How to stop cold calls with the TPS
The TPS is the UK’s official do-not-call register. Registering is free and makes it unlawful for companies to cold-call you for marketing — it is the single fastest thing you can do about nuisance calls, and it takes about three minutes.
What the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) exposes
Step by step
- 1
Go to the TPS registration page
Register free at tpsonline.org.uk. There is a separate CTPS register for business numbers — use that one for a company line or a sole trader’s work mobile.
- 2
Enter the number and an email address
You can register a landline or mobile. The email is only used to confirm — TPS does not publish or sell anything you enter.
- 3
Confirm from the email they send
The registration is not active until you click the confirmation link. This is the step most people miss.
- 4
Wait 28 days
Companies get 28 days to clean their calling lists. Calls should drop off sharply after that; anything still coming is either breaking the law or falls outside the rules.
- 5
Report the ones that keep calling
Report breaches to the ICO at ico.org.uk. Note the date, time and the company name — a report without those is hard for them to act on.
If that doesn’t work
- Register by phone on 0345 070 0707 if you would rather not use the website.
What removing yourself from the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) won't do
Most guides skip this part.
- It does not stop scam or overseas calls. Criminals ignore the register entirely — TPS only binds legitimate UK companies.
- It does not stop calls from companies you have given consent to, including ones where you ticked a box years ago and forgot.
- It does not touch the reason they got your number. Your details stay on the broker and directory databases that sold it, so a new company can buy it and start again in a different channel — post, email or SMS.
- It covers this number only. A second line, a work mobile or a new number after switching provider each need registering separately.
Your data is on more than just the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
We track 360+ sites across the US and UK. Run a free exposure check to see everywhere you appear — then let us send the removal requests for you and keep monitoring.
FAQ
Is the TPS free?
Yes, completely, and it always has been. Any site charging you to register with the TPS is reselling something you can do free in three minutes.
How long does the TPS take to work?
Companies have 28 days to screen their lists against the register, so expect a noticeable drop after four weeks rather than immediately.
Why am I still getting cold calls after registering?
Usually one of three reasons: the caller is a scammer operating outside the law, they are overseas, or you gave consent at some point. Genuine UK companies calling after 28 days are breaking the rules and can be reported to the ICO.
Does the TPS cover mobiles and texts?
It covers marketing calls to a registered mobile. It does not cover marketing texts — for those, reply STOP or report the sender to 7726.
Do I need to re-register?
No, registration does not expire. But it is tied to the number, so if you change number you must register the new one.
Other removal guides
Last updated 26 July 2026