How Do You Block a Number From a Landline? A Complete Guide for Home and Business Users

Updated on December 24, 2025, by Xcitium

If your phone rings nonstop with spam, robocalls, or unwanted solicitations, you’re not alone. Many people ask the same question every day: how do you block a number from landline phones when there’s no “block” button like on a smartphone?

Whether you manage business phone systems or want peace and quiet at home, understanding how do you block a number from landline services can save time, reduce distractions, and improve security. This guide walks you through proven, practical methods—step by step—so you can regain control of your phone line.

How Do You Block a Number From a Landline? (Quick Overview)

At its simplest, blocking a number from a landline means preventing specific callers from reaching your phone.

Depending on your phone type and provider, this can be done by:

• Using built-in call-blocking features

• Activating carrier-based call blocking

• Adding external call-blocking devices

• Filtering calls through advanced phone systems

Understanding how do you block a number from landline phones depends largely on the technology you’re using.

Why Blocking Landline Calls Still Matters

Many assume spam calls only affect mobile phones—but landlines are often targeted even more.

Common Reasons to Block Landline Numbers

• Robocalls and scam attempts

• Telemarketers bypassing mobile filters

• Repeated harassment calls

• Business line disruptions

• Compliance and security concerns

For IT managers and business owners, knowing how do you block a number from landline systems is essential for operational efficiency.

Method 1: How Do You Block a Number From a Landline Using Star Codes

Many phone providers offer star codes—simple dialing commands that activate call blocking.

Common Star Codes (Provider Dependent)

• *60 – Activate call blocking

• *61 – Block last caller

• *77 – Anonymous call rejection

• *80 – Deactivate blocking

How It Works

1. Pick up your landline handset

2. Dial the appropriate star code

3. Follow the voice prompts

4. Add the number you want blocked

This is often the fastest answer to how do you block a number from landline phones.

⚠️ Note: Star codes vary by provider, so check with your carrier.

Method 2: Block a Number Through Your Landline Provider

Most major carriers offer call-blocking services—sometimes free, sometimes paid.

Popular Providers Offering Landline Call Blocking

• AT&T

• Verizon

• Spectrum

• Xfinity

• CenturyLink

Steps to Block a Number via Carrier Services

1. Log into your provider’s online portal

2. Navigate to call management or privacy settings

3. Add blocked numbers manually

4. Enable spam or robocall filtering

For businesses, this centralized approach simplifies how do you block a number from landline networks at scale.

Method 3: Use a Call-Blocking Device for Landlines

If your phone or carrier doesn’t support blocking, external devices are highly effective.

What Is a Landline Call Blocker?

A call blocker is a small device that connects between your phone and wall jack. It screens incoming calls before your phone rings.

Benefits of Call-Blocking Devices

• Works with older landlines

• No monthly fees

• One-touch blocking

• Blacklist and whitelist features

This method is ideal for users asking how do you block a number from landline phones without changing providers.

Method 4: Blocking Anonymous or Private Numbers

Private and unknown callers are often the most frustrating.

How Do You Block a Number From a Landline When It’s Private?

Most carriers allow anonymous call rejection.

How to activate it:

• Dial *77 on your landline

• Confirm activation via voice prompt

Once enabled, calls without caller ID are automatically rejected.

This is one of the most overlooked answers to how do you block a number from landline calls.

Method 5: How Businesses Block Numbers on PBX and VoIP Systems

For organizations, blocking calls happens at the system level.

Common Business Phone Blocking Options

• PBX call routing rules

• SIP trunk filtering

• VoIP spam detection

• IP-based blacklisting

Why This Matters for Security

Unwanted calls aren’t just annoying—they can be social engineering attacks. Knowing how do you block a number from landline business systems reduces risk exposure.

How Robocalls Bypass Traditional Landline Blocking

Even when you know how do you block a number from landline phones, robocalls still get through.

Why This Happens

• Caller ID spoofing

• Rapid number rotation

• International call masking

This is why modern call blocking often requires behavior-based filtering, not just number-based blocking.

Best Practices to Stop Unwanted Landline Calls

To strengthen your approach:

• Combine carrier blocking with hardware devices

• Enable anonymous call rejection

• Regularly review blocked numbers

• Educate staff or family members

• Monitor call logs for patterns

Blocking calls effectively isn’t a one-time action—it’s an ongoing process.

How Call Blocking Connects to Cybersecurity

Unwanted calls aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a security issue.

Security Risks of Spam Calls

• Phishing attempts

• Voice-based social engineering

• Impersonation scams

• Business fraud

Understanding how do you block a number from landline phones helps reduce attack surfaces, especially in executive and administrative roles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you block a number from landline phones permanently?

You can block numbers permanently using carrier services, star codes like *60, or external call-blocking devices.

2. Can you block robocalls on a landline?

Yes. Many providers offer robocall filtering, and hardware call blockers are highly effective.

3. How do you block a number from landline phones without caller ID?

Enable anonymous call rejection (usually *77) to block calls without caller ID.

4. Do landline call blockers require a subscription?

Most hardware call blockers are one-time purchases with no monthly fees.

5. Is blocking landline calls legal?

Yes. Blocking unwanted calls is completely legal and encouraged for privacy and security.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Landline Again

Spam calls aren’t going away—but you don’t have to live with them.

Understanding how do you block a number from landline systems gives you control, improves productivity, and reduces security risks. Whether for home use or enterprise environments, the right combination of tools can restore peace and protect your communications.

Ready to Strengthen Your Organization’s Security?

Unwanted calls are just one entry point attackers use. Modern cybersecurity requires end-to-end visibility and protection—from endpoints to communications.

👉 Request a personalized security demo today:
https://www.xcitium.com/request-demo/