How to block nuisance calls

Step-by-step instructions for blocking unwanted callers on iPhone, Android and landlines. Also covers how to reduce marketing calls by registering with the TPS.

iPhone

Block a number on iPhone

  1. 1Open the Phone app and go to Recents.
  2. 2Tap the info button (ⓘ) next to the number you want to block.
  3. 3Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
  4. 4Tap Block Contact to confirm.

To manage blocked numbers: Settings → Phone → Blocked Contacts. You can add numbers manually or remove blocks from this screen.

iPhone also supports Silence Unknown Callers (Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers) which sends calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail.

Android

Block a number on Android

Steps vary slightly by manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.) but the general process is the same:

  1. 1Open the Phone app.
  2. 2Go to Recent calls and find the number you want to block.
  3. 3Long-press the number, or tap the three-dot menu.
  4. 4Select Block number (or Block / report spam on Google Pixel).
  5. 5Confirm the block.

On Samsung devices: Phone app → More → Settings → Block numbers. On Google Pixel: Phone app → three-dot menu → Settings → Blocked numbers.

BT landline

Block calls on a BT landline

BT offers several free call-blocking features:

BT Call Protect (free)

BT's free service automatically blocks known nuisance callers and lets you create your own block lists. Sign in at bt.com/callprotect or call 0800 100 400 to activate.

Block the last caller: 14258

Dial 14258 immediately after an unwanted call to block that number.

Anonymous call rejection: *227

Dial *227 to block calls from withheld numbers. To deactivate, dial #227.

Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk

Other landline providers

Sky

Sky Call Guard is available free to Sky Talk customers. Sign in to your Sky account to manage block lists, or call Sky on 03442 411 653.

Virgin Media

Virgin Media's Call Minder service lets you screen and block calls. Manage it via your online account or call 150 from your Virgin phone.

TalkTalk

TalkTalk's SuperSafe includes nuisance call blocking. Available in your My Account settings or by calling 0345 172 0088.

Telephone Preference Service

Register with the TPS (free)

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free service that lets you opt out of unsolicited marketing calls. Registering is a legal requirement for legitimate UK telemarketers to honour. Companies that call you after you've registered can be reported to the ICO.

  1. 1Visit tpsonline.org.uk (link below).
  2. 2Enter your landline or mobile number.
  3. 3Confirm via the email you receive.
  4. 4Allow up to 28 days for the registration to take full effect.

Register at tpsonline.org.uk. Free, takes under a minute.

TPS only covers legitimate marketing calls. It will not stop scammers, who ignore such registrations entirely.

For businesses

Corporate TPS (CTPS)

Businesses can register their phone numbers with the Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS) at ctpsonline.org.uk. This works the same way as TPS but covers business numbers.

Hardware and apps

Call-blocking devices and apps

CPR Call Blocker

A hardware device that plugs into your landline and blocks known scam and nuisance numbers. Pre-loaded with thousands of known nuisance numbers. Available from major retailers.

TrueCall

A landline call screener that challenges unknown callers before putting them through. Particularly useful for elderly relatives who receive high volumes of nuisance calls.

Reporting nuisance and scam calls

How to report

Report to Action Fraud

For scam calls and fraud attempts: reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

Report to Ofcom

For persistent nuisance calls and silent calls: ofcom.org.uk. Ofcom investigates patterns of nuisance calling by companies.

Report here on WhoIsCalling

Report a number to add it to our community database and help others identify the same caller.

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