Number blocking lets you specify numbers, area codes, or country codes you do not want to receive calls from. You can block numbers from calling your entire account or individual campaigns. When a call comes into Ringba from a blocked number, Ringba automatically terminates the call and increments the Blocked column on the Summary report.

This article contains the following sections:

• Manage Blocked Numbers Screen
• Blocking Individual Numbers
• Managing Individual Blocked Numbers
• Blocking Numbers in Bulk
• Managing Bulk Blocked Numbers
• Number Blocking FAQ

Manage Blocked Numbers Screen

You can block individual numbers or upload a CSV or TXT file of numbers to block from the Numbers > Manage Blocked Numbers screen. For either tab, you should provide numbers to block in E.164 format. The screen contains two tabs:

• Individual Blocked Numbers
• Bulk Blocked Numbers

From this screen you can also search for a number, edit the settings for a number you have previously blocked, remove a blocked number from the list (unblock the number), and view recent activity related to that blocked number. 

Blocking Individual Numbers

Use the following steps to block an individual number:

1. Navigate to Numbers > Manage Blocked Numbers.
   
   The Manage Blocked Numbers screen appears.
2. Open the Individual Blocked Numbers tab and click the Block a Number button.
   
   A form appears with fields to configure how you want to block the number.
3. Choose a value for the Block field. The value you choose may change the fields on the form.
   • If you choose Number, the Enter Number field appears. Enter the number you want to block. Include the country code. Do not include parentheses or dashes.
   • If you choose Anonymous, you do not need to enter a number. The rules you set apply to any anonymous calls you receive to your campaign or account.
   • If you choose Prefix, the Number Prefix field appears. Enter the prefix you want to block. The prefix must include the country code and can optionally also include an area code. Do not include parentheses or dashes.
4. Configure the rest of the settings:
   • Scope: Indicate whether to block this number for all campaigns or only a particular campaign.
   • Campaign: This field appears if you choose Select Campaign in the Scope field. Select the campaign for which you want to block the number.
   • Specify Duration: Toggle on this switch if you want to unblock this number after a period of time. If you toggle on this switch, a new field appears to specify how many hours to block the number.
5. Click the Block Number button to save your options and block callers that meet your criteria.

Tip: You can also block individual numbers in the Call Details Report. Find the number you want to block and use the Block Number icon in the Actions column.

Managing Individual Blocked Numbers

You can check whether a number is blocked, change the settings for the number, and unblock the number from the Individual Blocked Numbers tab of the Manage Blocked Numbers screen. Use the search to find the number you need and use the icons in the Actions column to make changes.

Important: Numbers you blocked as part of a bulk file do not appear in the search on this tab. You must open the Bulk Blocked Numbers tab and search for the number there. 

Blocking Numbers in Bulk

Before you begin this procedure, you should prepare your file of numbers to block. The file should satisfy the following requirements:

• Only one number per line or row.
• Each number must be complete. Note: You cannot block country codes or area codes on this tab. Use the Individual Blocked Numbers tab to block by prefix.
• Include the country code in the number.
• You can optionally include a + before the country code.
• Do not include hyphens, parentheses, or any other non-numeric characters.
• The numbers must be in E.164 format.
• The numbers must be in clear text. Hashed values are not supported.
• Save the file in TXT or CSV format.

Use the following steps to upload your bulk file and block the numbers:

1. Navigate to Numbers > Manage Blocked Numbers and click the Bulk Blocked Numbers tab.
   
   A form appears where you upload your file of numbers to block.
2. Click the upload button next to Numbers to Block. Select your bulk block file.
   When the upload finishes, the numbers from the file appear in the Valid Numbers and Invalid Numbers lists on this screen. You review them in a later step. 
3. Choose the Block Type. You can choose Global to block the numbers for the entire account or Campaign to block them for only one campaign. If you choose Campaign, a field appears where you select the campaign.
4. Review the numbers in the Valid Numbers and Invalid Numbers lists.
    
   Numbers in the Invalid Numbers list may be incorrectly formatted in your bulk upload file. You can correct your file and upload a new version or you can proceed without those numbers.
5. When you have reviewed the file and are ready, click the Bulk Block Numbers button. 

Managing Bulk Blocked Numbers

You can check whether a number is blocked as part of a bulk file on the Bulk Blocked Numbers tab of the Manage Blocked Numbers screen. Use the search to find the number you want to check.

From here you can unblock the number, if desired.

Tip: If your search does not return a number you expected to find, check the search on the Individual Blocked Numbers tab. 

Number Blocking FAQ

What is E.164 Number Formatting?

E.164 is the international telephone numbering plan that ensures each device on the PSTN has globally unique number. E.164 numbers are formatted [+] [country code] [subscriber number including area code]. For example: +18005551234. See E.164 Number Formatting for more information.

Can Ringba store hashed values for number blocking?

Ringba does not verify hashed values. You must block numbers in plain text.

How can I block calls from certain countries?

Use the Individual Blocked Numbers tab and click Block a Number. Choose the Prefix option in the Block field. Enter the country code for the country you want to block and complete the rest of the steps as described in the Blocking Individual Numbers procedure earlier in this article.

How can I tell how many calls have been blocked?

The Blocked column on the Summary report keeps a count of the calls that have been blocked. You can also filter the Reporting screen to show only calls that were blocked. Choose the Tags - Call Info - Blocked Reason filter and set the value to show the calls you want to see.

What should I do if I need help with Number Blocking?

If you have any questions or need additional help, please reach out to our support team via chat or email at support@ringba.com.