How to block a number on a landline
Setting up spam protection on a landline might seem tricky, but it’s definitely possible.
There are many options to choose from: apps, devices, and registries—all depending on your phone or handset, service provider, and the type of landline you have.
It’s easy to get confused by all the choices—even if you’re quite familiar with modern tech.
For seniors, it may prove too much.
We’ve made this guide to make blocking unwanted calls on a landline achievable for everyone.
Let’s go through it step by step.
Updated: April 7, 2025
Block spam calls on a landline in four steps
- Remove your phone number from data brokers with Incogni
- Get a call-blocking device or a phone that has call blocking built in
- Dial *77 to reject all calls from private numbers
- Create an allowlist of trusted numbers and turn on caller authentication
| SECTION 1 – Stop unwanted calls at the source | |
| Stop spam calls by signing up to the Do Not Call Registry | Free |
| Stop spam calls by removing your data from brokers | Free (manual opt out) Paid. Done by Incogni |
| SECTION 2: Use call-blocking services for landline phones | |
| Use spam-blocking software for landlines | Free |
| Buy a physical call-blocking device to connect to your line | Paid |
| Get a handset with a call-blocking feature built into it | Paid |
| SECTION 3: Set up your devices to block spam | |
| Use star codes to block calls on landline phones | Free |
| Activate unknown caller authentication | Free |
| Create allowlists of good contacts and block other calls | Free |
If you’re looking for a free solution, have a look at the second column.
While these solutions will help reduce spam calls, they probably won’t eliminate them entirely. Plus, blocking numbers and opting out of data brokers will take some time and effort.
Now—
If you’d like to learn how to carry out each of these steps—and see some additional options—check out our step-by-step guide below.
SECTION 1: Stop unwanted calls at the source
It’s better to fix the root cause of a problem, not just cover up the symptoms.
If you want to stop spam and scam calls for good, you need to find out where they’re coming from.
The main sources are:
- marketers
- data brokers.
1. Stop spam calls by signing up to the Do Not Call Registry
| Suitable for: VoIP, copper |
Start by adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry.
This is a service from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that helps reduce spam calls from marketers.
Once your number is on the list, it tells these companies not to call you.
Here’s how to sign up:
- Go to the Do Not Call Registry website.
- Click on “register your phone” and follow the steps.
It’s free to sign up.
If you prefer, you can call the FTC to register your number instead.
Dial 1-888-382-1222 (for voice calls) or 1-866-290-4236 (for TTY) from the phone number you want to add.
However, keep in mind that this service isn’t perfect.
Some companies don’t follow the rules, and scammers aren’t stopped by it. That’s why it’s a good idea to remove your information from data brokers as well.
2. Stop spam calls by removing your data from brokers
| Suitable for: VoIP, copper |
Data brokers specialize in collecting your data and selling it for profit.
This can result in your home phone number being shared with bad actors.
You can prevent scammers, fraudsters, and untrustworthy marketers from calling you by getting your number removed from data brokers’ lists.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use an automated service like Incogni
Sign up, and Incogni will send removal requests to 100+ data brokers right away.
It’s easy to set up and you’ll be taken care of by a team of professionals.
You can add multiple data points (like your landline and mobile phone number), sign up your family members, and keep track of the progress.
Click here to see how easy it is to remove your data with Incogni.
Alternatively—
- Opt out manually
Many data brokers let you request the removal of your information for free, but you’ll need to opt out from many of them to make a real difference.
Unfortunately, they often make the process tricky, which can lead to a frustrating back-and-forth over email.
Click here to see a list of popular data brokers together with detailed opt-out guides.
SECTION 2: Use call-blocking services for landline phones
Even if you’ve removed your information, there may still be people, including potential scammers, who have your number.
It’s a good idea to block these calls from getting through to your phone.
To do that, it’s important to know what kind of phone line you have.
If you haven’t done so already, take a moment to find out whether you’re using a VoIP line or a traditional copper line.
3. Use spam-blocking software for landlines
| Suitable for: VoIP only |
If your phone is connected to VoIP, you can reduce spam calls by signing up for Nomorobo.
First, determine whether you’re using a VoIP (ISDN) or a traditional copper (PTSN) line.
The simplest way is to look at the wire:
- If your home phone is connected to an internet modem, it’s VoIP.
- If the wire goes straight to the wall, it’s copper.
Nomorobo is a free service that monitors incoming calls in real time and identifies any unusual patterns, like robocalls or spoofed numbers, that might be related to people trying to scam you.
Here’s how to use it:
- Go to nomorobo.com/signup/carrier.
- Choose your landline network provider.
- Enter your email address.
- Check your email for a message titled “Welcome to Nomorobo!” and click the link inside.
- Follow the steps to set up your Nomorobo account.
- Add your phone details.
- Set up your carrier (you might need to adjust some additional settings with your carrier).
- Confirm the service.
If you don’t have a VoIP connection or your carrier is not supported, consider installing a physical call-blocking device.
Read on to learn more.
4. Buy a physical call-blocking device to connect to your line
| Suitable for: VoIP and copper |
An alternative to Nomorobo is a physical device that screens incoming calls and blocks unwanted ones when necessary—some of them have a database of 100K reported numbers.
Additionally, you can add new numbers to the blocklist with just one click on the device, updating the list on the go.
While setting up these devices is a bit more of a hassle than simply registering online, they can be very effective and worth the extra effort.
There are many devices available on the market, here are some popular choices:
- CPR V5000 (~$90)
- CPR V100K (~$90)
- CPR V10000 (~$45)
- CPR Shield (~$35)
- Panasonic KX-TGA710B (~$100)
- Digitone ProSeries 3 (~$80).
Most of these devices are extremely easy to set up and don’t require any technical knowledge—just connect them with your phone and that’s it. Even elderly people should be easily able to set them up without too much hassle.
However, there’s a downside.
Call-blocking devices typically come with a predefined list of known scam numbers that cannot be updated by the manufacturer.
Since robocallers and scammers often change their numbers, these devices may become ineffective after some time.
5. Get a handset with a call-blocking feature built into it
| Suitable for: VoIP and copper |
You might also think about getting a new phone that has call-blocking features built right in.
This works a lot like physical call-blocking devices, but it’s all integrated into the phone itself. Just keep in mind that it comes with the same limitations, meaning you’ll still have a predefined list of blocked numbers.
Here are some of the more popular handsets:
- Panasonic KX-TGD832M (~$40)
- AT&T GL2101-2 (~$35)
- AT&T DLP72212 (~65)
- Panasonic KX-TGF973B (~$150)
You don’t have to limit yourself to these options.
You can also browse Amazon for a phone that suits your needs—just make sure it includes a call-blocking feature.
SECTION 3: Set up your devices to block spam
Consider this section your last line of defense.
If you’ve already removed your number from data brokers and set up a call-blocking device, most spam and unwanted calls should be blocked.
But if some still sneak through, here are a few extra tips to stop them.
6. Use star codes to block calls on landline phones
| Suitable for: VoIP and copper |
Most providers in the US let you turn on some handy features by dialing simple star codes to reduce unwanted calls.
Here’s a quick overview.
Dial *60 to block individual numbers
The catch is that you need to know the spammer’s number, meaning you’ll need to first receive a call first before you can block the number.
Typically, you can block between 10 and 30 numbers.
| Block individual numbers | |||
| Activation | Deactivation | Instructions | Supported providers |
| *60 | *80 | 1. Pick up your phone and dial *60 2. Listen to the recorded instructions 3. To block the last call you received, dial #01# 4. To block a specific number, dial #number# (including the area code). | • AT&T • Verizon • Frontier • Cox • Spectrum • Windstream • CenturyLink |
Dial *77 to reject all anonymous callers
Once activated, calls that come through as “private,” “blocked,” or “anonymous” will not be allowed to reach your phone.
| Anonymous call rejection | |||
| Activation | Deactivation | Instructions | Supported providers |
| *77 | *87 | 1. Dial *77 on your landline phone 2. Listen for three beeps or a confirmation sound 3. The service is now activated. | • AT&T* • Verizon • Frontier • Cox • Spectrum • Windstream • Century • Link |
*AT&T notes that anonymous call rejection is not available in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, or Wisconsin.
7. Activate unknown caller authentication
| Suitable for: VoIP and copper | Requirement: a call-blocking device or a handset with such a feature |
The authentication feature isn’t available on every device (and might go by a different name).
Wondering how to check if you have it?
A good rule of thumb: if your phone has call blocking, it probably has call authentication too.
Most phones with call blocking, as well as dedicated call-blocking devices, usually come with this feature.
To be sure, just take a quick look through your phone’s settings for anything that verifies unknown callers.
How does it work?
Call authentication is simple but really effective. It makes callers either press a button or announce who they are before the call goes through. If they don’t, your phone won’t even ring.
The idea is that real callers can easily press “1,” while robocallers and scammers using automated systems can’t.
This can seriously cut down on unwanted calls.
How do you set it up?
Setup depends on your device, so check your manual or look through the settings.
If it’s not an option, check out the next section for an alternative solution.
8. Create allowlists of good contacts and block other calls
| Suitable for: VoIP and copper | Requirement: a call-blocking device or a handset with such a feature |
This is another device-specific solution, but most modern phones should have some kind of allowlisting feature.
Here’s how you can use it to cut down on spam:
- Mute all callers except the ones on your allowlist
- Have unknown callers go through an authentication step if they’re not on the list.
Just take a look through your phone’s settings to find this feature. If it’s not there, you might need to buy a separate call-blocking device.
Setting up an allowlist can take a bit of time, especially if you have a lot of contacts, but it’s totally worth it in the long run.
FAQ
How do I permanently block a number on my landline?
To permanently block an individual number, use the “block” feature on your phone, if available, or dial *60 to add the number to the block list. Some providers also offer a way to manage your block list through their website or customer service.
How do I stop unwanted phone calls on my landline?
Start by taking your number off data broker lists, so it’s not easily accessible. Next, install a call-blocking device to automatically stop unwanted calls from getting through. You can also dial *77 to block calls from anonymous numbers as an additional line of defense.
What does *77 do on a landline?
Dialing *77 turns on “anonymous caller rejection,” which blocks calls from people who hide their Caller ID, like private or restricted numbers. It’s especially helpful for stopping telemarketers and robocalls, as they often mask their Caller ID.
Is there a way to block phone calls on a landline?
Yes, you can block calls on a landline by installing a call-blocking device or dialing *60 to block specific numbers. You can also dial *77 to block all calls from private or hidden numbers.
How do I block a number from showing up on my landline?
Use your phone’s call-blocking feature if it has one, or dial *60 to block a specific number. Once a number is on your block list, it won’t be able to call your home phone unless you remove it from the list.
Does *60 block unwanted calls?
Dialing *60 lets you block specific numbers, but it won’t stop all unwanted calls. To block all spam calls, you’ll need to install a dedicated call-blocking device.
