Landline switch-off 2027: what UK homes need to do before 31 January

The countdown is on. With just 90 days until the UK landline switch-off on 31 January 2027, households still using a traditional home phone are being urged to prepare for the move to digital.

The landline switch-off 2027 deadline marks the end of the UK’s traditional analogue telephone network, which has connected homes for generations.

For anyone who relies on their landline to keep in touch with family and friends, the change might sound worrying. But there’s good news: you can usually keep your existing phone number, continue using your familiar handset and choose a digital landline service that suits your needs.

Here’s what you need to know before the January deadline.

What does the landline switch-off in January 2027 mean?

On 31 January 2027, the UK’s traditional telephone network, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), is due to close.

This doesn’t mean home phones are disappearing.

Instead, traditional landline services are being replaced by digital phone services, which usually make calls through an internet connection rather than the old telephone network.

For most households, making and receiving calls will feel much the same. You’ll still be able to pick up your home phone, dial a number and speak to family and friends.

The main difference is how your calls are connected.

If you’re already using a digital phone service, you may not need to do anything. But if your home phone still relies on the traditional network, it’s important to check your options now.

For a more detailed explanation, read our UK digital landline switchover guide.

Who needs to act before the January 2027 deadline?

You should check your home phone arrangements if:

• You still have a traditional landline plugged into a telephone wall socket.
• You have a landline-only service without broadband.
• You use a home phone and haven’t been told whether your service is digital.
• You’re helping a parent or family member who relies on their landline.
• You have a personal alarm, careline or other equipment connected to your telephone line.

If you’re unsure whether your phone service is affected, contact your current provider and ask whether your landline has already moved to digital.

Don’t assume that having broadband means your home phone has already switched. Some households still use traditional telephone services alongside their broadband.

Can I keep my landline number after the switch-off?

Yes, in most cases you can keep your existing landline number when moving to a digital phone service.

For many households, this is one of the biggest concerns.

You might have had the same home phone number for 20, 30 or even 40 years. Friends, family members, doctors’ surgeries and other important contacts may already know it.

With Phonely, you can request to transfer your existing landline number to your new digital service. This process is called number porting.

Phonely can help arrange the transfer, which typically takes around 7–14 days, depending on your existing provider and the circumstances of the move.

Your old phone service will normally remain active until the transfer takes place.

Important: Don’t cancel your existing landline service before arranging your number transfer, as this could make keeping your number more difficult.

Will I need to buy a new home phone?

Not necessarily.

One of the biggest misconceptions about the landline switch-off is that everyone will need a new telephone.

Many existing home phones, including familiar cordless handsets, can continue working with a digital landline service.

With Phonely, a compatible phone can connect to your broadband router using a small adapter.

That means you can often keep the handset you already know how to use, rather than learning how to operate a completely new device.

Phonely’s CallGuard and CallGuard+ monthly plans include a free adapter worth £50. An adapter is also included with eligible annual plans.

It’s worth checking compatibility before switching, particularly if you use older equipment or several wired telephone extensions.

Find out more about how Phonely’s digital landline service works.

Helping an older parent prepare for the landline switch-off

For some older adults, a home phone is much more than a convenient way to make calls.

It can be an important connection to family, friends, neighbours and essential services.

If you’re helping a parent or relative prepare for the landline switch-off, there are a few things worth checking together.

First, find out whether their existing phone service is already digital. Next, check whether they can keep their current number and handset.

It’s also worth discussing how they would make calls during a power cut and whether they use a personal alarm or other equipment connected to the phone line.

Finally, consider whether they would benefit from extra protection against nuisance and scam calls.

Why scam call protection matters

Moving to a digital landline can also be an opportunity to improve how unwanted calls are handled.

Phonely’s CallGuard service includes features designed to help protect households from nuisance and suspicious calls, including:

• Automatic call blocking: Helps stop numbers that have been reported as nuisance callers.
• Call screening: Asks unknown callers to identify themselves before the call is connected.
• Trusted Person: Allows a nominated family member or trusted contact to help with suspicious calls.
• Offline alerts: Can notify nominated contacts if a phone service goes offline.

For families helping an older parent, these features can offer additional reassurance while allowing them to continue using their familiar home phone.

No call-blocking service can prevent every scam, so it’s still important to remain cautious when receiving unexpected calls.

Explore Phonely’s digital landline and CallGuard options.

What happens to digital landlines during a power cut?

This is an important question, particularly for anyone who relies on their home phone.

Traditional landlines could often continue working during a power cut. Digital landlines are different because they normally depend on powered equipment, including a broadband router and phone adapter.

If the electricity or broadband connection fails, your digital home phone may stop working until the service is restored.

Before switching, consider what backup arrangement you would use.

For example, a charged mobile phone with reliable signal may provide an alternative way to call for help. Phonely also offers an app that can allow customers to make and receive calls using their landline number over a working mobile data connection.

If you have poor mobile coverage, rely on your landline for emergencies or use a medical alarm, speak to your provider about suitable backup arrangements before switching.

Never assume that a personal alarm or careline will automatically work with a digital phone service. Check with the alarm provider and arrange any necessary testing.

Your landline switch-off 2027 checklist

With the deadline approaching, here’s a simple checklist to help your household prepare.

1. Check your current landline. Ask your provider whether you’re still using the traditional telephone network.

2. Check your broadband connection. Digital landlines generally require an internet connection. If you don’t have broadband, ask about suitable alternatives.

3. Decide whether to keep your existing number. If you want to keep it, arrange the transfer before cancelling your old service.

4. Check your handset. Find out whether your current telephone will work with your chosen digital provider and whether an adapter is needed.

5. Check any connected alarms. Contact your careline, personal alarm or security equipment provider to confirm compatibility.

6. Make a backup plan. Consider how you would make calls during a power cut or broadband outage.

7. Compare digital landline plans. Look at monthly prices, included calls, equipment costs, contract terms and any additional call protection features.

Taking these steps now can help avoid unnecessary disruption as the deadline approaches.

What happens if I don’t switch my landline before 31 January 2027?

If your home phone still uses the traditional network when it closes, your service could be disrupted.

Openreach has introduced a temporary emergency voice-only service for some customers who haven’t moved in time. However, this is a limited, last-resort arrangement and isn’t a permanent replacement for a digital landline.

Not every household will be eligible, and some existing phone features may be unavailable.

That’s why it’s important to speak to your provider rather than waiting until the deadline.

Frequently asked questions about the landline switch-off

Don’t leave your home phone switch until the last minute

The landline switch-off 2027 deadline is approaching, but moving to a digital service doesn’t have to mean losing the phone number or handset you’ve used for years.

Whether you’re preparing your own home or helping a parent or relative, now is a good time to check your options.

Phonely offers digital landline plans that let you keep your existing number, use a compatible home phone and choose additional scam call protection if you need it.

Check your home phone options and pricing

Or speak to Phonely’s UK-based team on 0800 112 5000 for help understanding your options.