code — for example, *77 — then hang up. Your provider's system will set up call blocking on your line. To block a specific number, some providers let you dial *60, then the number you want to block. Check your landline bill or call your provider to confirm which codes work on your account, because not all providers offer this feature.
Star codes are free and when ready, but they are less flexible than other methods. You cannot usually see which numbers are blocked, and adding or removing numbers requires dialing codes each time. Most people use star codes only if their provider does not offer a web-based call-blocking service.
Registering with the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free list maintained by the Federal Trade Commission. When you register your landline number, telemarketing companies are legally required to stop calling you within 31 days. You can register online at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
The registry stops most legitimate telemarketing calls, but it does not stop calls from charities, political organizations, surveys, or debt collectors. It also does not stop scammers, who ignore the registry entirely. For that reason, the registry is useful as one layer of protection but should be combined with call blocking for unwanted numbers that keep calling despite being on the list.
Once you register, your number stays on the list for five years. You can renew it anytime by registering again, and there is no cost.
What to do about robocalls and scam calls
Robocalls and scam calls are harder to block because the caller's number changes with each call, or the number shown on your caller ID is fake. Blocking individual numbers does not stop the next call from a different spoofed number. For these calls, your best defense is a call-blocking service from your provider that uses pattern recognition to catch robocalls before they reach you.
If you answer a robocall or scam call, do not press any buttons, do not say anything, and do not stay on the line. Pressing buttons or speaking tells the scammer your number is active and monitored, which makes you a target for more calls. Hang up when ready and report the number to your provider or to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Some robocalls are illegal, and you can report them to the FTC or to your state's attorney general. Providing information about the call — the number, the time, what they said — helps law enforcement track down the source.
Comparing your blocking options
| Method | Cost | Setup Time | How Many Numbers | Works on Any Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider call blocking | Free to $5/month | One phone call | Usually 30+ | No — provider-specific |
| Call-blocking device | $30–$100 upfront | 10 minutes | Varies by device | Yes |
| Star codes (*77, *60) | Free | when ready | Limited | No — provider-specific |
| Do Not Call Registry | Free | 5 minutes online | Entire list | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block calls from a specific area code?
Most provider-based call blocking and standalone devices let you block individual numbers, not entire area codes. However, some advanced call-blocking devices have a "block by area code" feature that stops all calls from a particular area code. Check the device's specifications before buying, or ask your provider whether they offer area-code blocking.
What happens to blocked calls — do they go to voicemail?
It depends on your setup. With provider call blocking, blocked calls usually go to a blocked-call message or are dropped entirely. With a call-blocking device, the device typically answers the call silently and hangs up, so the caller does not reach your voicemail. Some devices let you choose what happens to blocked calls.
If I block a number, can the caller tell I blocked them?
No. A blocked caller will not hear anything different — they may hear a busy signal, a message that the number is not available, or nothing at all. They cannot tell whether you blocked them or whether your phone was straightforward off.
Do I have to pay for call blocking if my provider offers it?
Most providers offer basic call blocking for free, but some charge $3 to $5 per month for advanced features like automatic spam detection or the ability to block more than 30 numbers. Ask your provider what is free and what costs money before you set it up.
Will blocking calls stop my landline from ringing at all?
No. Call blocking only stops calls from numbers on your block list. Calls from numbers not on the list will still ring your phone normally. If you want to stop all incoming calls, you would need to unplug your phone or contact your provider about suspending service.