How To Unblock A Number On AT&T Landline Phone

To unblock a number on an AT&T landline, the method you use depends on whether you have a traditional copper landline or a digital (VoIP) phone service. Most users can unblock a number using star codes directly from their phone, through the AT&T online account portal, or by using the phone's handset menu if it has a Smart Call Blocker feature.

Unblock numbers using star codes on a traditional landline

If you have a traditional AT&T landline, you can use star codes to manage blocked numbers. This method works for the Call Block (*60) feature, which allows blocking up to 10 phone numbers within your local calling area. Numbers outside your local area, some mobile numbers, and 800 numbers cannot be blocked or unblocked using this method.

1. To turn off the entire Call Blocking feature, dial *80 from your landline handset. If prompted, press 3 to turn the feature off. This will allow all previously blocked numbers to call you again without deleting your blocked list.
2. To remove a single specific number from your blocked list, dial , then the 10-digit number you wish to remove, and press again to confirm. Repeat this for each number you want to unblock.

Turning off call blocking with *80 does not delete your list of blocked numbers, so you can turn the feature back on later without re-entering them.

Unblock numbers on an AT&T digital phone via the online portal

For AT&T Digital Phone (VoIP) service, you can unblock numbers through your AT&T online account. This method lets you manage the Call Blocking feature, which allows blocking up to 100 numbers. You can block up to 100 numbers. If you blocked a number on an AT&T Digital Phone by pressing *61 after an unwanted call, you can turn off that individual block by pressing *80. To manage Call Protect: Choose 'Features,' then 'Call filtering.' Select 'Call Protect.' Slide the Call Protect toggle to turn it 'On' or 'Off.' Select 'Save.' Digital Phone Call Protect allows you to unblock numbers you specify.

1. Go to the AT&T phone portal and sign in with your member ID.
2. Select "Features," then "Call Filtering."
3. Select "Call Blocking."
4. Find the number you want to remove and click the "X" next to it.
5. Select "Save" to confirm the change.

If you previously blocked a number by pressing *61 after an unwanted call on your digital phone, you can turn off that individual block by dialing *80 from your handset.

Unblock numbers on a phone with Smart Call Blocker

If your AT&T landline handset includes the Smart Call Blocker feature, you can delete blocked numbers directly from the phone's menu. Note that once you delete an entry from this list, it cannot be retrieved. You cannot retrieve a deleted entry.

1. Press MENU/SELECT on the handset or base when it is not in use.
2. Press ▲ or ▼ to scroll to "Smart call blk," then press MENU/SELECT.
3. Scroll to "Block list," then press MENU/SELECT.
4. Press MENU/SELECT to choose "Review."
5. Press ▲ or ▼ to browse through the block entries until you see the number you want to unblock.
6. Press MUTE/DELETE on the handset. The screen will show "Delete entry?"
7. Press MENU/SELECT to confirm. You will hear a confirmation tone and see "Deleting...."

Get help from AT&T customer service

If you encounter difficulties unblocking a number through self-service options, or if you are unsure which type of landline service you have, call AT&T customer service at 1-800-288-2020 for assistance. A representative can help you unblock numbers and explain your specific plan's features, including how to manage blocking calls and numbers across your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does unblocking a number on my AT&T landline cost anything?

Unblocking a number using the methods described above typically does not incur any additional charges. However, you should review your specific AT&T service plan to confirm there are no fees for managing call blocking features.

Can I unblock a number that was blocked by another household member?

If a number was blocked by another person on your account, you may need the primary account holder to unblock it through the online portal or by contacting customer service. Only the authorized account holder can manage certain call blocking settings.

Will unblocking a number affect calls from third-party apps on my phone?

No. Call blocking features on AT&T landlines typically do not affect calls made or received via third-party apps installed on your device. Unblocking a number only applies to calls coming through your landline service.

What is the difference between turning off call blocking with *80 and removing a single number?

Dialing *80 turns off the entire Call Block feature, allowing all blocked numbers to reach you again without deleting your blocked list. To remove only one specific number while keeping the block on others, use the + number + sequence instead.

Can I unblock a long-distance or mobile number on my traditional landline?

No. The Call Block (*60) feature on traditional landlines only works for numbers within your local calling area. Long-distance numbers, numbers outside your area, some mobile numbers, and 800 numbers cannot be blocked, so they do not need to be unblocked using this method. If you need to manage such numbers, consider using the online portal if you have digital phone service.