--- title: "How do I block certain numbers from calling?" slug: "how-do-i-block-certain-numbers-from-calling" description: "You may want to block certain numbers from calling if the number has been identified as spam or if you have disruptive Customers. Learn more in Gladly Help Docs" updated: 2026-08-17T22:02:51Z published: 2026-08-17T22:02:51Z canonical: "help.gladly.com/how-do-i-block-certain-numbers-from-calling" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.gladly.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How do I block certain numbers from calling? You may want to block certain numbers from calling if the number has been identified as spam or if you have disruptive Customers. You can't completely block a Customer from calling, but there are ways to minimize their impact and reduce the chance of their calls coming through. ## Before you start Before you start, please ensure your IVR has the following two nodes: - **Global IVR Variable – List of numbers to block** ![Global IVR variable setup with a list of blocked numbers for configuration.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/globalivr_variable.webp?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-14T03%3A49%3A45Z&se=2026-11-14T04%3A49%3A45Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=c8GIo07t1g7xijhpZsrjfrrzs7OylsZB4G%2B6gVR2OT0%3D) - **Variable Node – Block Check** ![Variable node configuration for IVR flow with expressions and next node options.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/variable-node.webp?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-14T03%3A49%3A45Z&se=2026-11-14T04%3A49%3A45Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=c8GIo07t1g7xijhpZsrjfrrzs7OylsZB4G%2B6gVR2OT0%3D) Below are two options to block certain numbers from calling: **Replace the **List of numbers to block** node (recommended)** 1. Click ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/hamburger-menu-icon(2).svg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-14T03%3A49%3A45Z&se=2026-11-14T04%3A49%3A45Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=c8GIo07t1g7xijhpZsrjfrrzs7OylsZB4G%2B6gVR2OT0%3D) on the top left corner of the screen. 2. Click **Settings**. 3. Under the **Channels** category, click **Voice**. 4. Find the number in question. Under the **IVR** column, click the linked IVR to open the IVR in edit mode. 5. Locate and select the existing **List of numbers to block** (Variable) node. 6. On the right panel, click the list under **Next Node**, select **Create a new node**. From the list of node options, select **Phone Number Match**. 7. Configure the Phone Number Match node: - Enter the phone numbers you want to block, in e.164 format (for example, +16505556426) in the **Phone Numbers to Match** section. - Set **Next Node (on Match)** to the same blocked-call destination the Variable node, which is likely a “Goodbye” node. ![Input field for matching phone numbers and selecting next action node.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/default next node block number.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-14T03%3A49%3A45Z&se=2026-11-14T04%3A49%3A45Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=c8GIo07t1g7xijhpZsrjfrrzs7OylsZB4G%2B6gVR2OT0%3D) - Set **Default Next Node** to continue the normal call flow for numbers that aren't on the block list. This is likely your **Holiday Check** node. - Set **Error Node** to handle any errors during matching. This is also likely your **Holiday Check** node. > [!NOTE] > Beyond blocking > > The Phone Number Match node isn't limited to blocking. You can use the same node to set up VIP routing, or route any pre-identified list of callers to a specific destination — just point Next Node (on Match) to wherever those callers should go instead. 8. Click **Publish.** **Update **List of numbers to block** using Regex** 1. Click ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/hamburger-menu-icon(2).svg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-14T03%3A49%3A45Z&se=2026-11-14T04%3A49%3A45Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=c8GIo07t1g7xijhpZsrjfrrzs7OylsZB4G%2B6gVR2OT0%3D) on the top left corner of the screen. 2. Click **Settings**. 3. Under the **Channels** category, click **Voice**. 4. Find the number in question. Under the **IVR** column, click the linked IVR to open the IVR in edit mode. > [!CAUTION] > Do not modify the Block Check variable node > > For steps 5 and on, make sure you’re only editing the **List of numbers to block** (Variable) node to add the list of numbers to block. 5. From the IVR view, look for the **List of numbers to block** (Variable) node. If it has been renamed, this node may have a different name in your IVR. 6. Scroll down to the **Expression** field. Numbers here are actively blocked from entering the IVR.![Dynamic configuration for data-driven IVR logic using Go template language expressions.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/expression.webp?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-14T03%3A49%3A45Z&se=2026-11-14T04%3A49%3A45Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=c8GIo07t1g7xijhpZsrjfrrzs7OylsZB4G%2B6gVR2OT0%3D) 7. Enter the numbers you want to block using this format: - **Multiple numbers –** 6505556426|8885556427|9515554567 (Be sure to add pipe "|" in-between numbers. To insert a pipe symbol (|), press Shift + Backslash on both Mac and Windows US keyboards.) - **Single number –** 6504756426 - When it is a US or Canadian number (with a code of +1), you can format it with or without the country code. Example: 15555555555 or 5555555555 - You will always need the country code if it's an international number. - Leave the field blank if you have no numbers to block. - Do **not** leave a trailing "|" at the end of the expression — doing so will cause you to accidentally block all phone calls to this IVR. 8. Click **Publish**. Enter a short description of the updates you made, then click **OK**. > [!WARNING] > Blocking unusual numbers > > Note that deciding to block [unusual numbers](/docs/why-am-i-receiving-calls-from-unusual-numbers) might inadvertently prevent legitimate Customers from reaching you, as they could be using VoIP services. ## Use Rules to block email or SMS numbers You can also use Rules to stop incoming emails or SMSes. See the links below. - [Stop email](https://help.gladly.com/docs/common-rules-library#stop-or-block-emails-from-specific-customers) - [Stop SMS/text](https://help.gladly.com/docs/common-rules-library#stop-or-block-smstext-from-specific-customers)