Call barring
Guide reference: HG-0048
Quote this reference if you contact us about this guide.
Approx. 3 min read
What outgoing calls are blocked by default on your line. Outbound calls to premium numbers, directory enquiry services, and international destinations are...
Don't worry. We block certain outgoing call types on every line by default. This helps prevent surprise bills from premium numbers, directory enquiries, or international calls you did not mean to make.
Quick answer
Outbound calls to premium numbers, directory enquiry services, and international destinations are blocked by default. Contact us if you need international calling enabled. We do not block inbound calls unless you have call screening with us.
More detail
Call barring on your line is set on the network, not only on your phone handset.
By default you cannot dial premium rate numbers, directory enquiry numbers such as 118, or international numbers.
International calling can be enabled on your account if you ask us. Premium and directory enquiry barring stays in place.
Inbound calls are not blocked by us. If you want help screening unwanted inbound calls, ask us about call screening.
What you'll need
- Home phone with dial tone
- The number you tried to call, if a specific call type failed
Before you begin
- Check you dialled a normal UK number with the full area code before assuming barring is the problem.
- Tell us if care staff or family abroad need international calling enabled on the line.
What is barred and what you can do
If a premium or directory enquiry number will not connect, this is normal. Those outbound call types are blocked by default.
If you need to call abroad from your home phone, contact us to ask about enabling international calling.
Use 00 plus the country code once international calling is enabled on your account.
If normal UK calls fail as well as premium or international numbers, See Can't make calls instead.
For unwanted inbound calls, See Dealing with nuisance calls Ask us about call screening if you want help screening inbound calls.
Contact us if you are unsure what is blocked on your line.
What success looks like
Normal UK calls work. Premium, directory enquiry, and international numbers stay blocked unless we have enabled international calling for you.
Common mistakes
- Expecting premium or 118 numbers to connect when they are blocked by default.
- Assuming we block inbound nuisance calls without call screening on your account.
- Not contacting us before trying to call abroad from home.
Things to know
- See Premium rate numbers for what premium and directory enquiry numbers are.
- See Making international calls for how to dial abroad once the service is enabled.
- See Can't make calls if normal UK calls fail too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove premium barring?
No. Premium and directory enquiry outbound calls stay blocked on our lines.
Will 999 be barred?
No. Emergency calls are never barred.
Do you block inbound calls?
Not by default. Ask us about call screening if you want help with unwanted inbound calls.
Who can change international barring?
Contact us. The account holder or someone with permission can request international calling.