Outbound Call Blocking allows Administrators to block outbound calls to specific phone numbers or number patterns. Blocking rules can apply company-wide or to selected Team Members, helping organizations enforce outbound calling policies, reduce unwanted calls, and control dialling costs.
Requirements and notes
- Outbound Call Blocking applies to outbound calls only. Incoming calls from the same number are not blocked.
- Only Administrators with the required permissions can create, edit, or delete outbound blocking rules.
- Rule availability may vary depending on your account configuration.
- Configure broad blocking patterns carefully to avoid blocking legitimate business calls.
- When a Team Member dials a blocked destination, they hear: “Your call cannot be completed because there are restrictions; please contact support.”
Supported blocking patterns
Use the examples below to choose the correct value for the Number to Block field.
Wildcards can block broad dialling ranges. Review each pattern carefully before applying it company-wide.
| Blocking goal | Number to block | Example result |
|---|---|---|
| Block external calling and allow extension-to-extension calling only | * |
External outbound calls are blocked. |
| Block calls to an area code | 613* |
Calls to numbers beginning with 613 are blocked. |
| Block calls to a country code | 44* |
Calls to numbers beginning with 44 are blocked. |
| Block a specific phone number | 6133334455 |
Calls to that exact phone number are blocked. |
When to use outbound call blocking
Outbound Call Blocking is useful when outbound dialling needs to follow a defined business policy.
- Internal-only calling: Allow Team Members to call internal extensions while preventing external outbound calls.
- Cost control: Reduce accidental calls to international, long-distance, or premium destinations.
- Policy enforcement: Restrict outbound calls to specific regions, numbers, or destinations.
- Compliance support: Prevent calls to numbers or destinations your organization has restricted.
Use wildcards carefully
Wildcards can block a broad range of outbound calls. For example, entering 613* blocks calls to any number that begins with 613, while entering * blocks external outbound calling.
Review the number pattern, schedule, and rule scope before saving to confirm the rule matches your intended outbound calling policy.
How to set an outbound call blocking rule
Follow the steps below to create an outbound blocking rule in the Sync Settings portal.
Access Call Blocking
- Log in to the Sync Settings portal as an Administrator.
- From the left navigation menu, click Company.
- Click Call Blocking.
- Click Add Blocking Rule.
Configure the rule details
- Enter a clear Rule Name.
Example: Disable External Calling - Set Call Type to Outbound.
- In the Number to Block field, enter the phone number or number pattern you want to block.
- Click Next.
Set the rule schedule
- Choose when the rule should be enabled:
- Select 24/7 to keep the rule enabled at all times.
- Select Custom to apply the rule only during specific times or days.
- Click Next.
Set the rule scope and save
- Choose whether the blocking rule applies company-wide or only to specific Team Members.
- Click Review & Finish.
- Review the outbound blocking rule details.
- Click Save Rule to finish creating the outbound blocking rule.
How outbound call blocking works
Outbound Call Blocking rules are enforced when a Team Member places an outbound call.
- Admin-enforced: Team Members cannot bypass blocking rules from the dialer, contacts, or speed dials.
- Pattern-based: Rules can block exact numbers or dialling patterns, such as area codes or country codes.
- Scope-based: Rules can apply company-wide or to selected Team Members.
- Schedule-based: Rules can be enabled at all times or only during selected days and times.
If more than one rule applies to a Team Member, all applicable rules are enforced.
Tips and troubleshooting
Use the table below to review common outbound blocking issues before creating or updating a rule.
| Issue or question | What to check |
|---|---|
| A Team Member can still place the call. | Confirm the rule is enabled, applies to the correct Team Member, and uses the correct number pattern. |
| Legitimate calls are being blocked. | Review the wildcard pattern and rule scope. Broad patterns may block more destinations than intended. |
| A rule should only apply during certain hours. | Use a custom schedule instead of 24/7 when configuring the rule. |
| A rule applies to more Team Members than intended. | Assign the rule to specific Team Members instead of applying it company-wide. |
| The Call Blocking page is not available. | Confirm your admin permissions and account configuration. |