How to Block Spam Calls in the UK

First: check the number before you block it

Blocking is permanent for that number, so a 10-second check first avoids blocking a genuine caller — a doctor’s surgery or delivery driver, for example. Type the number into our free reverse lookup to see its type and spam-risk level, then block with confidence. If it’s an 070 personal number you don’t recognise, treat it as high risk by default.

Block a number on iPhone

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

To go further, turn on Silence Unknown Callers (Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers). Unknown numbers still go to voicemail and appear in Recents, but your phone won’t ring — a good option if spam calls are constant. Just remember that genuine first-time callers (a new doctor’s office, for instance) will be silenced too.

Block a number on Android

1. Open the Phone app and tap Recents.
2. Tap the number, then tap Block (wording varies slightly by phone maker).
3. Tick Report as spam if offered — this helps Google’s spam filters protect everyone.

Most Android phones also have built-in spam protection: in the Phone app, go to Settings > Caller ID & spam (or Spam and Call Screen on Pixel phones) and make sure it’s switched on. Your mobile network may also offer free spam filtering — check your provider’s app or website.

Block spam on a landline

Landlines get more than their share of scam calls, and older handsets can’t block numbers at all. Your options:

• Network-level blocking: BT Call Protect (free for BT customers) diverts known nuisance numbers automatically. Other providers offer similar services — ask yours.
• Call-blocking handsets: phones with a dedicated block button, or standalone call blockers that plug into the line, let you blacklist numbers and even block all withheld numbers.
• Anonymous call rejection: most providers can reject withheld-number calls on request — scammers often hide their number, so this alone cuts a lot of noise.

Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)

The TPS is a free official register: once your number is on it, UK organisations are legally required not to make unsolicited marketing calls to you. Register online or by phone in a few minutes, and allow up to 28 days for calls to drop off.

One honest caveat: the TPS stops legitimate marketing calls. Scammers and overseas fraud operations ignore it completely. So the TPS is worth doing, but it is not a complete solution — combine it with blocking and reporting.

If you already answered a scam call

• Hang up immediately — don’t argue, don’t press any keys, don’t call back.
• Never share bank details, passwords, one-time codes or remote access to your computer.
• If you shared bank details, call your bank straight away on a number you trust (from your card or statement, not from the caller).
• Report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, and forward scam texts to 7726.

Frequently asked questions