How to Block Robocalls on Your Home Phone (Landline and VoIP) in 2026

Updated September 30, 2026

On September 22, 2026, the FCC released new step-by-step guides to help people block robocalls and scam texts. They're helpful, but they only cover iPhone and Android phones and the big wireless carriers. If most of your junk calls ring on a home phone, whether that's a traditional landline or a phone plugged into your internet provider's modem, you're mostly on your own.

This guide fills that gap. Here's how to cut down on robocalls on landline and VoIP home phones, from free features you may already have to call-screening phones and reporting tools.

First, figure out what kind of home phone you have

The right blocking tools depend on how your phone service works:

• VoIP home phone: If your phone plugs into a cable modem, gateway or fiber box, and you pay for it on your internet bill, you have a digital or VoIP line. Cable and fiber providers usually offer the strongest built-in spam tools.
• Traditional landline: If your phone service comes over a copper phone line from the local phone company, you have a traditional landline. Blocking options vary by company and are often more basic.

Not sure? Look at your bill or ask your provider which features your line supports.

Turn on your provider's free spam protection

Many digital home phone services now include robocall filtering at no extra cost. Two big examples:

Xfinity Voice: Spam Blocker

Xfinity Voice includes Spam Blocker at no extra cost, with no installation needed. It gives every incoming call a spam risk rating. By default, high-risk calls are blocked, medium-risk calls go to voicemail without ringing, and low-risk calls have to pass an audio test (entering a two-digit code) before your phone rings. You can adjust these settings in your Xfinity Voice settings. Xfinity also offers Anonymous Call Rejection and Call Screening features.

Spectrum Voice: Call Guard

Spectrum Voice includes Call Guard at no extra cost. It automatically blocks calls that are highly likely to be malicious and adds a caller ID alert to other suspicious telemarketing or spam calls, so you can decide whether to pick up. Spectrum also offers free tools to block specific numbers, block anonymous calls, or accept calls only from numbers you choose.

Other providers

If you get home phone service from another cable, fiber or phone company, look for "call blocking," "spam protection" or "anonymous call rejection" in your online account or phone settings. Names and features differ from company to company.

A note for Nomorobo users: Nomorobo's free spam protection for VoIP and landline phones ended on January 1, 2026. If you relied on it, switch to your provider's built-in tools or one of the options below.

Use call-blocking features on a traditional landline

Many local phone companies offer star-code features on traditional lines. Common examples:

• Anonymous call rejection: Blocks callers who hide their number. It's often turned on by dialing *77.
• Selective call blocking: Lets you add specific numbers to a block list. It's often managed with *60.

Codes, availability and pricing vary. Some phone companies charge a monthly fee for these features. Call your phone company to see what's available on your line.

Get a phone that screens calls for you

If your service doesn't offer much, a call-screening phone can do the heavy lifting. Some cordless phone systems, including models sold with a "Smart Call Blocker" feature, can:

• Screen robots: Ask unknown callers to press a key before the phone rings. Most robocall systems can't do it.
• Screen unknown callers: Ask callers who aren't in your phonebook to say their name, then let you decide whether to answer.
• Let known callers through: Numbers in your phonebook or allow list ring right away.

Standalone call-blocker boxes that sit between the phone and the wall jack are another option for older phones. Check the feature list and reviews before you buy.

Register with the Do Not Call list

The National Do Not Call Registry is free and covers landlines as well as cell phones. You can register online or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to add. The registry stops many legitimate telemarketers, but scammers ignore it.

Some calls to landlines are still allowed, according to the FCC:

• Political robocalls
• Market research and polling calls
• Calls from tax-exempt nonprofits
• Informational calls like school closings or flight updates

Telemarketers also aren't allowed to call your home before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and they must honor a do-not-call request you make during a call.

Habits that cut down on robocalls

• Don't answer unknown numbers. Let them go to voicemail. Real callers usually leave a message.
• Hang up on robocalls. Don't press any buttons, even to "be removed from the list."
• Never give out personal information to someone who called you. If a caller says they're from your bank, a utility or a government agency, hang up and call the number on your statement or the agency's website.
• Gift cards are a red flag. Anyone who asks you to pay with gift cards is running a scam.
• Set a voicemail PIN so no one can break into your mailbox.

Report illegal calls

Reports help regulators track down robocallers. You can file a complaint with the FCC under "unwanted calls," and report scams or Do Not Call violations to the FTC. Note the number, date, time and what the caller said. You can also report bad numbers to your phone provider. Xfinity, for example, lets customers report numbers it may have mislabeled.

Frequently asked questions

Can I block robocalls on a landline for free?

Often, yes. Many digital home phone services, including Xfinity Voice and Spectrum Voice, include spam blocking at no extra cost. On traditional copper landlines, free options are more limited, and some blocking features carry a monthly fee.

Does Nomorobo still work on landlines?

No. Nomorobo ended its free spam protection for VoIP and landline phones on January 1, 2026. It now focuses on mobile apps.

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

The registry only stops law-abiding telemarketers. Scammers ignore it, and some calls to landlines, like political robocalls and surveys, are allowed anyway. Pair the registry with call-blocking tools.

Do the FCC's new robocall guides cover home phones?

No. The guides released September 22, 2026, cover iPhone and Android phones and the AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon wireless networks. For home phones, check your provider's call-blocking features.

Is VoIP or a traditional landline better for blocking robocalls?

Digital home phone services usually offer more automatic spam filtering and easier online settings. A traditional line may rely on star codes or a call-screening phone.