Take Back Control: A Comprehensive Guide to Blocking Someone on Verizon
Tired of unwanted calls or texts from a specific number? Whether it's an ex, a persistent telemarketer, or just someone you'd rather not hear from, blocking a number on Verizon can bring you peace of mind. But with various options and features, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, we're here to make it simple!
Are you ready to reclaim your privacy and silence those unwanted interruptions? Let's dive into the step-by-step process of blocking someone on Verizon, ensuring you choose the method that best suits your needs.
Step 1: Identify Your Blocking Needs – What Are You Trying to Stop?
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's important to clarify what kind of blocking you're looking for. Verizon offers several tools, and choosing the right one depends on the nature of the unwanted contact.
A. Blocking Specific Individuals (Calls & Texts)
This is for those one-off numbers you want to prevent from reaching you. It's ideal for a person you no longer wish to communicate with.
B. Combating Spam & Robocalls (Automated Blocking)
If you're constantly bombarded with scam calls, telemarketing, or "neighborhood spoofing," Verizon's dedicated spam protection services are your best bet.
C. Parental Controls / Family Management
For account owners looking to manage communications for lines on their family plan, Verizon offers robust parental control features.
Once you have a clear idea of your goal, proceed to the relevant section below!
Step 2: Blocking Specific Numbers via My Verizon (Website & App)
This is the most common and straightforward method for blocking individual numbers. Keep in mind that only the Account Owner or Account Manager can block or unblock these services.
A. Blocking on the My Verizon Website
Sign In to My Verizon:
Open your web browser and go to the official Verizon website (verizon.com).
Sign in to your My Verizon account using your user ID and password.
Navigate to the Blocks Section:
Once logged in, look for "Account" or "My Plan" in the navigation menu.
From there, select "Blocks" or "Manage Devices" then "Block calls and messages." The exact wording may vary slightly depending on recent website updates.
Select the Mobile Number (if applicable):
If you have multiple lines on your account, select the specific mobile number for which you want to block calls and messages.
Add the Number to Your Block List:
Look for a section like "Block calls & messages" or a "+" (plus) sign next to it.
Enter the 10-digit phone number you wish to block in the designated field.
Optional: You can add a memo (a short note) to remind yourself why you blocked this particular number. This can be useful for future reference.
Optional: You may see an option to "Apply block to all eligible lines on this account." Select this if you want the block to apply across all lines.
Click "Save" or "Block number."
Confirmation:
You should receive a confirmation that the number has been successfully blocked. Incoming calls from this number will typically be sent directly to voicemail, and incoming text messages will not be delivered.
Important Note: Verizon's free call and message blocking feature through My Verizon generally blocks up to 5 numbers and typically lasts for 90 days. After this period, you may need to reapply the block if you wish for it to continue.
B. Blocking Using the My Verizon App
Open the My Verizon App:
Launch the My Verizon app on your smartphone. Make sure your app is updated to the latest version for the most accurate steps.
If prompted, enter your password, fingerprint, or Face ID to log in.
Access Device Management:
From the main screen, tap the "Mobile" tab (if available) or navigate to the "Devices" section.
Tap "Manage devices" or "Manage" below the applicable mobile number. If you need to select a different number, go to "Devices" > "Manage all devices" and choose the relevant phone number.
Find Call & Message Blocking:
Within the "Settings & Preferences" section, tap "Block calls and messages." Note: This option may not be available if you are enrolled in Verizon Smart Family (see Step 4).
Block the Number:
Enter the 10-digit phone number you want to block.
Tap "Block number."
Confirmation:
You will receive confirmation that the number is now blocked.
Step 3: Enhancing Your Defense with Verizon Call Filter (Spam & Robocalls)
If you're dealing with a flood of unwanted calls from unknown numbers, Verizon Call Filter is your ultimate weapon. It's designed to identify, filter, and block spam and robocalls.
A. Understanding Verizon Call Filter
Call Filter (Free): Provides basic spam detection, a spam filter (which sends high-risk spam to voicemail by default), a spam and blocked call log, the ability to allow numbers, and report spam.
Call Filter Plus (Paid Subscription): Offers more advanced features like Caller ID for unknown numbers, a personal block list (beyond the basic 5-number limit), a spam risk meter, and the ability to block calls by category (e.g., telemarketers, political calls). This typically costs $3.99/month per line or $10.99/month for 3+ lines.
B. How to Get and Set Up Call Filter
Download the Call Filter App:
Most Android devices from Verizon come with Call Filter pre-loaded.
If not, or if you have an iPhone, download the Verizon Call Filter app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Enable Notifications & Access:
Upon first launch, the app will prompt you to enable notifications and grant access to your contacts. Allow these permissions for the app to function effectively.
Verify Account Status:
The app will verify your account status with Verizon.
Configure Spam Protection:
By default, the spam filter is set to block high-risk spam calls and send them to voicemail.
You can customize these settings in the app:
Navigate to the "Block" tab or "Settings" tab.
Adjust the "Auto-block spam calls by risk level" to "High risk only," "Medium and high risk," or "All spam calls."
Choose where you want blocked calls to go: "Voicemail" or "Terminate" (meaning the caller cannot leave a voicemail).
Enable Neighborhood Filter if desired, which auto-blocks numbers similar to your own.
For Call Filter Plus users, you can also enable "Category Filter" to block entire categories of calls (e.g., telemarketers, political).
Create a Personal Block List (Call Filter Plus):
If you have Call Filter Plus, you can manually add numbers to your personal block list beyond the standard My Verizon limits.
Go to the "Block" tab, select "Blocked", and then tap "Add new". Enter the number and tap "Block number."
Report Spam:
The app allows you to report numbers as spam, which helps improve Verizon's spam detection algorithm. You can do this from the "Recent activity" or "Recents" tab in the app.
Step 4: Advanced Blocking with Verizon Smart Family (Parental Controls)
For families with multiple lines, Verizon Smart Family provides a more comprehensive suite of parental controls, including permanent blocking options. This is especially useful for managing communication for minors.
A. What Verizon Smart Family Offers
Permanent Blocking: Unlike the 90-day block in My Verizon, Smart Family allows you to permanently block calls, texts, and other messages for up to 20 numbers per enrolled dependent.
Content Filters: Restrict access to inappropriate websites and apps.
Time Restrictions: Set limits on calls, texts, and data usage during certain hours.
Location Tracking: Monitor the location of enrolled devices.
B. How to Use Verizon Smart Family for Blocking
Subscribe to Verizon Smart Family:
You'll need to subscribe to Verizon Smart Family (a paid service). You can do this through the My Verizon website or app.
Download the Smart Family App:
Download the Verizon Smart Family app on your guardian device and the Companion app on your dependent's device.
Set Up Your Family:
Follow the in-app instructions to set up your family profile and link dependent devices.
Block Numbers:
Within the Smart Family app, navigate to the dependent's profile.
Look for sections related to "Contacts", "Call & Text Restrictions", or "Blocked Numbers."
You can then add specific numbers to a block list. This will prevent calls and texts from these numbers from reaching the dependent's device.
Important Note: Verizon Smart Family offers a more robust and permanent blocking solution, making it ideal for ongoing parental control.
Step 5: Other Blocking Methods and Considerations
While the above methods cover most scenarios, here are a few other options and important considerations:
A. Blocking on Your Device (Temporary & Limited)
iPhone: Open the unwanted message or call in your Recents. Tap the contact icon at the top, then tap the "i" (info) icon. Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller."
Android: Open the unwanted message or call. Tap the three dots (menu) in the corner, then select "Block number" or "Block & report spam."
Caveat: Device-level blocking is often less comprehensive than carrier-level blocking. While it prevents the number from ringing your phone or appearing in your messages, the calls might still go to voicemail, and texts might still be technically delivered but hidden. Verizon's methods offer more complete blocking.
B. The National Do Not Call Registry
While not a blocking tool for specific individuals, registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry can help reduce unwanted telemarketing calls from legitimate businesses.
Register online at www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236).
C. Reporting Unwanted Texts (Forward to 7726)
For spam texts, you can forward the unwanted message to 7726 (SPAM). This reports the sender to Verizon, which can help them identify and block spammers across their network. You won't be charged for forwarding to this number.
D. Unblocking a Number
If you ever need to unblock a number, simply reverse the steps you took to block it in My Verizon (website or app) or within the Verizon Call Filter/Smart Family app. Look for a "Delete" or "Unblock" option next to the number on your blocked list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about blocking on Verizon, with quick answers:
How to block a number on Verizon permanently?
For permanent blocking, consider subscribing to Verizon Smart Family, which allows you to block up to 20 numbers permanently per enrolled dependent. My Verizon's free blocking lasts 90 days.
How to block all calls from a specific area code on Verizon?
With Verizon Call Filter Plus, you can set up a "Neighborhood Filter" to automatically forward to voicemail or block calls from your own area code/prefix, or even an entire area code.
How to stop unwanted spam and robocalls on Verizon?
Download and enable the Verizon Call Filter app. The free version blocks high-risk spam calls, while Call Filter Plus offers more advanced filtering and a personal block list.
How to block text messages from a specific number on Verizon?
You can block texts from a specific number through the My Verizon website or app using the "Block calls & messages" feature. Alternatively, you can block at the device level (iPhone/Android settings).
How to see who is blocked on my Verizon account?
Log in to My Verizon (website or app) and navigate to the "Blocks" or "Block calls and messages" section. You'll see a list of currently blocked numbers. If using Call Filter Plus, check your personal block list within the Call Filter app.
How to block calls from unknown or restricted numbers on Verizon?
Verizon Call Filter automatically identifies and handles unknown or restricted numbers based on their spam risk level. You can also manually block calls with no Caller ID using the "Anonymous Call Rejection" feature (may be a separate feature on some older plans or specific to Fios home phone).
How to unblock a number on Verizon?
Go to the "Blocks" or "Block calls & messages" section in My Verizon (website or app), or the "Blocked" list in the Verizon Call Filter app, and select "Delete" or "Unblock" next to the number you wish to unblock.
How to block a number from leaving voicemails on Verizon?
When you block a number using My Verizon's "Block calls & messages" feature, incoming calls from that number are typically sent directly to voicemail. With Call Filter, you can choose to send blocked calls to voicemail or terminate them so the caller cannot leave a voicemail.
How to report spam texts to Verizon?
Simply forward the unwanted text message to 7726 (SPAM). This is a free service that helps Verizon identify and combat spammers.
How to manage call blocking settings for a family member's line on Verizon?
If you are the Account Owner or Manager, you can manage blocking settings for all lines on your account through the My Verizon website or app. For more advanced and permanent controls, consider using Verizon Smart Family.