Blocking Unwanted Calls and Texts: Your Verizon Wireless Guide

So, you’re tired of those incessant spam calls or unwanted texts invading your peace? You’re not alone. Fortunately, Verizon Wireless provides multiple options for blocking phone numbers, ensuring you regain control over your communications. The simplest method is directly through your My Verizon account online or via the My Verizon app. Alternatively, you can utilize call filtering apps or contact Verizon customer service for more advanced solutions. Let’s dive into the details, shall we?

Blocking a Number Through My Verizon

The My Verizon portal and app are your primary tools for managing your account, and that includes blocking numbers. It’s quick, convenient, and readily available.

Online Portal Instructions

1. Log in to My Verizon: Go to the Verizon website (verizon.com) and log in using your username and password. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to register.
2. Navigate to Block Numbers: Once logged in, look for the “Account” or “My Plan” section, depending on the website layout. From there, find the options related to “Call & Message Blocking,” “Block Numbers,” or something similar. The exact wording may change periodically as Verizon updates its interface, but look for keywords like “blocking” or “spam.”
3. Enter the Number to Block: You should find a field where you can enter the phone number you wish to block. Type the number carefully, including the area code.
4. Confirm and Save: After entering the number, click “Block,” “Save,” or a similar button to confirm your selection. The number is now blocked from calling or texting your Verizon line.
5. Confirmation Message: You should receive a confirmation message indicating that the number has been successfully blocked.

Using the My Verizon App

1. Open the My Verizon App: Make sure you have the latest version of the My Verizon app installed on your smartphone.
2. Access Account Settings: Log in to the app and navigate to the account management section. This often involves tapping on a menu icon (usually three lines or dots) or your profile picture.
3. Find Blocking Options: Look for options related to “Call Filter,” “Spam Filter,” or “Block Numbers” within the account settings.
4. Add Number to Blocked List: Tap the option to add a number to your blocked list. Enter the phone number you want to block.
5. Confirm and Save: Tap “Block” or “Save” to finalize the blocking process. The app will confirm that the number is now blocked.

Leveraging Call Filter Apps

Verizon offers a service called Call Filter, which is available both as a free basic version and a paid premium version. Even the free version provides decent spam detection and the ability to block numbers.

The Free Version: Call Filter Basic

• Spam Detection: The basic version automatically identifies and flags potential spam calls.
• Number Blocking: You can manually block numbers identified as spam or any other unwanted numbers.
• Spam Reporting: You can report numbers as spam to help improve the accuracy of the Call Filter system.

The Premium Version: Call Filter Plus

• Enhanced Spam Detection: More accurate and comprehensive spam detection algorithms.
• Caller ID: Provides caller ID information for unknown numbers, helping you decide whether to answer.
• Spam Risk Meter: Shows the level of risk associated with incoming calls.
• Personal Spam List: Create and manage your personal spam list beyond the standard blocking features.
• Voicemail Filtering: Filters out spam voicemails.

To use Call Filter, download the app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and follow the setup instructions.

Contacting Verizon Customer Service

If you’re having trouble blocking numbers through the app or website, or if you have specific needs, contacting Verizon customer service is always a viable option. They can assist with blocking numbers and offer additional solutions for managing unwanted calls and texts. You can call them, use online chat, or visit a Verizon store.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and address common concerns:

1. How many numbers can I block on Verizon?

Verizon allows you to block up to 100 numbers on your account through the My Verizon portal or app.

2. Will the person I blocked know that I’ve blocked their number?

No. When you block a number, the caller will not receive any specific notification that their number has been blocked. The call will likely go straight to voicemail or may be disconnected.

3. Can I block text messages from a specific number?

Yes, blocking a number through My Verizon or the Call Filter app will block both calls and text messages from that number.

4. How do I unblock a number on Verizon?

You can unblock a number by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the app, navigating to the blocked numbers list, and removing the number from the list.

5. Is there a charge for blocking numbers on Verizon?

Blocking numbers through My Verizon or using the basic Call Filter app is free. However, the premium version of Call Filter (Call Filter Plus) comes with a monthly subscription fee.

6. Does blocking a number prevent them from leaving voicemails?

No, blocking a number usually doesn’t prevent them from leaving voicemails. The caller may still be able to leave a message, although the premium Call Filter may offer voicemail filtering features.

7. Can I block international numbers?

Yes, you can block international numbers using the same methods described above. Ensure you enter the full international number correctly.

8. What is the difference between blocking a number and reporting it as spam?

Blocking a number prevents that specific number from contacting you. Reporting a number as spam helps Verizon identify and block similar spam calls for all users.

9. Does blocking a number on my phone block it for other devices on my Verizon account?

No. Blocking a number blocks it only on the specific line/device where you implement the block. You must block the number individually on each line you want to protect.

10. What if I keep getting calls from different numbers but they are all spam?

In this case, consider using Call Filter Plus with its enhanced spam detection capabilities. You might also want to explore third-party call blocking apps that offer advanced features.

11. How can I block unknown or private numbers?

While you can’t block all unknown numbers directly, you can silence unknown callers using settings on your smartphone. Also, Call Filter Plus provides caller ID features that might reveal the identity of some unknown callers.

12. Is it possible to block a number temporarily?

Verizon doesn’t offer a specific feature for temporary blocking. However, you can block the number and then unblock it when you’re ready to receive calls from that number again. It’s a manual process, but it achieves the desired outcome.

Taking control of your communications is essential, and Verizon provides the tools you need. By utilizing My Verizon, Call Filter, and Verizon Customer Support, you can significantly reduce unwanted calls and texts, restoring peace to your mobile experience. Don’t hesitate to explore these options and choose the methods that best suit your individual needs.