Blocking calls on a landline works differently than on a cell phone
Your landline phone company offers call-blocking tools built into your service, but you access them through your phone or an online account rather than through the phone itself. The most common method is Call Block or Call Screening, which your provider controls — you don't need to buy anything extra. When you block a number, calls from that number either don't ring through at all or go to a separate voicemail box you can check later.
The exact name and features depend on which company provides your landline service — Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, or a local provider all have slightly different systems. But the basic steps are the same: you either dial a code from your phone, use your provider's website, or call customer service to add numbers to a block list.
Key Takeaways
- Most landline providers include call-blocking at no extra cost, though you may need to set up it first through your account or by phone.
- You can block a number when ready after a call by dialing a code like *60 or *61, or you can add numbers through your provider's website.
- Blocked calls either don't ring at all or go to a separate voicemail, depending on your provider's system.
- If your provider doesn't offer call-blocking or you want more control, a third-party device that sits between your phone and the wall jack can filter calls before they reach your phone.
Block a number right after the call using a code
The fastest way to block a single number is to use a feature code when ready after an unwanted call ends. The most common code is *60, which works on Verizon and many other providers. Pick up the phone right after the call, dial *60, and follow the voice prompts. The system will ask you to confirm that you want to block the number that just called.
Some providers use *61 instead, or they may call the feature something different — Verizon calls it "Call Block," while AT&T calls it "Call Protect." Check your provider's website or call their customer service line to confirm which code works for your account. The code method works only if the number actually showed up on your caller ID; if the call came in as "Unknown" or "Blocked," the system has nothing to block.
Once you dial the code, the number goes on your block list when ready. You don't need to do anything else — future calls from that number will be handled according to your provider's settings, usually by going straight to voicemail or not ringing at all.
Add numbers to your block list through your online account
If you want to block a number without waiting for a call from it, or if you want to manage multiple blocked numbers at once, log into your landline provider's website. Most providers have a section called "Call Management," "Call Settings," or "Phone Features" where you can see your current block list and add new numbers.
Go to your provider's website, sign in with your account number and password, and look for a phone or call settings section. You should see an option to view or edit your blocked numbers. Type in the full phone number you want to block — include the area code — and save the change. The block usually takes effect within a few minutes.
This method is useful if you have a list of numbers to block or if you want to block a number before it calls you. You can also remove numbers from your block list the same way if you change your mind.
Call your provider's customer service to block numbers
If you don't have online access to your account or prefer to talk to someone, call your landline provider's customer service number — it's on your bill or on their website. Tell the representative you want to block a specific number. They will add it to your account and confirm that the block is active.
This method is slower than using a code or your online account, but it's useful if you're having trouble accessing your account or if you want to block multiple numbers and want help doing it. The representative can also explain exactly what happens when a blocked call comes in — whether it rings once and drops, goes straight to voicemail, or doesn't ring at all — because this varies by provider.
Understand what happens when a blocked call comes in
When someone calls from a number on your block list, your phone usually doesn't ring at all. The call goes directly to voicemail, or it may be rejected silently without leaving a message. Some providers let you choose what happens — you can set it so blocked calls go to a special voicemail box you can review later, or you can have them rejected completely.
The person calling won't hear a message saying they've been blocked. They'll typically hear a message that the call couldn't go through, similar to what they'd hear if your line was busy or if you had call screening turned on. They may or may not be able to leave a voicemail, depending on your settings.
Check your provider's website or call customer service to see if you can customize what happens to blocked calls. Some people prefer to let them go to voicemail so they can check later; others prefer to reject them completely so they don't get a notification at all.
Use a third-party call-blocking device if your provider's tools aren't enough
If your landline provider doesn't offer call-blocking, or if you want more advanced filtering, you can buy a device that plugs between your phone jack and your phone. These devices — brands like CPF3000, Nomorobo, and Call Blocker — let you build a block list and filter calls before they reach your phone.
The device sits on a table or shelf, plugs into the wall jack where your phone normally plugs in, and then your phone plugs into the device. When a call comes in, the device checks the number against your block list and either lets it ring through or blocks it silently. Most of these devices cost between $40 and $100 and don't require a monthly subscription.
The advantage is that you have complete control over your block list and can see exactly what's being blocked. The disadvantage is that you have to buy the device upfront and manage the list yourself. If your provider already offers call-blocking, this is usually unnecessary — but if you live in an area with a lot of spam calls and your provider's tools aren't catching them, a third-party device can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block calls from a number that shows up as "Unknown" or "Blocked"?
No, not directly. Your provider's block list works only on numbers that show up on your caller ID. If you want to block calls that hide their number, ask your provider if they offer a "Block Anonymous Calls" feature, which rejects all calls that don't show a number. This may also block legitimate calls from hospitals or government offices that use private numbers.
What if someone calls from a blocked number using a different phone?
Blocking a number blocks that specific phone number only. If the same person calls from a different phone, it will ring through normally. If you're dealing with harassment from someone who keeps switching numbers, contact your local police or your provider's abuse department — they may be able to help with more aggressive blocking.
Can I block all calls except those from specific numbers?
Most landline providers don't offer a whitelist feature that lets you accept only calls from certain numbers. Some third-party devices do offer this, but it's not standard on landline services. You would need to check with your specific provider or consider a third-party device if this is important to you.
Does blocking a number cost extra?
No. Call-blocking is included with most landline plans at no additional charge. Some providers may have charged for it years ago, but it's now a standard feature. If your provider tells you there's a fee, ask to speak to a supervisor — you may be may have access to to it for free.
How many numbers can I block?
Most providers allow you to block between 10 and 30 numbers on a standard landline account. If you need to block more, ask your provider if they offer an upgraded call-screening service or if a third-party device would work better for your situation.