TL;DR: Going ex-directory is free. With BT you can choose “Ex-directory – No calls” (left out of the Phone Book, BT 118500 directory enquiries and BT’s online directory) or “Directory Enquiries Only” (only available via directory enquiries). Other providers offer the same; just ask. BT stopped printing the Phone Book in March 2024 and closed its free online directory on 30 April 2024, but directory enquiries still exist, so ex-directory still matters. It stops new directory listings; you’ll still need to remove old copies from people-finder sites like 192.com.
Why it still matters
Landlines feel old-fashioned, but they’re a goldmine for scammers: a name, a number and often an address, all pointing at a household that probably includes an older person. Directory listings feed people-finder sites, and people-finder sites feed scam call lists.
Wait, is there still a phone book?
Not really. BT said the final print run of the Phone Book ended in March 2024, and its free online directory, thephonebook.bt.com, was no longer available after 30 April 2024, Yahoo News reported. BT cited low demand and paper savings. 118 500 directory enquiries remained for people who can’t find a number online; at the time it cost £1.55 a minute plus a 77p call charge. Planet Telecom noted that BT still offers free PDF local number lists through its A-Z directory finder.
So why bother? Because your number and name can still be given out by directory enquiries, and old listings live on in people-finder databases. Going ex-directory closes the official tap.
BT’s two options
According to BT, both are free:
| Option | What happens |
|---|---|
| Ex-directory – No calls | Left out of the Phone Book, BT 118500 Directory Enquiries and BT’s online directory |
| Directory Enquiries Only | Shared only through directory enquiries, not printed or listed online |
Request it by calling BT on 0330 123 4150 (8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday), per BT’s help page. If you’re with TalkTalk, Sky, Virgin Media or another provider, ask them for the same; it’s a standard request. UK Phone Book says many providers remove you for free and it can take a few days to process.
What it doesn’t do
- remove your number from people-finder sites that already copied it (remove 192.com listings);
- stop cold calls by itself (register with the Telephone Preference Service too);
- hide your address if it’s on the open electoral register (opt out here).
A tidy-up plan for your landline
- Go ex-directory with your provider.
- Register with the TPS.
- Remove old listings from 192.com and similar sites.
- Opt out of the open register.
- Use a call-blocking phone if a relative gets lots of scam calls.
Then check the online side: a free email exposure check shows whether your email has leaked in breaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BT still print the Phone Book?
No. BT said its final print run ended in March 2024 and its free online directory closed after 30 April 2024. 118 500 directory enquiries continued.
Does it cost money to go ex-directory?
No. BT says both its ex-directory options are free.
What is the difference between ex-directory and Directory Enquiries Only?
Ex-directory keeps you out of the Phone Book, directory enquiries and online directory. Directory Enquiries Only shares your number only through directory enquiries.
Will going ex-directory stop scam calls?
It reduces new listings but won’t stop all calls. Also register with the TPS and remove old listings.
Can I go ex-directory with providers other than BT?
Yes. Ask your provider; ex-directory is a standard option.
Sources
- BT: How do I sign up to ex-directory services?
- TalkTalk: Making my landline ex-directory
- Yahoo News: BT axes second free service after ditching phone book (Apr 2024)
- Planet Telecom: BT phone books have bit the dust (Jul 2024)
- UK Phone Book: How to go ex-directory