How to Stop Unwanted Calls on Your Home Phone (FTC Video Guide)

Many older adults still rely on a home phone, and it often gets the most robocalls and scam calls. The right blocking option depends on what kind of home phone service you have. This short FTC video explains the choices. Our guide helps you figure out which one fits and set it up.

From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · Part of our Online Safety Video Library

What the video shows

The video explains that call blocking can stop calls before they reach you, silence calls from unknown numbers, or send suspicious calls to voicemail.

It suggests asking your phone company whether your home phone uses internet-based (VoIP) service. If it does, you can sign up for an online call-blocking service. If it is a traditional landline, you may need a call-blocking device. Because no blocking catches every call, it recommends reporting unwanted calls to the FTC.

Key takeaways

• First find out whether your home phone is internet-based (VoIP) or a traditional landline.
• Internet phone service often supports free or low-cost online call blocking.
• Traditional landlines can use a call-blocking device that plugs into the phone.
• Your phone company may offer blocking features; ask what is available.
• Report unwanted calls, including the caller ID number and any callback number.

Set up home phone call blocking

1. Call your phone company and ask what type of home phone service you have and what blocking tools it offers.
2. For internet-based service, turn on the provider’s spam filtering or sign up for an online call-blocking service.
3. For a traditional landline, look for a call-blocking phone or device; read expert reviews before you buy.
4. Register at DoNotCall.gov to reduce legitimate sales calls; then any sales call that still comes through is a red flag.
5. Report unwanted calls at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Setting this up for an older parent

Many home phones belong to parents or grandparents who may be targeted by imposter and prize scams. Consider a phone with a built-in call screener that asks unknown callers to state their name before the phone rings. Pair it with a simple family rule: any caller asking for money or personal information gets a callback to a trusted relative first.

Common questions

How do I know if my home phone is VoIP?

If your phone plugs into an internet modem or comes bundled with internet or cable service, it is likely VoIP. Your phone company can tell you for sure.

Will call blocking stop calls from my doctor or pharmacy?

Some tools let you add numbers to an allow list so important callers always get through. Set that up when you turn blocking on.

Why do I still get calls after joining the Do Not Call Registry?

Scammers ignore the registry. It mainly stops legitimate telemarketers, so a sales call after you register is a warning sign.

Related guides

• Stop Unwanted Calls on Your Mobile Phone (Video Guide)
• Caller ID Spoofing (Video Guide)
• Stop Scam Calls on a Parent’s Phone
• Hang Up on Social Security Scam Calls (Video Guide)

About this video

This video was produced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a U.S. government agency, and plays from the agency’s own channel. Juggling Chaos wrote this summary and guide; we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the agency. Some details on screen, such as phone models or web addresses, may look dated, but the advice still applies. Checked October 7, 2026.

The FTC’s full guide is at How to Block Unwanted Calls.