- Call barring blocks whole categories of calls at network or handset level, such as outgoing premium-rate, international or operator calls.
- Premium-rate numbers in the UK begin 09 and are regulated under the Communications Act 2003 framework overseen by Ofcom.
- Anonymous call rejection blocks incoming calls from numbers that withhold their caller identification.
- Outgoing call barring is commonly used to control spending, prevent misuse and protect vulnerable users from costly numbers.
- Whether call barring is free or chargeable depends on the provider and the specific package, so terms should be checked directly.
Call barring blocks chosen categories of landline calls, such as outgoing premium-rate, international or operator calls, and incoming withheld numbers. It is set up through your provider or handset, and costs depend on the provider and package.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What call barring is
Controlling exactly which calls a landline can make or receive is the purpose of call barring. Rather than blocking individual numbers one at a time, call barring stops whole categories of calls. A household might bar all outgoing premium-rate numbers to avoid unexpected charges, block international calls to prevent misuse, or refuse incoming calls from anyone who withholds their number. The feature works at the level of types of call, which makes it a blunt but powerful control.
Call barring can be applied in two places. Network-level barring is set up by the provider and applies to the line itself, so it holds whatever handset is plugged in. Handset-level barring is configured on the phone equipment and only works on that device. Both approaches have their uses: network barring is robust and cannot be bypassed by swapping handsets, while handset barring is quick to change without contacting the provider.
The main types of call barring
Call barring divides into outgoing and incoming controls. On the outgoing side, the common categories are premium-rate numbers beginning 09, international calls, operator and directory-enquiry services, and sometimes all calls except a defined list. On the incoming side, the most widely used control is anonymous call rejection, which refuses calls from numbers that have withheld their caller identification.
Premium-rate numbers deserve particular attention because they are the category most associated with surprise bills. These numbers, which begin with the 09 prefix, are charged at higher rates and are regulated under the Communications Act 2003 framework that Ofcom oversees. Barring outgoing premium-rate calls is a frequent choice for households that want certainty over their phone spending, and it is especially common where a vulnerable person might otherwise be persuaded to ring a costly line.
Call barring types and how to access them
The table below summarises the main call barring types, what each one blocks and the usual way to set it up. The exact method and the codes vary by provider, so the access route shown is the typical starting point.
| Type | What it blocks | How to access |
|---|---|---|
| Premium-rate barring | Outgoing calls to 09 numbers | Provider account or feature code |
| International barring | Outgoing calls to overseas numbers | Provider request or feature code |
| Operator and directory barring | Outgoing operator and 118 directory calls | Provider request |
| Anonymous call rejection | Incoming calls from withheld numbers | Feature code or provider service |
| Outgoing call bar | All outgoing calls except emergency and allowed numbers | Provider request |
Even where a full outgoing bar is applied, calls to the emergency services on 999 and 112 must remain available, because access to emergency calls is a protected requirement. Always confirm with your provider exactly which numbers a bar will and will not cover before relying on it.
How to set up call barring
There are two common routes to enabling call barring. The first is through the provider: a request by phone, through an online account, or via the provider's app activates barring at network level on the line. This is the more durable option because it survives a change of handset and cannot be undone simply by unplugging the phone. Some providers apply changes immediately while others take a short time to update the line.
The second route is feature codes dialled from the handset, sometimes called star codes, which switch certain services such as anonymous call rejection on or off directly. The exact codes differ between providers, so the provider's own guidance is the reliable source. Handset-level barring, configured in the phone's menus, is a third option that is independent of the network but only protects that particular device. For households wanting firm control, network-level barring set up through the provider is the most resistant to being bypassed.
What call barring costs
There is no single answer to whether call barring is free, because it depends entirely on the provider and the package. Some providers include certain barring features at no extra charge as part of the line, while others treat particular services as paid add-ons. Anonymous call rejection, for instance, may be bundled in one tariff and chargeable in another. The only reliable way to know is to check the provider's price list or ask before activating a feature.
Beyond any direct charge for the feature, the value of call barring lies in the costs it prevents. Barring outgoing premium-rate and international calls removes the risk of large, unexpected charges from those categories, which can far exceed any small fee for the barring service. For households managing a budget or protecting a vulnerable relative, that certainty is often the main reason for setting it up.
Choosing the right barring for your situation
The right combination of bars depends on the concern. To stop runaway spending, outgoing premium-rate and international barring address the categories most likely to produce surprise bills. To cut down on cold callers and withheld-number nuisance calls, anonymous call rejection is the relevant incoming control. To protect a vulnerable person from being talked into ringing a costly line, a tighter outgoing bar, while keeping emergency calls available, gives the strongest safeguard.
Because barring blocks categories rather than individual numbers, it is worth weighing what legitimate calls might be caught. International barring will stop a genuine overseas call as readily as an unwanted one, and a full outgoing bar will prevent ordinary calls beyond any allowed list. Reviewing the bars periodically, and confirming the provider's terms and any charges, keeps the controls matched to your actual needs.
Call barring and emergency access
One protection applies no matter how strict the bars are: access to the emergency services must remain. Even a full outgoing call bar that blocks ordinary calls has to leave 999 and 112 reachable, because the ability to call for emergency help is a fundamental requirement of a telephone service. This matters most in the very situation where tight barring is used, such as a line for a vulnerable person, since the safeguard against costly numbers must never come at the expense of being able to summon help.
It is still sensible to confirm with the provider exactly which numbers a chosen bar covers, particularly for non-geographic and special-rate ranges that may not be obvious. Providers can usually configure an allowed list of numbers that ring through despite a wider bar, which suits a household that wants to block almost everything outgoing while keeping a handful of trusted contacts available. Setting that up at network level, where it cannot be undone by unplugging the handset, gives the most dependable arrangement.
Network barring versus handset barring
The choice between network-level and handset-level barring shapes how robust the control is. Network barring is held on the line by the provider, so it persists regardless of which handset is connected and cannot be bypassed by swapping equipment. That makes it the stronger option where the aim is to prevent a particular person from making certain calls, or to guard against misuse. The trade-off is that changes usually go through the provider rather than being made instantly at home.
Handset barring, configured in the phone's own menus, is quick to set and adjust without contacting anyone, which suits households that simply want a convenient filter. Its weakness is that it only protects the device it is set on and can be undone by anyone with access to the handset settings or by plugging in a different phone. For straightforward convenience, handset barring is fine; for firm, tamper-resistant control, network-level barring arranged through the provider is the more dependable choice. Many households combine the two, using network bars for the categories that matter most and handset features for everyday filtering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is call barring on a landline?
Call barring blocks whole categories of calls on a landline rather than individual numbers. Outgoing bars can stop premium-rate, international or operator calls, while incoming controls such as anonymous call rejection refuse calls from withheld numbers. It can be applied at network level by the provider or at handset level on the phone itself.
How do I set up call barring?
You can set up call barring through your provider by phone, online account or app, which applies it at network level on the line. Some services can also be switched on with feature codes dialled from the handset. The exact method and codes vary by provider, so check the provider's own guidance.
Can I bar calls to premium rate numbers?
Yes. Outgoing premium-rate barring blocks calls to numbers beginning 09, which are charged at higher rates and regulated under the framework Ofcom oversees. It is a common way to avoid surprise charges and to protect vulnerable users, and it is usually requested through the provider or set with a feature code.
Does call barring cost anything?
It depends on the provider and the package. Some include certain barring features at no extra charge, while others treat them as paid add-ons, and the same feature can be free in one tariff and chargeable in another. Check the provider's price list before activating a feature.
Can I bar incoming calls from withheld numbers?
Yes, using anonymous call rejection, which refuses incoming calls from numbers that withhold their caller identification. It can usually be turned on with a feature code or as a provider service. It does not stop calls from numbers that are displayed, including some nuisance calls that show a number.
