What TPS Reset Means and When You Need It

TPS stands for Telephone Preference Service. It is a free registry run by the Direct Marketing Association that lets you tell companies to stop calling you with sales pitches and marketing messages. A TPS reset means you are removing your number from the registry and re-registering it, usually because your original registration has expired or stopped working.

TPS registrations last for 28 years from the date you sign up, so most people never need to reset. But if you registered years ago and calls have started again, or if you moved to a new number and want to register it, you will need to go through the process. The reset itself is free and takes about five minutes.

The TPS registry does not stop all calls — charities, political organisations, surveys, and companies you have done business with in the past can still call you. It also does not stop scam calls or calls from outside the UK, since those do not follow TPS rules. If you are getting calls from those sources, TPS reset will not help.

Key Takeaways

  • You can register or reset your TPS entry online at tpsonline.org.uk or by calling 0345 070 0707 from the number you want to register.
  • TPS registration lasts 28 years, so you only need to reset if your original registration has expired or you have a new number.
  • The registry stops marketing calls from most companies, but not from charities, political groups, surveys, or businesses you have dealt with before.
  • Scam calls and calls from outside the UK are not covered by TPS, so registration will not stop those.

Registering or Resetting Online at TPS Online

The fastest way to reset your TPS entry is through the official TPS website, tpsonline.org.uk. You do not need to create an account or log in. Go to the homepage, select "Register" or "Manage your registration", and enter your phone number.

The site will tell you whether your number is already registered and when that registration expires. If it has expired or you want to re-register, you can do so when ready. You will be asked to confirm your number and provide an email address where TPS can send you a confirmation. The reset takes effect right away, though it can take up to 28 days for all companies to receive the updated list.

If you are registering a new number for the first time, the process is identical. Enter the number, confirm it, provide an email, and you are done. You will receive a confirmation email with your registration details and the date it will expire.

Registering by Phone if You Cannot Use the Website

If you prefer not to use the website, you can register or reset your TPS entry by calling 0345 070 0707 from the number you want to register. This is important — TPS needs to hear the call come from the actual phone line you are registering, so you cannot call from a different phone on behalf of someone else.

The call is free and takes about two minutes. You will be asked to confirm your number and provide an email address. You will receive a confirmation email after the call. This method works the same way as the website and takes effect when ready.

If you are calling from a landline that does not support outgoing calls, or if you have another reason you cannot call from the number itself, contact TPS through their website to explain your situation. They may be able to help you register through an alternative route.

What Happens After You Reset Your Registration

Once you have reset your TPS entry, your number goes back onto the official TPS list. Companies that follow TPS rules receive updated lists regularly — usually every 28 days — and they are required to remove your number from their calling lists within that time.

You should see a drop in marketing calls within a few weeks, though it may take up to 28 days for all companies to process the change. If you are still getting marketing calls after a month, keep a record of the company name, the date, and the time of the call. You can then report that company to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which enforces TPS rules.

Calls from charities, political organisations, surveys, and companies you have done business with are not covered by TPS, so you will still receive those. If you want to stop calls from a specific company, contact them directly and ask to be removed from their list. They are required to do so within 30 days.

Reporting Companies That Ignore Your TPS Registration

If a company calls you after you have registered with TPS and you have never done business with them, that is a breach of TPS rules. You can report them to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113.

When you report a company, have the following information ready: the company name, the phone number they called from, the date and time of the call, and what they were trying to sell. The ICO can investigate and fine companies that repeatedly ignore TPS registrations. However, the ICO cannot force a company to pay you money — they can only fine the company itself.

If you want to pursue a claim for compensation, you can take the company to small claims court. You would need to show that they called you after you registered with TPS and that you suffered a loss as a result. This is rarely done in practice, but it is an option if the calls are persistent and causing you genuine harm.

TPS Does Not Cover Scams, Surveys, or Charities

TPS registration stops most marketing calls, but there are important exceptions. Charities, political organisations, and survey companies are allowed to call you even if you are registered with TPS. If you want to stop calls from any of these groups, you must contact them directly.

Scam calls and calls from outside the UK are also not covered by TPS. Scammers do not follow TPS rules, and international callers are not required to. If you are getting calls from numbers you do not recognise claiming to be from your bank, the tax office, or a package delivery service, these are almost always scams. Do not give them any information and hang up. You can report them to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.

Some legitimate companies, like your bank or insurance provider, may also call you if you have an existing relationship with them. TPS does not stop these calls. If you want to stop them, contact the company directly and ask to be removed from their calling list.

Checking Your Current TPS Registration Status

You can check whether your number is currently registered with TPS at any time by visiting tpsonline.org.uk and selecting "Check your registration". Enter your phone number and you will see whether it is registered and when that registration expires.

You can also call 0345 070 0707 from the number you want to check. The automated system will tell you whether that number is on the TPS list. This is useful if you are not sure whether a previous registration is still active.

If your registration has expired or you have never registered, you can set up a new registration right away using the same website or phone number. There is no waiting period and no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for TPS to stop the calls?

Your registration takes effect when ready, but companies receive updated TPS lists every 28 days. Most companies will stop calling within a few weeks, though it can take up to 28 days for all of them to process the change. If you are still getting marketing calls after a month, report the company to the ICO.

Can I register someone else's phone number?

No. TPS requires that you call from the actual phone line you are registering, or that you register online using that number. You cannot register a number on behalf of someone else unless you have their permission and can call from their phone or access their email to confirm the registration.

Will TPS stop calls from my bank or insurance company?

No. TPS does not cover calls from companies you have done business with. If your bank or insurance company is calling you and you want them to stop, contact them directly and ask to be removed from their calling list. They must do so within 30 days.

What if I get a call from someone claiming to be from TPS?

TPS will never call you unsolicited. If someone calls claiming to be from TPS or offering to help you register, it is a scam. Hang up and do not give them any information. You can register with TPS for free at tpsonline.org.uk or by calling 0345 070 0707 yourself.

Can I remove my number from TPS if I change my mind?

Yes. You can remove your registration at any time by visiting tpsonline.org.uk, selecting "Remove your registration", and entering your phone number. You can also call 0345 070 0707 and ask to be removed. Once removed, companies can call you again, though they may take time to update their lists.