# How can I block unwanted calls (Blocklisting)?

Tired of telemarketing calls? Or do you have specific phone numbers you don't want to receive calls from? Then the **Blocklist** is the feature for you.

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**Important:** The voicemail feature must be booked and activated for the blocklist to work. Alternatively, you can book sipgate.io to enable call blocking.
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#### Adding Numbers to the Blocklist

* Click on **My Telephony**, then go to **Settings** in the left menu.
* Select **Blocklist** and click **Add Number to Blocklist**.
* A pop-up window will appear where you can enter a phone number. You can either block an exact number or block all numbers starting with the same digits.
* Click **Save** to confirm.

Once added, all users on the account will see the blocked numbers in the blocklist settings. **The blocklist applies to all users on the account, and any user can view, edit, or remove blocked numbers.**

#### Unblocking Numbers

To remove a number from the blocklist

* Click on the **three dots** next to the blocked number and select **Delete**. Calls from that number will now ring again.
* The three-dot menu also allows you to **edit** a blocklisted number.

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**Note:** Your phone or device may have additional call-blocking or screening options.
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#### Blocking Anonymous Calls

You can block calls with **no caller ID** or **withheld numbers**

* Go to **Personal Settings** > **Connections**.
* Select the connection you want to configure.
* Scroll down and toggle **Reject Anonymous Calls** on.
* Click the **cogwheel** icon to choose whether to block these calls completely or send them directly to voicemail.
* Repeat for all connections if necessary.

For **Groups**, each user must update their settings individually.

### Blocking Unwanted Direct IP Calls (SPIT)

Are you receiving **direct IP calls** from numbers like *100*, *1001*, or unknown IP addresses?

Many VoIP phones allow direct IP dialing, meaning a VoIP phone can call another directly via its **IP address**, bypassing sipgate's network. Unwanted **direct IP calls** are known as **SPIT (Spam over Internet Telephony).**\
\&#xNAN;*These calls do not go through sipgate's network, so they must be blocked locally on your VoIP device or router.*

#### How to Stop SPIT Calls

* **Change your SIP login & password**
* **Update firmware** on your VoIP phone, router, and other connected devices
* **Check for malware** on your computers and smartphones
* **Use a non-default SIP port** (e.g., **44160** instead of **5060**)

Most modern VoIP phones allow you to **disable direct IP calls** in the settings.

**Device-Specific Blocking Methods**

* **Grandstream Desk Phones**
  * Go to **Settings** → **Advanced Settings** → Enable **Disable Direct IP Calls**
  * Under **SIP Account Settings**, enable **Check SIP User ID for Incoming INVITE**
  * In **SIP Security Settings**, set **Accept Incoming SIP from Proxy Only** to **Yes**
* **Snom Desk Phones (Firmware v8 and above)**:
  * Go to **Advanced Settings** → **QoS/Security**
  * Set **Filter Packets from Registrar** to **Yes**

**Router Firewall Protection**

If your router supports **firewall rules**, limit VoIP traffic to **sipgate's IP ranges** for added security.\
Since **SPIT calls are a local network issue**, your **IT administrator** or your **VoIP device/router manufacturer's support team** can provide the best assistance.