The fastest way depends on your phone type

Most home phones let you block a number directly from the handset, without calling your phone company. If your phone has a display screen, you can usually press a button marked "Block" or "Reject" right after the unwanted call ends. If your phone is older or does not have that feature, your phone company can block numbers for you — sometimes free, sometimes for a small monthly fee.

The method that works for you depends on whether you have a traditional landline, a digital phone service like Vonage or Ooma, or a phone connected through your internet provider. Each one has a slightly different process, but all of them give you a way to stop calls from a specific number.

Key Takeaways

  • Phones with a display screen usually have a Block or Reject button you can press when ready after an unwanted call, which stops future calls from that number.
  • If your phone does not have a block button, your phone company can block numbers through their customer service line or online account.
  • Some phone companies charge a monthly fee for call blocking, while others offer it free as part of a package or as a basic service.
  • Blocked numbers will not reach your phone, but the caller may hear a message saying the number is not in service or the call cannot go through.

Blocking a number on a phone with a display screen

If your home phone has a small screen that shows the caller's number, look for a button labeled "Block," "Reject," "Options," or "Menu" on the handset or base unit. After the call ends or while it is ringing, press that button. A menu will appear asking you to confirm the block. Select "Yes" or "Block This Number." The phone will remember that number and reject all future calls from it.

Some phones store blocked numbers in a list you can view later. If you change your mind, you can usually go into the phone's settings or menu, find "Blocked Calls" or "Call Block List," and remove the number. The exact button names vary by brand — Panasonic, AT&T, VTech, and GE all use slightly different wording — but the idea is the same on all of them.

If you do not see a Block button, check the phone's instruction manual or search online for your specific phone model plus the word "block." Manuals are often available as PDFs on the manufacturer's website.

Blocking through your phone company's website or app

If your home phone service comes through your internet provider — such as Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, or AT&T — you can usually block numbers through your online account. Log in to your provider's website, look for a section called "Phone Settings," "Call Management," or "Call Blocking," and enter the number you want to block. The block usually takes effect within a few minutes.

Digital phone services like Vonage, Ooma, and MagicJack also let you block numbers through their apps or websites. Open the app, go to settings or call management, and add the number to your block list. Some of these services let you block entire ranges of numbers or block all calls except those from your contacts.

If you cannot find the call blocking section on your provider's website, call their customer service number — it is usually on your bill — and ask them to walk you through it. They can often block the number for you over the phone while you are on the call.

Blocking through your phone company by phone

Call your phone company's customer service number and tell them you want to block a specific number. Have the unwanted number ready to give them. They will add it to your account, and the block usually starts working within one business day. Ask them whether there is a fee — some companies include call blocking free, while others charge between $3 and $5 per month.

When you call, also ask about other call management tools your company offers. Many phone companies now include features like "Anonymous Call Rejection," which blocks all calls from people who hide their number, or "Do Not Disturb," which silences calls from numbers not in your contacts. These features may already be included in your service plan at no extra cost.

What happens when you block a number

Once a number is blocked, calls from that number will not ring your phone. The caller will usually hear a message saying the number is not in service, the call cannot go through, or the line is busy. They will not know they have been blocked — the message sounds like a technical problem on their end.

Blocked calls do not appear in your call history on most phones, though some phones keep a separate log of blocked calls if you want to review them later. If you block a number by mistake, you can unblock it through the same menu where you blocked it, or by calling your phone company and asking them to remove it from your block list.

When to use other options instead

If you are getting calls from many different numbers — such as spam calls from different companies — blocking one number at a time is not practical. Instead, ask your phone company about "Call Filter" or "Call Protect" services, which use databases of known spam numbers to block hundreds of calls automatically. AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast all offer these services, sometimes free and sometimes for a monthly fee.

If the calls are harassing or threatening, blocking is not enough. Contact your local police department and file a report. If the calls are from a debt collector or telemarketer, you can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. These steps create an official record if the behavior continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block a number that shows up as "Unknown" or "Private"?

Most phones cannot block a call that does not display a number. Instead, use your phone company's "Anonymous Call Rejection" feature, which blocks all calls from hidden numbers. You can turn this on and off as needed — when it is on, callers who hide their number will hear a message asking them to reveal it before the call goes through.

Will the person I blocked know they are blocked?

No. They will hear a message that sounds like a technical problem — such as "the number you have reached is not in service" — rather than a message saying they have been blocked. They will not receive a notification that you blocked them.

How many numbers can I block?

Most home phones and phone companies let you block at least 10 to 30 numbers. If you need to block more than that, ask your phone company about spam-filtering services instead, which block entire categories of calls rather than individual numbers.

Can I block a number temporarily and then unblock it later?

Yes. Go back into your phone's block list or your phone company's call management settings and remove the number. It usually takes a few minutes for the unblock to take effect. You can block and unblock the same number as many times as you need to.

What if the blocked number keeps calling from a different number?

If someone is calling from multiple numbers to harass you, blocking individual numbers will not stop them. Contact your phone company about a "harassment block" or "call trace" service, or file a police report. Your phone company may be able to block an entire range of numbers or take other steps if there is a pattern of harassment.