How to Block Spam Calls on a Landline (2026)
Last verified: October 21, 2026
The short answer
Landlines get a disproportionate share of spam and scam calls, and they come with far fewer built-in protections than a smartphone. There's no app store, no automatic spam filter, and often no caller ID screen at all on older phones.
You can still cut the calls down a lot. The right fix depends on one question: what kind of landline do you have? This guide walks you through finding out, then the blocking options that work for each type, from free codes you can dial today to plug-in devices that stop robocalls before the phone rings.
Step 1: Find out what kind of landline you have
There are two kinds of home phone service, and they block calls in different ways.
- Internet-based (VoIP): your home phone comes from your cable or internet company, or as part of a TV and internet bundle. The phone often plugs into your internet modem or router rather than a wall jack.
- Traditional landline: your phone service comes from a traditional phone company over copper phone lines, and the phone plugs into a wall jack.
Not sure? Look at your bill. If your phone service is listed alongside internet or cable, it's almost certainly internet-based. You can also call your provider and ask.
Free options that work on most landlines
Try these first. They cost nothing and take a few minutes.
Reject calls that hide their number (*77)
Many landline providers support anonymous call rejection. Pick up the phone and dial *77. Calls that show up as "private," "anonymous," or "blocked" will no longer ring through. To turn it off, dial *87. Verizon, for example, lists *77 and *87 for traditional home phone lines (Verizon).
This won't stop spam calls that show a real-looking number, but it removes one common category.
Block specific numbers through your provider
Many providers let you block individual numbers. On some traditional lines this is done with a dial code. Verizon, for example, lists *60 to turn on Call Block for traditional lines, where available. Because spammers switch numbers constantly, this works best for one persistent caller, not for spam in general.
Turn on your provider's spam filtering
Internet-based home phone services often include spam filtering or spam labeling. Look in your online account under phone or voice settings, or call your provider and ask what call-blocking and call-labeling services it offers. The FTC recommends asking your provider exactly this (FTC).
Register on the Do Not Call Registry
Register your home number at DoNotCall.gov. It's free and never expires. It only stops sales calls from legitimate companies, not scammers, but it reduces the overall noise and makes remaining spam easier to spot (FTC Do Not Call FAQ).
If you have an internet-based (VoIP) landline
You have more options, because calls pass through your provider's systems and can be screened there.
- Check your provider's built-in tools first. Many cable and internet phone services include spam filtering. Some route suspected spam to voicemail or show a "spam" label on caller ID.
- Consider an internet-based blocking service. Services like Nomorobo offer protection for supported VoIP and digital landlines. They screen incoming calls against a database of known robocallers and hang up on the bad ones (Nomorobo). Check that your provider is supported and confirm current pricing before signing up.
If you have a traditional landline
Traditional lines don't run through internet services, so the most effective fix is a device in your home.
Use a call-blocking device
The FTC's advice for traditional landlines is to "consider buying and installing a call-blocking device" (FTC). These are small boxes that plug in between the phone line and your phone.
Depending on the model, they can:
- block calls from a pre-loaded list of known spam numbers
- let you add numbers with the press of a button
- ask unknown callers to press a key before the phone rings, which screens out most robocalls
- send unwanted calls to voicemail, or show a light instead of ringing
What to look for: a large pre-loaded block list, a one-button way to block the caller who just rang, and a screening mode for unknown callers. Make sure the device works with your phone line and that the person using it can manage the buttons comfortably.
Or use a phone with call blocking built in
Many newer cordless home phones include caller ID and call blocking, and some can screen unknown callers automatically. If you're replacing an old phone anyway, this can do the same job as a separate blocking box.
Setting this up for a parent
Landlines are most common among older adults, and older adults are frequent targets of scam calls. If you're helping a parent, plan about 20 minutes:
- Find out which kind of landline they have (check the bill together).
- Dial *77 to reject anonymous calls, and confirm with their provider that it's active.
- Turn on any spam filtering their provider offers.
- If it's a traditional line, set up a call-blocking device and practice blocking a number together.
- Register their number at DoNotCall.gov.
- Agree on a family code word so they can check whether a caller claiming to be family is real. See Your Family Needs a Code Word.
Add one rule to the conversation: never call back a number from a missed call or voicemail they don't recognize, and never press buttons on a robocall. The FTC warns that pressing a number "may lead to more robocalls" (FTC).
For more on protecting a parent without taking over their life, read Protecting Your Parents Without Taking Over Their Life.
Blocking only treats the symptom
Every option above stops calls once they're dialed. The calls keep coming because your number is on lists that get bought and sold, from data brokers, people-search sites, and data breaches.
To understand where those calls come from and how to get your number off the lists, read our guide: Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls? How to Stop Them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I block spam calls on a landline for free?
Yes, partly. Dial *77 to reject anonymous calls, ask your provider about free spam filtering, and register at DoNotCall.gov. For heavier blocking on a traditional line, a call-blocking device is usually a one-time purchase.
How do I block a specific number on my landline?
Many providers offer a call block feature, sometimes activated with a dial code such as *60 on some traditional lines. Some cordless phones and call-blocking devices can also block the last caller with one button. Ask your provider which method works on your line.
What's the best call blocker for a landline?
The best one is the one that matches your line type. For an internet-based landline, start with your provider's built-in filtering or a service built for VoIP lines. For a traditional landline, look for a plug-in device with a large pre-loaded block list and a screening mode that asks unknown callers to press a key.
Why does my landline get more spam calls than my cell phone?
Cell phones now have strong built-in spam filters from Apple, Google, and the carriers. Many landlines have none, and landline numbers have often been listed in directories and data broker databases for years.
Will the Do Not Call Registry stop scam calls?
No. It only stops legitimate sales calls. Scammers ignore it, so you'll still need blocking tools.
The short version
Find out whether your landline is internet-based or traditional. Dial *77, turn on your provider's spam filtering, and register at DoNotCall.gov. On an internet-based line, use your provider's tools or a VoIP blocking service. On a traditional line, add a call-blocking device. Then deal with the root cause by getting your number off the lists that feed the calls.
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Related: Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls? · Protecting Your Parents Without Taking Over Their Life · Your Family Needs a Code Word
Sources
Checked October 21, 2026.