How to block your number on landline

To withhold your number dial a code that allows you to prevent your telephone number (CLI) from being displayed when you make a call. This can be done on a per call basis on both landline and mobile devices - for iPhone and Android. If you're not withholding your number permanently, you can use 141 to withhold your number on a call-by-call basis. There is no cost to this service - it’s free.

Instructions for Withholding Number on a Per call Basis

• Dial 141 before the number you are dialling. Make the call and ‘Number withheld’ will be displayed to the receiving party - hiding your number.

If you are permanently withholding your number and you wish to display your number on a call-by-call basis. Do the following:

• Dial 1470 before the telephone number you are dialling. This will allow the receiver to see your number on this occasion.

How can I reveal a withheld number in the UK?

Normally we receive phone calls with caller ID as a standard feature on both landline and mobile phones. However, from time to time we receive calls from withheld or private numbers - often telesales people. When a withheld number calls, it can be daunting for you or a family member as, generally speaking, we all would prefer to know who is calling before we answer.

There is no specific way to reveal a withheld number, as it’s designed to hide caller identity. However, there are some workarounds you can carry out to ensure you feel safe.

We recommend finding out if your network carrier offers a service that can intercept all, "withheld," "unavailable" or "out of area" calls before your phone rings. This service will allow you to easily block unknown numbers that call you. The Phone Coop offers such a service called ‘Choose To Refuse’. Read how this works. 

Alternatively, you can prompt callers to leave a voicemail, so they leave their name. If you feel safe enough to do so, you could answer the call and ask them upfront to reveal their identity. If it is someone you do not know, a telesales person - you are under no obligation to have a conversation with them and can politely hang up.

How to block withheld numbers

Block specific telephone numbers from calling you with a service from your telephone provider such as ‘Choose to Refuse’. This service gives our customers the ability to block numbers by informing the caller that the receiver will not be taking the call. Numbers can be blocked by one of the following  methods:

• You can type in a code via your keypad and the last number that called you will be blocked. 
• Alternatively you can type the number into a management system. This management service also allows users to maintain the blocked number list. Up to 10 numbers can be stored simultaneously. Trying to store more than 10 numbers will result in the oldest number being replaced by the new request. 

Instructions for Using Choose to Refuse 

1. How to block one individual number
2. Dial 14258

Press ** to confirm the number you are blocking. This will block the number that last dialled your number. 

How to Block multiple numbers using the Management Service

1. Dial 14258
2. Dial in your PIN number. You will then be guided through a series of prompts which will allow you to review and edit the numbers held. You can also add specific telephone numbers manually. 

Who can use Choose to Refuse?

This service is available for The Phone Coop customers on single PSTN lines only. Customers on rural exchanges will not be able to have the service. A touch tone telephone must be used to operate the service.

What is the default PIN that I need to use?

The default PIN is 1234. We suggest that you change the default when first using the service. If the PIN is then forgotten a reset to default will be required. Without the PIN you will be unable to access your Management Service options, but will still be able to bar incoming calls using **.

What kind of numbers can I block?

• The service will bar any number where the calling line identity (CLI) is available to the network. This includes Other Licensed Operator networks, mobiles and payphones. Most international calls will be unable to be barred as the full telephone number is not forwarded.
• Calls from numbers where the telephone number has been withheld can still be barred, providing the number is available in the network, but customers will not see the details of the barred number. The stored number list will refer only to the time and date the number was barred.

How much does this service cost?

The ‘Choose to Refuse’ service is free for home use, and costs £1.49 per month (excluding VAT) for business use. Contact us to arrange this service.

How to call a private number

Some phone providers in the UK will allow you to call back a number by simply dialling 1471. However, many providers have specific codes for this so contact your carrier for more details. 

The Phone Coop advises against ringing back private numbers for safety reasons.

Withheld Number FAQs

Can 141 calls be traced?

Private calls can still be traced, even if they have used the ‘141 number withheld’ service. Ask your phone service provider for more details. We advise against leaving your number and number on answering machines of people you do not know.

Can I block my own number?

Yes, you can withhold your number to make anonymous calls on a per call basis by dialing 141 before the number you want to call. See more information above under anonymous calls.

Can I send a text and hide my number?

No, it’s not possible to hide your number when sending a text. Your number will always be displayed to the person you are sending the text to.

How can I stop prank calls on a landline?

You can use a service such as ‘Choose To Refuse’ to block certain numbers from calling you. Alternatively can choose to only answer numbers you are familiar with.

‘The number you have called is not recognised’ What does this mean?

Sometimes you dial a number and then hear this message ‘The number you have called can not be recognised, please try again’. This could be because the country code you are using is incorrect. It could also mean the phone number itself is incorrect or you misspelled the number by missing off a digit.

How do I block a phone number on my landline?

Does * 67 block your number?

What is * 60 on the phone?

How do I hide my caller ID?