We've all been there: that one nuisance number that won't stop ringing. Whether it's about a "recent accident" you've had, or an annoying automated message, nuisance calls on your landline can be a major headache. Thankfully, there are ways that you can fight back and stop them getting through. In this article, we'll talk you through some of the ways that you can block a phone number on your landline.
Related: Top 3 Nuisance Call Blocking Phones
The very best way to do this is to simply invest in a home phone with nuisance call blocking features included. An increasing number of phones now include this feature. However, they can differ wildly in how they actually work. Some will allow you to block specific numbers. There is usually a limit to how many can be blocked- sometimes as few as ten. Others have built-in call protection systems that will automatically prevent suspicious numbers from getting through.
We should note that blocking specific numbers from your home phone will likely only be of limited use. That's because nuisance callers know that even without call blocking, people won't pick up if they recognise the same number calling them constantly. Many try to get around this by withholding their number. Luckily for you, though, most phones with call blocking include anonymous call protection.
Which phone brand is best for blocking numbers?
For blocking numbers on your landline, BT's phones are by far the best option. With special TrueCall technology built in, they do a great job of preventing nuisance calls from even getting through. As well as anonymous calls, they will block numbers from a continually-updated database of cold callers and scammers. What's more, many of their handsets also have a dedicated nuisance call blocking button. It's certainly satisfying to hit this and permanently banish cold callers from your landline!
Unfortunately, though, everything else about the phones tends to let them down. The sound quality on BT handsets is generally much poorer than rival models from the likes of Panasonic and Gigaset. While these phones don't have quite as advanced nuisance call blocking features, they provide a far better experience when actually making calls.
How else can I block a number?
Many phone providers also offer call protection services as an optional add-on to your landline package. BT, Virgin Media, Sky, and TalkTalk all provide such services. Most will cost you an additional charge every month, but the real winner here is BT. They offer a free feature called Call Protect. This automatically diverts numbers flagged as suspicious to your junk voicemail box. So, even if you don't have a BT handset, you can still access their best feature- and you're free to buy a superior handset instead!
How to block a number on iPhone
Stopping annoying callers on your home phone is all well and good, but it doesn't help if your mobile is being bombarded with irritating calls too. Thankfully, blocking a number on iPhone is super-simple. As long as the person who phoned you hasn't withheld their number, you can just open up the Phone app, click "recents", and then the "i" symbol next to the number in question. You'll then be taken to a page with info about that contact, and at the bottom there will be the option to "Block this Caller".