Call Filter FAQs

Call Filter is a service that helps you take control of your calls and gives you the tools to manage those calls as you choose. You can screen your incoming calls for spam, block spam calls and more*. We offer 3 versions of Call Filter:

Call Filter (free)

Call Filter (free) is available on standard Verizon wireless monthly plans and prepaid plans and is compatible with most Verizon phones. With Call Filter free you can screen incoming calls*, block (send directly to voicemail) spam numbers by risk-level, and report numbers as spam. In Call Filter free, numbers considered risky will be labeled as potential spam.

If you’re on a standard monthly plan and you download Call Filter, you will be enrolled in a free trial of Call Filter Plus (free trial not available for prepaid). After 10 days, you will be auto-enrolled in Call Filter (free) unless you choose to subscribe to Call Filter Plus.

Call Filter Plus

Call Filter Plus, our premium offering, is available on standard monthly plans (not available on prepaid plans) and requires a compatible smartphone. Subscribe to Call Filter Plus for $2.99/month per line or $7.99/month per account (with 3 lines or more. Not available for Prepaid). With Call Filter Plus, you get all the features of Call Filter (free), plus you can:

• See the caller’s Name for unknown numbers***
• Create your custom block list so that calls from specific, unwanted numbers are automatically forwarded to voicemail.
• Create your custom spam list so you can be alerted when specific numbers attempt to call you in the future.
• View the risk-level of incoming calls: potential spam, robocaller or fraud.
• Use Spam lookup to search our spam database to see if a number has already been identified as spam.

Devices not compatible with the Call Filter app

Select devices that are not compatible with the Call Filter app can still enroll in Call Filter in My Verizon for protection against spam calls. Call Filter for non-app users provides automatic terminating of high-risk spam calls and spam alerts** for all other spam calls.

By turning this feature on, blocked calls will be terminated before reaching your device and blocked callers will not be able to leave voicemails. Learn more about Call Filter for devices not compatible with the app.

* Call Filter is not available on all calls, on all equipment, or in all areas. Caller ID is not available for restricted or unlisted numbers. Call Filter cannot yet identify or automatically block spam calls that originate outside of the US, but customers with an eligible device can now block all incoming calls from international numbers if they choose.
** All spam calls will be labeled as “Potential Spam” for customers enrolled in the free version of Call Filter.
*** Caller ID is not available for restricted or unlisted numbers.

Call Filter (free)

Verizon customers on a standard monthly plan or prepaid plan, who have a compatible device, will be automatically enrolled in Call Filter (free).

Call Filter Plus

Verizon customers on a standard monthly plan and compatible smartphone can subscribe to Call Filter Plus (not available on prepaid plans). If you subscribe three or more lines on an account to Call Filter Plus, all eligible lines on your account will be automatically enrolled in Call Filter Plus (Multi-line) at $7.99/mo per account.

Note: If you’re on a standard monthly plan and you download Call Filter, you will be enrolled in a free trial of Call Filter Plus. After 10 days, you will have the option to upgrade to Call Filter Plus or keep Call Filter (free).

For customers on a business plan, please contact your account manager to add Call Filter Plus.

Devices not compatible with the Call Filter app

Available for standard monthly plans on select devices that are not compatible with the Call Filter app. Not available for prepaid plans.

Some features are network-based and do not require the Call Filter app, such as spam alerts and Caller ID. On Android devices, the app is required for spam blocking. On iOS devices, the app is no longer needed for spam blocking. In both cases, high-risk spam calls will be blocked and sent to voicemail automatically unless you opt out of spam blocking or change your settings in the Call Filter app or My Verizon (iPhone only). For Call Filter Plus customers, to get the most benefit, download the Call Filter app to manage all settings and access custom controls.

The Call Filter app is pre-loaded on most Android (excluding Prepaid Phone in a Box and Bring Your Own Android Devices) and some BlackBerry® devices as well as available for download in the Apple® App Store®. If you sign-up for Call Filter Plus (Multi-line), you'll need to download the app on each device on your account that you'd like to use advanced features on. Prepaid customers cannot upgrade to Call Filter Plus.

Please note that an updated version of the Call Filter app (9.4.0+ on Android or 2.1.1+ on iOS) is required for the full set of features.

If you're on a standard monthly account here are the devices compatible with Call Filter (free) and Call Filter Plus. If you’re on a prepaid account, some 4G LTE Prepaid devices with HD Voice are compatible with Call Filter*. Available features vary by device. Some features are network-based and do not require the Call Filter app.

Certain Call Filter features will not work on some Android™ handsets if Advanced Calling is turned off or on iPhones if the Cellular Options VoLTE feature is manually turned off.

If your device is not compatible with the Call Filter app, and you are on a standard monthly plan, you may be able to sign up for Call Filter in the My Verizon app or website. View the devices compatible with Call Filter. Prepaid devices cannot enroll in Call Filter.

Updated Call Filter app (9.4.0+ on Android or 2.1.1+ on iOS) is required for the full set of features.

*Not all Prepaid device manufacturers support Call Filter.

The following devices are not compatible with the Call Filter app:

• Verizon LTE 4G Broadband Router with Voice
• Verizon SmartHub With Voice*
• Wireless Home Phone T2000*
• Home Phone Connect*
• Basic Phones*
• Prepaid Android Phone in a Box
• 3G only voice-capable devices
• Non-single SKU Bring Your Own Device Android Smartphones*
• Devices without a physical Verizon SIM on a dual-SIM/e-SIM capable device
• Data only/non-voice capable devices (eg: tablets, 4G LTE Broadband Routers, Jetpacks, MiFi Internet, hotspots)
• Smart accessories (e.g.: connected watches)

*Eligible to sign up for Call Filter in the My Verizon website and app, in a Verizon Store or by contacting us.

Yes. Data charges apply to Android and BlackBerry devices to show the caller's name and picture. However, the data used by this service is less than visiting a single webpage. With the Call Filter app you can block all pictures to lower data usage.

Visit the Call Filter How to Use Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to block and report pictures.

Note: Because pictures are not available on incoming calls to iPhones, no data usage occurs on an iPhone.

Call Filter is available when your phone is roaming. However, service delivery depends on the roaming carrier's ability to provide the caller's name and picture. So not all features may be available while roaming. Data charges may apply.

You can find step-by-step instructions on how to use Call Filter in our online How to Use Guide. It tells you how to:

• Subscribe and get the app
• Upgrade to Call Filter Plus
• Mark a number as spam
• Report a number as spam
• Automatically block spam calls with your spam filter
• Block a number
• Block all calls from international numbers
• Manage Call Filter Settings in My Verizon
• Reverse number search
• Save identified numbers to contacts
• Customize your name
• Manage pictures
• Manage post-call push notifications
• Unsubscribe from Call Filter
• Downgrade to Call Filter

Call Filter Terms & Conditions.

Visit our Call Filter How to Use Guide to learn how to subscribe to Call Filter.

If you're on a standard monthly plan or prepaid plan with a compatible device, you are automatically enrolled in Call Filter (free). To upgrade to Call Filter Plus, you'll need to add the feature to your account. Visit our How to use Call Filter page to learn how to subscribe to Call Filter Plus. Prepaid subscribers are not eligible for Call Filter Plus at this time.

No, changing from one form of Call Filter to another will not change your spam and block settings or Allowed Numbers list. If you want to, you can manually change your Call Filter settings at any time in the Call Filter app.

All Verizon Wireless customers (excluding Prepaid customers) who are not already subscribed to Call Filter Plus, and who are on an eligible postpaid or prepaid plan* with a compatible device will be automatically enrolled in Call Filter (free) for free spam detection and blocking.

For devices with the Call Filter app installed, high-risk spam calls will be blocked by default, but customers can manage their block settings within the Call Filter app at any time.

If you have a compatible Android device your device will receive an update enrolling you in Call Filter. If you have an iPhone, you will receive a text message notifying you that you’re enrolled in Call Filter with a link to download the Call Filter app.

The Call Filter app is no longer needed for blocking on iPhones and high risk spam calls will be blocked automatically and sent to voicemail. You can turn off blocking or change settings anytime in the Call Filter app or My Verizon or the My Business portal for Business customers.

Consumer accounts with three or more eligible lines can enroll in Call Filter Plus (Multi-line) to cover all eligible lines with premium features for $7.99/mo per account. Accounts with one or two lines can enroll each eligible line in Call Filter or Call Filter Plus (Single line) for $2.99/mo per line. Learn how to enroll and manage your subscription.

*Prepaid devices must be HD Voice and Caller Name ID compatible to use Call Filter.

If you're on a standard monthly plan, to unsubscribe from Call Filter or Call Filter Plus you'll need to remove the service from your account. If you uninstall the app from your device you will still be subscribed and will still receive spam alerts and spam blocking (iPhone only) until you remove the service from your account.

iPhone users, if you unsubscribe and later resubscribe on an iOS device, your previous spam & block settings and Allowed Numbers will be saved.

Learn how to unsubscribe from Call Filter (standard monthly plan only).

If you’re on a prepaid plan contact us to request Block Call Filter for your line.

Yes, you can try Call Filter risk-free for 10 days with each device purchase. Depending on your device, we may automatically enroll you in the trial when you activate your device and alert you when your trial is nearing its end. When the 10-day trial ends, you'll have the option to subscribe to Call Filter Plus. If you do not choose to subscribe to Call Filter Plus, you will be automatically enrolled in Call Filter (free) which includes free spam detection and blocking.

Call Filter Plus is not available on prepaid plans. Prepaid plans are automatically enrolled in Call Filter (free).

Android and BlackBerry users can stop the 10-day trial at any time by opening the Call Filter app and going to Account Status, and tapping Stop Trial. For those with an iPhone, the trial will stop at the end of the 10-day trial period, but cannot be stopped earlier.

At the end of the 10-day trial, you'll be presented with an offer to subscribe to Call Filter Plus (Single Line). If you subscribe to Call Filter Plus, the service will be billed to your Verizon account and auto-renews on a monthly basis unless cancelled. If you do not choose to subscribe to Call Filter Plus, you will be automatically enrolled in Call Filter (free) which includes free spam detection and blocking.

If you have an eligible device, you can also subscribe to Call Filter or Call Filter Plus (Single line) at a later time through the Call Filter app on your device. Open the app, tap Account Status, and then tap Subscribe.

For more information on setting up the Call Filter service, visit our Call Filter page.

All Verizon Wireless customers who are not already subscribed to Call Filter Plus, and who are on an eligible postpaid or prepaid plan* with a compatible device will be automatically enrolled in Call Filter (free) for free spam detection and blocking. High-risk spam calls will be blocked automatically and sent to voicemail by default, but customers can manage their block settings within the Call Filter app or in My Verizon (iPhone only) at any time. If you have a compatible Android device your device will receive an update enrolling you in Call Filter. If you have an iPhone, you will receive a text message notifying you that you’re enrolled in Call Filter with a link to download the Call Filter app.

*Prepaid devices must be HD voice and Caller Name ID compatible to use Call Filter.

The following devices are not compatible with the Call Filter app but can be added and managed with the My Verizon app and website:

• Wireless Home Phone
• Basic Phones
• Google Experience Devices (Pixels, Red Hydrogen One, Nexus Series, etc)
• Bring your own Android Devices
  
  Notes:
  • Call Filter is not available or compatible with Dual SIM / eSIM-enabled devices (a physical Verizon SIM card is required).
  • These devices may not be eligible to upgrade to Call Filter Plus or use the Call Filter app.
  • Not available for Prepaid customers.
    

Visit the Add-ons and apps page in the My Verizon app or website to turn on Call Filter. You can also contact us if you need help subscribing.

Please note that these devices are not eligible for the Call Filter app and may not be able to upgrade to Call Filter Plus.

Visit our How to use Call Filter page to learn how to enroll in Call Filter in the My Verizon app or website.

Prepaid devices and Business Lines cannot use Call Filter.

Call Filter uses analytics and databases that are constantly evolving to detect spam calls, including those that may be spoofed. You can help us improve the accuracy of the service by reporting spam numbers we may have missed. Verizon does not guarantee that all spam calls will be detected. If you disagree with how a number was categorized by the system, you can unmark the number as spam, add to your contacts, or allow the number (iPhone only).

It is possible that Call Filter mistakenly tags legitimate callers including those to whom you may have given consent to communicate with via your mobile number, or may inadvertently mislabel legitimate callers as potential spam, a robo caller or potential fraud. Calling parties and customers who believe a call has been mislabeled may provide feedback.

iPhone users with Call Filter (free) and Call Filter Plus can add phone numbers to a personal allowed list. Numbers added to this list will not be blocked*. How do I add a number to my allowed list?

*These numbers may still be blocked by another app or service on your device. To help ensure any calls you want to receive are not blocked, you can also add them to your contacts.

When you set up your spam filter, spam calls that correspond with your selected level of risk will automatically be forwarded to your voicemail if you have one set up. Calls you may want to receive may get caught in this filter. If you disagree with how a number was categorized by the system, you can allow the number from the caller details page to avoid the spam filter on future calls*.

The spam filter is automatically set to block high risk spam callers when you subscribe to Call Filter or Call Filter Plus. To change this setting, visit our How to Use Guide for instructions.

*These numbers may still be blocked by another app or service on your device. To ensure any calls you want to receive are not blocked, you can also add them to your contacts.

Learn how to report and block a number as spam and more in our Call Filter How to Use Guide.

Depending on your device, Contacts may be marked as spam or blocked. Please review your list of spam and blocked calls regularly to ensure wanted calls are not being blocked. If a contact is blocked but you want to receive calls from them, please add the number to your "Allowed numbers" list*. Visit our How to use Call Filter page for instructions on how to add and remove numbers from the allowed list.

*These numbers may still be blocked by another app or service on your device. To ensure any calls you want to receive are not blocked, you can also add them to your contacts.

Call Filter cannot yet identify or automatically block spam calls that originate outside of the U.S. However, those with an eligible device can set up Call Filter to block all calls from international numbers.* Here's how. Additionally, customers can add an international number to their spam/block list, and Call Filter will identify or block the next time they attempt to reach out. Check back for updates soon, as we are continuously improving our Call Filter service.

*Note: Turning on the international call blocking will block calls from Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. Calls you want may get blocked. Blocked calls from international numbers will not show in the list of blocked calls in the Call Filter app.

Depending on your device and spam block settings, spam callers may either go to voice mail or hear this standard announcement before the call is terminated:

"Your call cannot be completed as dialed. Please check the number and dial again". These callers will not be able to leave a voicemail.

Numbers blocked by the spam filter or your personal block list will automatically be forwarded to your voicemail* if you have one set up. You can listen to a blocked caller's voice message if they leave one, and those with an eligible device will receive a notification of the blocked call. You can also view a list of blocked calls in the Call Filter app. On iPhones you can also view a list of blocked calls from the past 30 days in the Recents tab in the Manage Call Filter section of My Verizon.

*iPhone users with Call Filter can choose if you want blocked calls to be sent to voicemail or terminated before they reach the phone.

With the Call Filter app for iPhone*, when you switch iPhones or you uninstall and then reinstall the Call Filter app on your iPhone*, your previous spam filter settings will be maintained. This includes:

• Spam filter on/off
• Spam filter risk level
• Blocked call treatment preferences (voicemail or terminate)
• Allowed numbers

You can always update your spam filter settings in the app. Deleting the Call Filter app does not turn off spam filtering and calls will still be labeled as spam or blocked until you turn off the spam filter or unsubscribe from the service.

*Does not apply to Android devices at this time.

To turn off spam blocking for iOS devices, follow one of the options below:

• Turn off Silence Junk Callers by going to device Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification > Silence Junk Callers.
• View the My Verizon app or website to manage Call Filter spam settings and turn off automatically blocking spam calls (Postpaid customer iPhone users only).
• If you already have the Call Filter app, turn off the spam filter in the Management section.
• Unsubscribe from Call Filter on My Verizon app and online. (Business customers can unsubscribe in My Business) You will no longer receive spam alerts if unsubscribed.
• Prepaid customers can request to block or remove Call Filter by contacting us. You will no longer receive spam alerts if unsubscribed.

The silence Junk Callers feature is only available on iOS 14. With Silence Junk Callers, your device will be set to automatically block potential fraud and spam calls and send them to voicemail. If a call is suspected as a spam call, you will see "Maybe: Junk" on identified incoming calls.

Please note that wanted calls may be inadvertently blocked when Silence Junk Callers is turned on. You can turn this feature off by going to Silence Junk Callers under Call Blocking & Identification in your phone settings.