BlogHow To Unblock A Phone Number On A Landline?

Getting constant unwanted calls on your landline can be frustrating, especially when they come from scammers or persistent telemarketers. Thankfully, call-blocking features offer a simple way to filter out such disturbances.

But what happens if you accidentally block a number you actually needed to stay in touch with? In that case, you may miss a call from family, friends, or work, and that can be stressful. Therefore, knowing how to unblock phone numbers on a landline is just as important for you as knowing how to block one.

With that in mind, this blog will show you how to remove blocked numbers from the call block list on a landline, whether it's analog, digital, or wireless, in simple steps.

Key Highlights:

  • Call blocking helps you avoid spam, telemarketers, and scammers. Yet, knowing how to unblock a phone number on a landline is just as important to stay connected.
  • Using star codes, built-in call settings, and third-party apps are some of the ways to restore a blocked contact and connect again.
  • You can read the user manual, update the firmware or reset your landline if you can’t unblock a number. Further, you can contact the customer support.
  • VoIP services can be a great alternative to avoid the hassle of complex unblocking/blocking call settings.

Common Reasons Why Numbers Get Blocked on Landlines

Numbers often get blocked on landlines by accident, such as pressing the block button while checking calls or picking the wrong option in the menu. Service providers and third-party apps may also block real numbers if they are flagged as spam-likely.

1. Accidentally Pressing Block Button

Landline phones have easy-to-access blocking buttons. When you navigate through these menus, it's easy to press the block button accidentally. Also, blocking someone unintentionally when you click the wrong button when reviewing missed calls or caller details is very common.

2. Unfamiliar With Interface

Some landline phones come with built-in call-blocking features that allow you to block certain numbers manually. Mistakes can happen if you’re unfamiliar with the phone’s interface or call-blocking features. For example, you may accidentally select “block” instead of “delete” when clearing a call log.

3. Automated Blocking by Service Providers

Many phone service providers offer automatic call-blocking services that help prevent spam or unwanted calls. Sometimes, these services may mistakenly categorize legitimate calls as spam, especially if the caller’s number is unfamiliar or comes from a location known for spam calls. As a result, important numbers can be blocked without your direct involvement.

4. Use of Third-Party Call-Blocking Systems

If you use third-party call-blocking systems like Nomorobo or other apps, they may block numbers based on certain criteria, such as frequent calls from unrecognized numbers. Also, if the service isn’t properly configured, even numbers you need to reach may end up on the block list.

5. Family or Multiple Users Making Mistakes

In households where multiple people use the same landline phone, a family member or someone else may block a number without realizing it. It can happen when there is no clear communication about using the call-blocking feature, leading to confusion and missed calls from important contacts.

How to Unblock a Number on a Landline

You can unblock a number on a landline by using calling codes like *60, *80, *82 or by going through your phone’s built-in call settings. Further, you can use third-party apps like Nomoboro if supported by your carrier.

A. Using Calling Codes (for Analog Landline Mainly)

Many landline providers give you simple star codes to unblock a number on the landline, mostly analog ones. In particular, these codes let you review your blocked list, remove numbers, or even turn off blocking altogether. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Step 1: Pick up the phone and listen for a dial tone.
  • Step 2: Dial *60 to open the call blocking menu as a voice prompt.
  • Step 3: Follow the voice prompts to review your blocked list.
  • Step 4: Select the option to remove the number you want to unblock.

If you want to turn off call blocking completely, dial *80. Likewise, dial *82 before dialling the number to unblock your number temporarily, particularly for one call only.

However, the codes can vary as per your carrier, too. In some cases, dialing a blocked number after * removes it from the blocklist. So, check with your phone company for specific star codes to unblock a number on your landline.

B. Using the Built-in Landline Call Setting (For Digital and VoIP-based Landline)

You can unblock a number from your built-in landline call settings. First, open the phone Menu > Call Settings or Call Blocking > Blocked List. Select the number and choose Unblock, then exit the menu.

Here are detailed steps:

  • Step 1: Press the Menu or Settings button on your handset. On some models, you may need to press and hold a dedicated Block or CID (caller ID) button to open the list.
  • Step 2: Scroll through the menu until you see Call Settings, Phone Settings, or Call Blocking. Then select Blocked Numbers or Block List.
  • Step 3: A list of blocked numbers will appear. Use the navigation keys to scroll and locate the number you want to unblock.
  • Step 4: Highlight the number and choose Unblock or Delete from Block List. Then, confirm to unlock.
  • Step 5: Press Back, Exit, or simply hang up. The number should now be unblocked.

C. Using Carrier App or Website (For Digital and VoIP Landline)

Similar to built-in call settings, carriers also offer you access to our call settings through their website or app. So, unblocking a number on a landline varies by carrier.

In general, sign in to your provider’s online account or app. Then, go to call settings and find the blocked list. Finally, remove the number you want unblocked. The table below shows the exact steps for each major US carrier.

Carrier

How to Unblock a Number

AT&T

Sign in to the AT&T phone portal > Phone Features > Call Filtering > Blocked Numbers > remove the number.

Verizon

Log in to My Verizon > Account > My plan > Blocks > Call & Message Blocking > remove the number.

Xfinity

Open Xfinity Account or use the Xfinity Connect app > Voice Settings > Call Blocking > select the number and unblock it.

Call Log Label

Sign in to the Spectrum Account > Voice Online Manager > Call Guard or Blocked Calls > remove the number.

Cox

Go to Cox Voice Tools > open Call Blocking > edit the blocked list and remove the number.

Note: Settings can change with the latest software updates. So, consult with customer support if the given steps don’t work.

D. Third-Party Blocking Services

If your carrier provider supports third-party call-blocking systems like Nomorobo, you can unblock the number by visiting the website. Then, log in > Blocked Numbers or Call Management > select the blocked number > select it and choose Unblock > confirm the changes.

  1. Log in to Your Account: Open the website or app of the third-party blocking service you are using, such as Nomorobo.
  2. Find the Blocked Numbers Section: Navigate to your dashboard's “Blocked Numbers” or “Call Management” section.
  3. Select the Number to Unblock: Scroll through the list of blocked numbers to find the one you want to unblock.
  4. Unblock the Number: Once you find the number, remove the number from the blocked list.

Note: After unblocking through the third-party service, double-check your landline settings to ensure that the number is unblocked both on the service and on your phone.

What to Do If You’re Unable to Unblock Blocked Numbers on a Landline?

If you are unable to unblock the blocked numbers on your landline using the above-mentioned methods, try to read the user manual, as some landlines have different settings. Plus, you can try resetting or updating the firmware, as outdated software can block calls. Finally, contact customer support for professional help if any of this doesn’t work.

Read the User Manual

Different phone models may have specific instructions or codes for accessing blocked numbers. Plus, some landline phones have hidden menus or settings that aren’t immediately visible in the main interface. Therefore, you may have to access the physical manual book through an online forum.

Update Firmware or Reset Phone Settings

In case of a digital or wireless landline, you can check if any updates are available for the software or firmware on your landline phone. Sometimes, outdated software can cause glitches. Another way is resetting your phone to factory settings. But remember, using this method will erase all custom settings permanently, so back up all important data first.

Seek Professional Support

If all the above-mentioned methods fail, contact the phone’s manufacturer or technical support. Then, clearly state your issues to them so that they are able to provide detailed guidance on finding and unblocking the number, especially if the phone has an unusual interface.

Conclusion

As you have explored different ways and steps to unblock a number on your landline, including every type. For instance, you can do it by dialing special star codes, using your phone’s built-in menu, or even by calling your service provider.

However, these steps depend on your phone model and provider. Plus, unblocking phone numbers on home telephones can feel confusing as you have to remember different codes, menus differ from one phone to another, and waiting on hold for customer support is never fun. Additionally, a small mistake can block or unblock the wrong number.
 

That’s why many people choose to port their landline number to VoIP services like Callio. With Callio, you get hassle-free blocking and unblocking features right at your fingertips. On top of that, you enjoy extra call management features like call forwarding, voicemail to email, and smart call routing. So, sign up now!


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a number is blocked on my landline?

You can find blocked numbers by navigating to the “Blocked Numbers” or “Call Blocking” section in your phone’s settings. Alternatively, your service provider can provide this information if they manage the blocking feature.

Can I unblock a number remotely?

How long does it take for a number to be unblocked?

FAQ Illustration

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