How to block or reject unwanted calls on your landline

There are several ways you can control whose calls are able to get through to your home phone.

How do you block unwanted calls on your home phone?

There are three things you can do to control which calls make it through to your house. These tactics can help you fend off telemarketers, robocalls, and other people whose calls you do not want to receive.

Use one or more CenturyLink calling features to block incoming calls
Add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry
Change your directory listing so it's more difficult for unwanted callers to find you

CenturyLink calling features for blocking unwanted calls

Here are some tools CenturyLink offers to limit unwanted phone calls and solicitations, including "robocalls" or computerized telemarketing calls and scams. Some calling features can be activated and managed by calling the CenturyLink Update Center. You can press *78 or call 888-(your area code)-8052 (except in locations noted below).

In Minnesota, calling from area code 763 or 952: call 888-612-8052
In Iowa, calling from area code 641: call 888-515-8052
In Arizona, calling from area code 928: call 888-520-8052
In Oregon, calling from area code 971: call 888-503-8052
In Oregon, calling from area code 458: call 888-541-8052

Note: The first time you call the CenturyLink Update Center, you're asked for a security code. You can enter the temporary security code 1-2-3-4. Then, follow the recorded instructions to set up your own personal code.

You can use the same security code to manage all calling features on your account. Just be sure to remember your personal security code.

Method	Example	What happens
By area code	303-000-0000	Incoming calls from the area code you've selected won't hear the No Solicitation message.
By area code and prefix	303-555-0000	Incoming calls with the area code and prefix you've selected won't hear the No Solicitation message.
By 10-digit number	303-555-0102	Incoming calls from the specific number(s) you've selected won't hear the No Solicitation message. (You can have up to 25 numbers on your list.)

Block robocalls with the CPR V5000 Call Blocker Learn more

National Do Not Call Registry

The National Do Not Call Registry (often referred to as the "Do Not Call" list) is managed by the Federal Trade Commission and gives people a way to stop relentless phone solicitors and telemarketers.

If you would like to block unwanted calls to your home or cell phone, you can add your number(s) to the Do Not Call list. It's a free service, and once your number has been on the list for 31 days, telemarketers should stop calling you. If they don't, you can file a complaint.

The government recognizes that some business calls are legitimate, so even if your number is on the list, you may occasionally still receive calls you don't want. For example, you may get calls from political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors.

You may also receive calls from companies that you've purchased from within the last 18 months, or from companies you've given written permission to contact you. Be careful to read the fine print whenever you sign an agreement, as you may be granting that entity permission to contact you.

Did you know? If you ask a company to place your phone number on its internal do-not-call list, they must honor your request. It's always a good idea to keep a record of the date you made the request, just in case they fail to follow through and you need to file a complaint.

Change your directory listing

Limiting where and how your telephone number is published can make a difference. There are several ways for you to control how your name and number are shared. You can see more details about these options in our article about directory listing options.

Non-listed (semi-private) listing: Your name and phone number aren't included in the printed telephone directory, but are available through Directory Assistance.
Non-published (private) listing: Your name, address and phone number don't appear in the printed telephone directory and are not available through Directory Assistance.
Have your name removed, at no charge, from lists that we may provide to other companies for marketing purposes. Non-listed and non-published numbers are automatically excluded from these lists.

Harassment prevention options

Telephone harassment is a crime. If you receive threatening or obscene phone calls, you can trace who's calling you. If you feel threatened or that your safety is at risk, contact your local police.

Call Trace is available in most areas, and is already installed on your line. You don't have to order it or have it installed, and you will only be charged if you successfully complete a trace.

Learn more about Call Trace

After three successful traces, contact the CenturyLink Annoyance Call Bureau at 800-582-0655 for help in resolving the problem.