How to Block a Number on a Landline: A Complete Review

Is the constant ringing of your landline phones ruining your quiet evening? You are not alone!

These valuable home lines have become the main target for non-stop unwanted calls and robocalls. These automated systems exploit your line because they know it is reliable. Some calls come from “known” registered telemarketers, while others are completely “unknown” scam call attempts hiding their caller ID.

This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to block a number on a landline with simple, proven steps. We promise to give you back control of your phone line using free codes, carrier tools, and specialized blocking devices.

Essential 3 Steps to Block a Number on a Landline

Taking action is simple once you know your phone type. Here is a quick, three-step overview of how to get started immediately:

The modern telephone landscape has changed significantly. People rely on their mobile phones for daily communication. Meanwhile, landline phones have become a prime target for automated systems. Spammers know older landline users often answer their phones. They also know that these users may not have advanced digital screening tools.

The Rise of Spam, Scam Calls, and Neighbor Spoofing

We are facing an epidemic of scam call attempts. Criminals use sophisticated technology to make thousands of calls per minute. These automated calls are called robocalls. They aim to trick you into providing personal information or money.

Neighbor spoofing is a very clever and very annoying tactic. This technique makes the incoming call appear local. It looks like it is coming from a number in your same area code. You are more likely to answer if the number seems familiar. This is a deliberate attempt to overcome your natural resistance to an unwanted phone call.

Taking Back Control of Your Phone

These constant interruptions impact your overall peace of mind. Every ring could be another aggressive sales pitch or a financial threat. This is especially stressful for seniors who use landlines frequently. They often become targets for elaborate cons.

You must take back control of your phone experience. Implementing effective call blocking allows you to restore quiet in your home. You regain security and ensure only desired calls get through. It is about deciding who can reach you and when you are ready to receive calls.

Understanding Your Landline: A Quick Primer

You cannot choose the right blocking method unless you know what type of landline you use. Many readers skip this step. That leads to confusion. Blocking tools differ across landlines. Some star codes work on certain lines. Some do not. Some blocking devices only work on traditional lines. Some carrier features only work on digital or VoIP lines. Once you identify your landline type, you can activate call blocking with fewer mistakes.

Traditional Analog Landline

A traditional analog landline is also called a POTS line. POTS stands for Plain Old Telephone Service. It is the original service that runs over copper wires. These lines have existed for decades. An Analog Landline is highly reliable but has limited modern features. If your service comes from a classic phone company, you probably have this type. This kind of service relies heavily on carrier-specific star codes for extra features. You will need a rotary or push-button phone to use the features.

Digital/VoIP Landline

VoIP means Voice over Internet Protocol. This service uses the internet to make and receive calls. Cable companies like Spectrum or Xfinity usually offer this service. You also get it with fiber internet providers such as Verizon Fios. The service often comes with more advanced features included in a premium package. You typically manage your call blocking settings online through a web portal or a dedicated app. This offers greater flexibility than traditional copper lines.

Difference Between Traditional Analog Landline and Digital or VoIP Landline

How to Block a Number on a Landline: With Different Methods

Blocking unwanted calls on a landline can feel complicated, but there are simple ways. You can use free codes, carrier tools, physical devices, government services, or even remove your info online. Each method works differently depending on your phone type.

Method 1: Use Star Codes (The Free & Fast Way)

Star codes are simple codes you dial on your phone’s keypad. They instantly activate specific features offered by your phone company. This is the simplest, most immediate way to start blocking a specific number. This is a standard calling feature on most traditional landlines.

How to Block a Specific Number (*60)

This code allows you to add the last incoming number to a permanent block list. It is the perfect solution when you know the number you want to stop. You will be able to easily block a number on a landline with these steps.

Steps to block a specific number (60):

• Pick up your handset and listen for the dial tone.

• Dial *60 on your keypad (press the star key, then 6, then 0).

• Listen carefully to the voice prompts from your phone company.

• When prompted, enter the ten-digit phone number of the unwanted caller.

• Confirm the number to add it to your block list.

• Hang up, the number is now blocked.

Note: Most providers allow only 12 to 30 numbers on the block list using this method. This is why *60 is best for blocking specific numbers or people you know personally.

How to Block Private or Anonymous Numbers (77)

Anonymous or private numbers hide the caller’s identity. This prevents your Caller ID from showing the number. You can often stop these calls immediately with another star code. This is how you stop all unknown, private, or withheld calls.

Steps to block private or anonymous numbers:

• Pick up your phone and dial *77.

• Listen for the confirmation tone or voice message. This feature blocks all incoming calls that have hidden their number.

• The blocked callers will hear a message saying you do not accept anonymous calls.

How to Turn Blocking Off (80)

If you want to disable all selective call blocking you have set up, use this code. It allows you to deactivate call features quickly if you made a mistake.

Steps to turn off blocking:

• Pick up the phone and dial *80
• Follow prompts to remove the number from your block list.
• Confirm the removal and hang up.

Limit Check: Remember that most landlines only hold 12 to 30 blocked numbers, so manage your list carefully.

Method 2: Block Numbers by Service Provider (Carrier Guides)

Most modern providers offer superior online tools that make blocking a specific phone number far easier. You manage your rejection list through a secure website or app. This method works best for Digital/VoIP Landline customers.

AT&T Landline: Using Call Protect

AT&T offers a free service called Call Protect to help stop unwanted calls. This feature often screens calls and identifies potential spam before your phone rings.

• Log in: Go to the AT&T website and log in to your account.

• Navigate: Find the section for Digital Phone or Voice Features.

• Select: Choose Call Blocking or Call Protect. You can then enter the 10-digit number you want to block into a centralized list.

Verizon Fios/Landline: My Verizon Management

If you are a Verizon Fios user, you are lucky because controlling your phone settings is easy. You can manage everything, including blocking a specific phone number, right from your online dashboard.

• Log in: Access the My Verizon portal.

• Search: Look for the Voice section.

• Manage: Use the Call Blocking tool to easily add or remove numbers from your block list. This is the easiest way to perform local calling blocks.

Comcast Xfinity: The Xfinity Connect App

Xfinity Voice customers actually have some of the most flexible options. You can often manage your line straight from a mobile app, which is super convenient.

• Use the App: Download and open the Xfinity Connect App.

• Find Settings: Navigate to your Voice settings.

• Block: Add the specific phone number to your rejected list. This system easily handles hundreds of rejected numbers.

Spectrum: Voice Online Manager

Spectrum’s digital voice service includes a super helpful online portal for managing calls. It gives you real power over your phone line.

• Access: Log in to the Voice Online Manager via the Spectrum website.

• Locate: Find the Advanced Call Blocking or Reject Call features.

• Configure: This powerful tool lets you send calls from unwanted callers straight to voicemail or completely disconnect them.

CenturyLink: Specific Codes and Support

CenturyLink customers must check their specific region. They usually use the standard *60 code. If that fails, you need to contact operator assistance or their technical support. Ask them to activate call blocking on your line.

Method 3: Buy a Physical Call-Blocking Device

For traditional analog landline users, a physical call-blocking device is often the best solution. These small boxes plug in between your phone and the wall jack. They offer an advanced and simple method for blocking unwanted calls.

Call-Blocking Boxes

These small boxes use advanced blocking software to screen calls. They often have memory to stop unwanted calls from over 1,000 numbers. Some models require callers to press a specific key. This prevents robocalls from connecting because robots cannot press the key. They also have a button to block a number on a landline with a single press after a call.

Landline Phones with Built-in Blocking

You could simply upgrade your equipment. Many new handsets, like those from Panasonic, have an integrated blocking feature. When an unwanted caller rings, you just hit a special button. The phone instantly rejects the number. It then permanently adds that number to the block list. This is the simplest way to manage blocking specific numbers.

Pros and Cons

When considering a physical device, you weigh the costs. A call-blocking box is a one-time cost. Once you buy it, you never pay monthly fees. Conversely, using premium call blocking features from your carrier often involves monthly fees. The physical device is frequently the most economical and effective long-term solution to block unwanted calls.

Method 4: Use the National Do Not Call Registry

The National Do Not Call Registry is a federal program. It is designed to reduce the number of unsolicited telemarketing calls.

How to Register

You can add your home phone number quickly and for free. Simply call the toll-free number at 1-888-382-1222. Alternatively, you can register online at the official Do Not Call website.

Does It Really Work?

The National Do Not Call Registry is highly effective against legitimate businesses. These companies must comply with the law. They face massive fines if they call a registered telemarketer’s number. However, scammers and foreign bad actors ignore the registry completely. They do not care about US law. The registry is a good starting point, but it will not stop criminal scam call operations.

Reporting Spam

If a registered legitimate telemarketer calls you, you can file a complaint. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accepts complaints online. Reporting is important. It helps the government track and prosecute violators.

Method 5: Remove Your Info from the Internet

Sometimes, your number is on a telemarketer’s list because they bought it. Data brokers are companies that collect and sell personal information, including your phone number. This process contributes significantly to the flow of unwanted phone calls. You can proactively reduce the number of spam calls you receive.

Data Brokers: 

These companies secretly collect and sell your personal data. They compile your name, address, and phone number into lists. They sell these lists to telemarketers and lead generation companies. This is how your number ends up in mass dialing campaigns.

How to Opt-Out: 

You can often remove your information manually. Search for your name on major public directories like Whitepages or BeenVerified. Each site has an opt-out process. Following these steps helps stop unwanted phone calls before they even start. You are removing your data from the source of the sales lists.

How to Choose the Right Method: A Simple Decision Guide

Picking the correct way to block a number on a landline can feel complicated. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Your decision will be mainly determined by two factors: the type of your phone service and the number of your annoying calls.

Basically, it’s like deciding which tool is the most suitable for the work. You cannot use a small hammer for a big ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌nail. Let’s figure out your perfect tool for call blocking.

1. You Have a Modern Cordless Phone and Only Get a Few Nuisance Callers.

This is the easiest situation. Your modern phone likely has built-in features, sometimes called a call registry. You can use the handset features to press a “Block” button while the phone is ringing.

Alternatively, use Method 1: Star Codes like *60. This free solution lets you add those few specific phone numbers to a small rejection list. It handles minor annoyances perfectly without any cost.

2. You Want a Free Solution and Have a Digital/VoIP Landline.

If your phone comes from a cable company (like Xfinity or Spectrum), you have a digital service. You should use Method 2: Carrier Dashboard/App. These providers offer a powerful call blocking feature online.

Simply log into your account, find the Voice settings, and add the unwanted callers to a large, easy-to-manage list. This is a very effective and completely free way to block a number on a landline.

3. You Have an Analog Landline and Get Tons of Spam/Scam Calls.

If you have the traditional analog landline POTS, you need the heaviest tool. You need Method 3: Physical Device. The star codes only hold 12 to 30 numbers, which is not enough to block robocalls.

A physical call-blocking box plugs right into your wall and can store thousands of known scam call numbers. It’s a one-time purchase that offers the absolute best protection against constant, invasive calls.

4. You Want to Stop Legitimate Sales Calls from Registered Telemarketers.

If you are trying to stop unwanted calls from businesses that follow the law, you need Method 4: National Do Not Call Registry. This step won’t stop the illegal scammers, but it is the legal method to prevent calls from legitimate companies.

You should combine this with one of the other methods to cover all types of unwanted phone calls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a Business Number

When you start managing your landline phones, especially for blocking calls, people often make simple errors. You should learn to navigate these issues. This ensures your call blocking efforts are successful.

I. Forgetting the Update Center

Many folks change their phone service but forget a crucial step. You must call the update center of your new provider right away. Your old call blocking rules do not transfer automatically. You need to ask them to activate or deactivate features like selective call rejection on your new line. If you skip this, you might think the service is broken.

II. Trusting the Registry Too Much

People often register on the National Do Not Call list and assume their problem is solved. The registry is great for stopping legal businesses. It does absolutely nothing to stop criminal scam call operations. You must use active tools, like the *60 code feature or a physical device, to truly stop unwanted calls.

III. Underestimating the Call Limit

The free carrier feature to block a number on a landline using the *60 code is limited. Most services only let you block about 30 specific phone numbers. Once you hit that limit, the oldest number falls off. If you face heavy spam, you cannot rely on this free method alone. It is not a permanent protection against unwanted calls.

IV. Mismanaging Anonymous Calls

Using the code *77 to block anonymous calls is a powerful tool for privacy. However, be careful. Doctors’ offices, hospitals, or private numbers might hide their caller ID for valid reasons. Blocking them means you might miss an important call. Remember to deactivate call blocking if you are expecting a private call.

V. Failing to Understand Spoofing

This is a big mistake. When a scammer uses a fake number that looks local, they are “spoofing.” You can block a phone number with *60, but they will just call from a new spoofed number the next day. The only way to win this fight is by using advanced blocking software in a physical device. This software blocks the pattern of the calls, not just the single number.

VI. Ignoring the Opt-Out Process

Your number is probably on lists sold by data brokers. You can reduce unwanted phone calls before they even start. Take the time to search for yourself on public directories. Go through the opt-out process to remove your information. This cuts off the source of many problems.

VII. Not Setting Up Advanced Screening

If you buy a physical blocker, read the instructions carefully. Some of the best boxes require callers to press a key, like the # sign. This proves they are a person and not a machine. If you do not set this screening, the box loses its power to block robocalls. You must complete the full setup to get maximum security.

Conclusion

You have now reviewed the complete set of tools available. You no longer need to feel powerless against the flood of unwanted calls on your landline phones. The best method depends entirely on your phone system. A digital voice line gives you free access to powerful online call blocking dashboards.

A traditional analog landline benefits most from the ultimate protection of a physical blocking device. You can use the free call feature *60 to address a few specific phone numbers right away. You should also definitely register for the National Do Not Call list.

By implementing one or more of these methods, you transition from being a target to being in charge. You successfully block a number on a landline and regain your peace of mind. Start today and enjoy the silence you deserve.