HOW DO I BLOCK NUISANCE CALLS OR TEXTS?
Nuisance calls and texts are frustrating, we know. Usually, they’re from companies who are trying to sell you something, or they’re calls that play automated messages when you answer. They can also be from a number that you no longer want to contact you.
Stopping sales and marketing calls
If you get a call from a company you don’t want to hear from, ask them who’s calling and tell them that you no longer want to receive calls from them.
You can also register your phone number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). This is the UK’s only official ‘Do Not Call’ register for landline and mobile numbers. It’s free to register and lets you opt out of unsolicited live sales and marketing calls.
Stopping unwanted sales, marketing or spam texts
Just as frustrating are unwanted texts. You can report these texts to us by forwarding the message for free to 7726. If you can, please include the number which sent the message by adding it to the end of the message before you forward it to 7726.
Harassment or malicious calls
Some people deliberately make calls to cause anxiety, upset or annoyance. You don't have to suffer this and you should definitely report them to the police straight away. The police might be able to trace where the calls are coming from and take action against the people involved.
Blocking calls and texts on your device
We can’t block numbers from contacting you, but most devices let you block certain numbers from being able to call or text you. This is easy to set up and free to do.
Instructions vary from device to device so you may want to check the manufacturers’ websites for full details, but here’s a little guidance.
Blocking calls on your device
The good news is that most devices let you block certain numbers from being able to call or text you. And this is easy to set up and free to do.
Instructions vary from device to device, you can find full details on manufacturers’ websites.
Blocking texts on your device
On an Apple device, open Messages and open the message from the number you wish to block. Select the Info button, select Info again, scroll down and select Block this Caller.
On an Android device, open Messages and tap More options. Next, choose Settings, tap Block numbers and messages, and select the number you want to block.
For messages received through apps such as Facebook or WhatsApp, these work independently, so you’ll need to block the contact from within these apps.
What to do if you’re still having issues
If you’ve followed the above advice and you’re still having issues, you may want to consider changing your mobile number. If you’re thinking about doing this, a few things to consider:
- Your existing phone number will be removed and replaced with a new one. If you change your mind, we can’t retrieve your old number.
- New numbers are selected at random, choosing a specific new number incurs a cost.
- Once your number has been changed, you’ll lose any stored Voicemail messages.
- You’ll need to update any online accounts or websites that feature your old number.
To go ahead with a number change use Live chat by clicking the 'Help' button on this page or you can WhatsApp us on 07483 961600: