How to block unwanted calls on your landline

There are several ways you can restrict who gets through to your home phone. You can use one of our calling features to block incoming calls. You can change your directory listing so it's more difficult for unwanted callers to find you. If you're getting harassing or threatening calls, you can identify who's calling and then work with local law enforcement. Or, if you're having problems with telemarketing calls or "robocalls", you can add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry and/or use one of CenturyLink's calling features shown below.  The tool(s) you select to block these calls will depend on the type of call you are trying to block: robocalls, telemarketing, solicitations, or specific individuals.  

There are a few different tools CenturyLink offers in some service areas to limit unwanted phone solicitations, including "robocalls" or computerized telemarketing calls and scams.

CenturyLink partners with Nomorobo for Digital Home Phone customers, giving them access to this third party application designed to block robocalls. Here's how to set it up:

The No Solicitation feature blocks calls and functions like a screening service.

No Solicitation screens your calls from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day. An automatic message asks solicitors to hang up and tells regular callers to press 1 to complete the call. This feature relies on the honesty of the calling party, trusting that they will hang up if they're trying to solicit your business. But in fact, anyone can press 1 and be connected through to your home phone. If you're trying to block a harassing caller, this feature is unlikely to be effective.   It is most effective for solicitation calls.

You must contact CenturyLink to order the No Solicitation feature and have it added to your account in order to use it. When it's initially installed, it's turned OFF, so you need to turn it ON. For more information and instructions on how to use this feature, you can download the No Solicitation user guide.

Security Screen also blocks calls and works like a screening service by requiring that callers either share their phone number or be disconnected. People calling from blocked, unidentified, toll-free and long-distance numbers hear a message saying that you do not accept unidentified calls. They are then given the option to enter their 10-digit phone number or hang up.

To manage this feature, call 1-888-(your area code)-8052 and select Security Screen from the menu. Then, follow the recorded instructions. For more information further instructions, you can download the Security Screen user guide.

Caller ID with the Privacy+ feature intercepts calls that don't show Caller ID information. Callers can record their names, then you decide which calls to accept or reject. You should notice a reduction in the number of calls you receive, since most telemarketers will hang up without recording a name. To manage this feature, call 888-(your area code)-8052.

Select Privacy+ from the menu when prompted, and follow the recorded instructions. For more information and instructions on using this feature, you can download the Caller ID with Privacy+ user guide.

More information on what to do and what not to do about robocalls is available on the USTelecom website. You can also visit the FCC web page for stopping unwanted calls, texts, and faxes.

Are you looking for additional ways to block unwanted phone calls on your landline? You can use calling features to block all incoming calls, certain types of calls or specific phone numbers. Anonymous Call Rejection and Call Rejection are two of our most popular call-blocking features.

Use Anonymous Call Rejection to stop calls from ANONYMOUS and PRIVATE numbers. For instance, if a sales guy calls you from a blocked number, he hears: 

The party you are calling does not accept blocked calls. If you are calling from a blocked number, please hang up, pick up the receiver, press *87 and redial the phone number. When you do this, your name and number will appear for this call only.

In many areas, Anonymous Call Rejection comes with Caller ID. In some areas, you need to order it separately. Either way, when it's first installed, it's turned OFF, so you need to turn it ON.

This calling feature only stops ANONYMOUS and PRIVATE calls. Other types of calls that lack the info needed for caller ID, such as OUT OF AREA, UNAVAILABLE, UNKNOWN or NOT PROVIDED, cannot be blocked with this feature. If you need further assistance on how to block unwanted calls using this feature, check out our Anonymous Call Rejection Troubleshooting tips.

Use Call Rejection when you want to block specific phone numbers from reaching you. To do this, you create a list of phone numbers that you want to reject. Then anyone calling from a number on your list will not be able to get through.

How does Call Rejection help you block unwanted phone calls?

• Call Rejection blocks incoming calls. To block calls, you create a "rejection list" and add the phone numbers you want to that list. Numbers on your call rejection list are not able to call your home.
• When an unwanted caller tries to reach you, he/she hears a pre-recorded message saying you're not accepting calls.
• This feature works with most local and some long-distance numbers.

You might use Call Rejection if you have an ex who won't take the hint or a market research company has you on their speed dial. In other words, it can be someone you know personally or not. Either way, you simply add the offending phone numbers to your "rejection list." Then, when someone calls from one of your rejected numbers, they hear a message saying you're not accepting calls.

The Call Rejection feature has to be ordered and added to your account. When it's first installed, it's turned OFF, so you need to turn it ON.  Here are some specific instructions for using and configuring Call Rejection. 

This feature lets you block up to 10 phone numbers. If you want to block additional numbers (up to 25), Enhanced Call Rejection is available in some areas.

If one of the above blocking features doesn't quite sound like what you need, we have other calling features available as well that may be able to block specific calls that you don't want getting through.

In addition, you can take some of the following steps to reduce unwanted calls:

Sometimes limiting where, and how, your telephone number is published can make a world of difference. There are several ways for you to control how your name and number are shared.

You can request:

• To 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.
  
  
• To have a non-listed (semi-private) listing. In this case, your name and phone number aren't included in the printed telephone directory, but are available through Directory Assistance. 
  
  
• To have a non-published (private) listing. With this type of listing, your name, address and phone number don't appear in the printed telephone directory and are not available through Directory Assistance.

Call Trace 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. Note: This feature is available in most areas. However, if you attempt a trace and hear a rapid busy tone instead of recorded instructions, it may not be offered in your area.

After three successful traces, contact the CenturyLink Annoyance Call Bureau at 800-582-0655 for help in resolving the problem. Or, if the situation is escalating and you feel your wellbeing is at risk, contact your local police for assistance.