Buzz
Do you want to avoid receiving calls from certain individuals? Are you looking to block telemarketing numbers? Many telecom providers offer call-blocking features that allow users to prevent specific phone numbers from reaching them. In addition to the basic features provided by these carriers, the following article will introduce various effective methods to block unwanted calls.
Steps
Block Specific Numbers on Landline Phones
Contact your telecom service provider. Inquire with customer service about the availability of call-blocking features for landlines. Note: The method described below applies to the United States. In Vietnam, contact your telecom provider's hotline for more details.
- If the call-blocking feature is available, request to activate it on your landline. A monthly fee may be required to use this service.
- Most telecom providers offer various call-blocking features, though blocking specific numbers may not always be an option.
Press *60 on your phone. After picking up the phone, wait for the dial tone and then press *60. This action will activate the call-blocking feature on your landline.
- Listen to the automated message to confirm whether the call-blocking feature is enabled and how many numbers are currently blocked. Follow the instructions to enable the feature if it isn’t already active. For most telecom providers, you can activate call blocking by pressing the number 3.
Add the phone number you want to block. The number will remain in the block list until manually removed or the call-blocking feature is deactivated.
- Follow the automated voice prompts to add a number to your blocked list. Each telecom provider has specific instructions, but generally, you’ll need to press a key on your phone’s keypad to add a number.
- Enter the area code and the phone number you wish to block, then press #. Repeat this process until all desired numbers are added.
- Some telecom providers limit the number of phone numbers you can block (typically between 6 and 12 numbers).
Remove a number from the call block list. If you decide to unblock a number, dial *60 again and follow the automated instructions.
- Each telecom provider has specific steps for removing a number from the block list, but it usually involves pressing a specific key and entering the number you wish to unblock.
- Review your blocked list by following the automated prompts. The system will read out the numbers currently blocked.
- Unblocking some numbers may be necessary if your block list is full. You’ll need to free up space before adding new numbers to the list.
Hang up. End the automated call after updating your call block list.
- When blocked numbers try to call you, they will receive a notification that the call cannot be completed. Your phone will not ring for blocked numbers.
- To deactivate the call-blocking feature, press *80 after hearing the dial tone.
Block Anonymous Calls on Landline Phones
Press *77 after hearing the dial tone. This will activate the anonymous call-blocking feature on your landline. Note that this service is only available if you have caller ID enabled. This feature is provided for landlines in the United States. For Vietnam, contact your telecom provider’s hotline for more details.
- Listen for a confirmation tone or message indicating the feature has been activated.
- Anonymous callers will now hear an automated message stating that you do not accept anonymous calls. They will be prompted to disable their anonymity and try calling again.
- Note that only callers listed as "Anonymous," "Private," or "Unknown" will be blocked. This feature does not apply to anonymous callers who do not block their caller ID.
Press *87 to deactivate this feature. If you want to allow anonymous or previously blocked numbers to call you, press *87 to turn off the feature.
- You will hear a confirmation tone or message indicating the feature has been deactivated. Anonymous or previously blocked numbers will now be able to reach you.
Block Incoming Calls on Mobile Phones
Block a specific number. Navigate to your phone’s menu and select "Settings."
- Choose "Phone" or "Phone Settings" and select "Calls" or "Incoming Calls." Tap "Blocked Callers," "Blacklist," "Unwanted Calls," or a similarly named option. Your contacts or address book will appear; select the name of the number you want to block or manually enter the number. Press "OK" or "Block" to confirm.
- The blocked number will no longer be able to contact you, and your phone will not ring when they call. The caller will hear a "busy" tone or a message stating that you do not accept calls from their number.
Download a Call Filter app for Android devices. This is a free app available from the Play Store that offers options to block both anonymous and specific numbers.
- Open the Play Store on your phone and search for "Call Filter" in the search bar. Download the app to your device. Once opened, the "Block Unknown Calls" option will appear on the screen. This feature will prevent private, payphone, and unfamiliar numbers from contacting you.
- You can also select the "Control Specified Numbers" option, which allows you to manually input numbers to block. Below this option is a gray icon with a "Call Filter" label and a number in parentheses. Tap this to enter the number you wish to block. Blocked numbers will no longer appear in the gray box. Similarly, you can tap "Add the last incoming number" to block the most recent caller.
- Call-blocking apps are not 100% effective and may still allow telemarketers to reach you.
- While this app is for Android, similar features are available for other operating systems through different applications.
Block calls using Google Voice. Google Voice is a free phone service offering numerous features.
- Visit the registration page: https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/. You’ll be prompted to enter your name and email address. Since this is an invitation-based service, you’ll need to wait until Google Voice sends you an invitation before you can access its features. Be patient; although the site advertises a short wait time, it may take several days.
- Follow the instructions in the email to set up your account.
- Once your account is created, log in to your Google Voice account. Locate the call or voicemail from the person you want to block and check the box next to it. Click the "More" link below the call or voicemail, then select "Block Caller."
- This feature works across all phones since it’s linked to your Google account, not a specific device.
Register for the National Do Not Call Service
Enter www.donotcall.gov into your web browser. Press enter, then click on the "Register a Phone Number" icon.
- This service is managed by the Federal Trade Commission and is designed to stop most telemarketing calls in the United States.
- Instead of entering a number to block, you input your own phone number to prevent telemarketers from contacting you.
- Don’t be discouraged if you still receive calls a few days after registering. It takes 31 days for the service to become fully effective.
Enter the phone number you wish to register. Include a valid email address to confirm your request.
- You can register up to 3 phone numbers on the Do Not Call list.
- Double-check the phone number you’ve entered. Ensure there are no typos or missing digits.
- Make sure you have access to the email address you provided. You’ll receive a confirmation email that you must click to complete the registration.
Confirm your registration. Open the email account you used during registration and look for the email sent by the website.
- Click the confirmation link within 72 hours of registering. The link will expire after 72 hours. If you don’t confirm within this time, you’ll need to repeat the registration process.
- Remember, this service only blocks telemarketing calls promoting goods or services. You may still receive calls from political organizations, charities, surveyors, and companies you’ve done business with. To block these, request that they add you to their internal do-not-call list.
- If you continue to receive telemarketing calls after 31 days, you can file a complaint on the website where you registered. Click the icon on the far right of the "Register a Phone Number" section.
