The Telephone Preference Service, usually shortened to TPS, is the UK's official opt-out register for live sales and marketing calls. If you are tired of legitimate businesses calling out of the blue, registering is one of the simplest protective steps you can take.
What TPS actually does
TPS tells compliant organisations that your number should not be used for unsolicited sales calls. It creates a legal and regulatory boundary around that kind of contact. For many people, it cuts down at least some of the routine cold-calling noise.
What TPS does not do
TPS does not stop scammers, spoofers, or fly-by-night operators who ignore the rules. If a caller is already lying about who they are, the existence of a register will not bother them. That is why TPS is helpful, but not complete protection on its own.
How to use it properly
Register your number through the official TPS route and give it time to take effect. If lawful marketing calls continue after that point, keep a note of who called and when. A pattern of ignored TPS status can support a complaint to the ICO.
What TPS covers and what it does not
| TPS Stops | TPS Does NOT Stop |
|---|---|
| Live sales calls from UK-based companies that respect the register | Scam and fraud calls (callers already breaking the law) |
| Unsolicited marketing calls from organisations you have no relationship with | Calls from overseas call centres that ignore UK regulations |
| Repeat cold-calling from businesses that check the TPS list | Automated/robocalls unless they violate separate rules |
| Provides grounds for ICO complaint if calls persist after registration | Market research calls, survey calls, or charity fundraising (different rules apply) |
| Covers both landline and mobile numbers | Calls from companies you have given consent to contact you |
How to register with TPS
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Go to tpsonline.org.uk/register | This is the only official, free registration route. Never pay a third party to register you. |
| 2 | Enter the phone number(s) you want to protect | You can register landline and mobile numbers. Business numbers may have different rules. |
| 3 | Confirm your email address | A confirmation link is sent; you must click it to complete registration. |
| 4 | Wait 28 days for full effect | It takes up to 28 days for organisations to update their calling lists against the TPS register. |
| 5 | Keep a record of calls that continue after 28 days | Note: date, time, company name, and what was said. This supports an ICO complaint if needed. |
Use TPS alongside call blocking, voicemail screening, and number lookups. That combination is far stronger than any single tool on its own.