WhoCallsYou

How to block unwanted calls

Simple steps to stop nuisance and scam calls on your mobile and landline in the UK.

Block a number on iPhone

  1. Open the Phone app and tap Recents.
  2. Tap the (i) next to the number.
  3. Tap Block Caller, then confirm.

Blocked callers can still leave a voicemail, which goes to a separate "Blocked Messages" list. To block texts from the same number, open the message, tap the number at the top, then Info › Block Caller.

Silence all unknown callers

Go to Settings › Apps › Phone and turn on Silence Unknown Callers. Numbers that are not in your contacts go straight to voicemail. You may miss genuine calls such as deliveries or your GP, so check voicemail regularly.

Block a number on Android

  1. Open the Phone app and go to Recents or call history.
  2. Press and hold the number.
  3. Tap Block or Block / report spam.

On Google's Phone app you can also turn on Caller ID & spam and Filter spam calls in Settings. Samsung phones have a similar option under Caller ID and spam protection.

Block calls on a landline

  • BT: BT Call Protect is free. It sends known nuisance numbers to a junk voicemail and lets you add your own numbers.
  • Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media and others: most offer free or cheap features to block withheld, international or specific numbers. Search your provider's help pages for "call blocking".
  • Call blocker devices and phones: some cordless phones have built-in blocking, and plug-in call blockers can stop unknown callers before the phone rings.

Stop sales calls with the TPS

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is free. After registering, UK companies are not allowed to make unsolicited sales calls to your number. It can take up to 28 days to work. Scammers ignore the TPS, so keep blocking and reporting them.

Report scam calls and texts

  • Forward scam texts to 7726 (free on all UK networks).
  • Report fraud and scam calls to Action Fraud, or Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.
  • Report nuisance sales calls to the ICO.
  • If you think your bank account is at risk, call 159 to reach your bank safely.
  • Add a report on WhoCallsYou so other people are warned.