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Stop unwanted calls

Call blocking options: free ways first

Edited by Richard BarkerChecked 13 October 2026

Start with the free options: report numbers to 7726, turn on your phone’s own blocking and spam settings, and ask your landline provider what call blocking it includes. If someone you care for is vulnerable, ask your local Trading Standards team about a free call blocker. Only then think about paying for a device or app.

Your network’s free tools

Every UK mobile network takes reports on 7726, and uses them to block numbers.

Forward a scam text to 7726, or copy a scam caller’s number from your recent calls and text it to 7726. Ofcom says some providers also run network filtering that blocks known scam numbers before they reach you. Here is what each network’s own help page says:

Settings on your phone

Free, and already on your phone.

  • iPhone: block a contact from the Phone app. In Settings, then Apps, then Phone, you can screen or silence calls from unknown numbers and turn on spam filtering. Apple’s guide (opens in a new tab)
  • Android: in the Phone by Google app, block a number from your call history, and turn on blocking for unknown or private numbers under Blocked numbers. Samsung and some other makers use their own phone app. Google’s guide (opens in a new tab)

Step by step instructions are in our guide to blocking calls on iPhone, Android and landlines.

Landlines

Ofcom’s advice: ask your provider what it offers, as features and prices differ.

  • Anonymous call rejection stops calls from withheld numbers. Ofcom says many providers offer it, and some charge.
  • Call blocking or filtering from your provider, including network filtering of known scam numbers.
  • A call-blocking handset can block withheld numbers, or numbers that are not in your contacts. Ofcom says these can help older or more vulnerable people.
  • Caller display lets you see a number before you answer, but numbers can be faked.

  • BT

    BT says BT Call Protect is free for BT customers. It sends withheld, international and unrecognised numbers, and numbers you add, to a junk voicemail. Dial 1572 from your home phone to manage it.

    BT Call Protect (opens in a new tab)

  • Virgin Media

    Virgin Media offers Anonymous Caller Rejection, a paid feature that stops calls from withheld numbers, and a Black List on compatible handsets for specific numbers.

    Virgin Media: block nuisance calls (opens in a new tab)

Free call blockers for vulnerable people

Some councils lend or give call blockers to people most at risk. Availability varies from area to area.

Age UK says a free call blocker is available to people identified as most vulnerable by a doctor, Trading Standards or their local council, and that some local authorities provide them. Schemes differ. For example, The Highland Council says it may be able to provide a free call blocker to people most at risk of financial harm, and checks who is eligible first.

To ask, contact your local Trading Standards team. Use GOV.UK’s Trading Standards finder (opens in a new tab) to find yours.

Questions

Can I get a call blocker for free?

Sometimes. Age UK says a free call blocker is available to people a doctor, Trading Standards or their local council identify as most vulnerable, and some councils provide them too. What is on offer varies by area, so ask your local Trading Standards team.

Will the TPS block calls?

No. Ofcom says the Telephone Preference Service tells genuine companies you do not want sales calls, but it will not block scam calls. It can take up to 28 days to cut sales calls.

Can I block withheld numbers on a landline?

Ofcom says many landline providers offer anonymous call rejection, which stops calls from withheld numbers. Some charge for it, so ask yours.

Should I pay to join the TPS?

No. Registering with the TPS is free. Age UK warns that a call asking you to pay to join or renew the TPS is a scam.

Sources and checks

This page relies on:

Checked on 13 October 2026. Read how reports work. How we check our information. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will put it right.