We've all been there – that annoying "No Caller ID" or "Unknown" call flashes across your screen, and you're left wondering if it's an urgent call you should answer or just another spammer trying to get through. If you're a Verizon customer, the good news is you have several effective ways to reclaim your peace and block these unwanted intrusions. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to take control of your phone and silence those mystery callers!
Ready to say goodbye to those pesky "No Caller ID" calls? Let's get started!
Step 1: Understand Verizon's Primary Weapon Against Unwanted Calls – Call Filter
Verizon's main tool for combating spam and anonymous calls is its Call Filter service. This service comes in two tiers: a free version with basic spam detection and blocking, and a paid "Plus" version offering more advanced features like Caller Name ID, a personal block list, and spam lookup. Most modern Verizon-purchased Android devices come with Call Filter pre-loaded, and it's available for download on iOS and other Android devices.
Sub-heading: How Call Filter Works for "No Caller ID"
Call Filter's core functionality involves identifying and filtering calls based on their risk level. While it's primarily designed for known spam numbers and robocalls, it also plays a crucial role in managing "No Caller ID" calls.
The free version allows you to block high-risk spam calls and send them to voicemail.
The Call Filter Plus version offers more granular control, including the ability to block calls from categories like telemarketers and surveys, which often originate from unknown numbers. It also allows you to create a personal block list, which can be useful if a "No Caller ID" number repeatedly calls and you suspect it's the same source.
Step 2: Activating and Configuring Call Filter (The Most Effective Method)
This is your go-to solution for comprehensive call management, including those pesky anonymous calls.
Sub-heading: Via the My Verizon App (Recommended for Mobile Devices)
Download and Open the My Verizon App: If you don't already have it, download the "My Verizon" app from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
Log In: Sign in with your Verizon account credentials (username and password).
Navigate to Call Filter:
From the home screen, look for a section related to "Devices" or "Account."
Select the specific mobile number you want to manage.
Look for "Settings & Preferences" or "Services & Perks" and then find "Manage Call Filter."
Enable and Adjust Settings:
Ensure Call Filter is activated. You might see a toggle switch to turn it "On."
Go to the "Settings" tab within Call Filter.
Look for "Auto-block spam calls by risk level." Here, you can choose what level of spam calls to block (e.g., High risk only, Medium and high risk, or All spam calls). For "No Caller ID," setting it to block higher risk levels can often catch these calls.
You can also choose where blocked calls are sent: to Voicemail or Terminated (caller receives a busy signal or disconnects). For "No Caller ID," sending to voicemail is often a good first step, as legitimate callers will typically leave a message.
Explore Call Filter Plus (Optional but Recommended):
Within the Call Filter app, you'll likely see an option to upgrade to Call Filter Plus.
Benefits of Plus: If you're constantly bombarded, the paid version offers Caller ID for unknown numbers (sometimes revealing a name even if it's not in your contacts), and the ability to block entire categories of unwanted calls. This can be particularly useful for "No Caller ID" calls that might be part of a larger spam campaign.
Sub-heading: Via the My Verizon Website (For Desktop Access)
Go to My Verizon Website: Open a web browser and go to the official Verizon website (verizon.com).
Sign In: Log in to your My Verizon account as the Account Owner or Manager.
Navigate to Device Management:
From the My Verizon Home page, select "Manage device" under the appropriate mobile number.
If needed, select "Manage all devices" and then "Manage" next to the specific mobile number.
Access Call Filter Settings:
In the "Settings & Preferences" section, locate and select "Manage Call Filter."
Configure Call Filter:
Similar to the app, you'll find options to activate Call Filter, adjust auto-block settings by risk level, and choose how blocked calls are handled.
Remember: The goal is to catch those "No Caller ID" calls, so setting the spam filter to a more aggressive level might be beneficial.
Step 3: Utilizing Anonymous Call Rejection (For Landline and Some Mobile Plans)
For some Verizon landline services and older mobile plans, there's a specific feature called "Anonymous Call Rejection." This directly targets calls where the caller has intentionally hidden their number.
Sub-heading: Activating Anonymous Call Rejection via Dial Codes
This method is often available for landlines and can be a quick way to activate a basic "no caller ID" block.
Activate Anonymous Call Block:
From your Verizon phone, dial *77.
Listen for a confirmation tone or recording indicating that Anonymous Call Block has been activated.
Note: On rotary or pulse-dialing phones, you might need to dial 1177.
Deactivate Anonymous Call Block (if needed):
To turn it off, dial *87.
Listen for the deactivation confirmation.
Note: On rotary or pulse-dialing phones, you might need to dial 1187.
Sub-heading: Activating Anonymous Call Rejection via My Verizon (for specific plans)
Log in to My Verizon: Sign in to your My Verizon account on the website.
Access Calling Features:
Navigate to "Account Manager" or "My Plan" depending on your account layout.
Look for "Calling Features."
Find Incoming Call Block:
Locate "Incoming Call Block" and then "Reject All Anonymous Calls."
Activate: Select "Activate Incoming Call Block" for this feature.
Step 4: Device-Specific Settings for Unknown Callers (Smartphone OS Features)
Beyond Verizon's specific services, your smartphone itself has built-in features to manage unwanted calls, including those from unknown numbers. These settings can complement Verizon's Call Filter.
Sub-heading: For iPhone Users - Silence Unknown Callers
Go to Settings: Tap the "Settings" app icon.
Scroll to Phone: Scroll down and tap on "Phone."
Enable Silence Unknown Callers: Tap "Silence Unknown Callers" and toggle the switch to the On position.
What this does: Calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri suggestions will go straight to voicemail. This is incredibly effective for "No Caller ID" calls as they won't typically be in any of those categories.
Important Note: Make sure to regularly check your voicemail, as sometimes legitimate calls (e.g., from a doctor's office or new contact) might be silenced initially.
Sub-heading: For Android Users - Block Unknown Callers
Open the Phone/Dialer App: Tap the "Phone" or "Dialer" app icon on your home screen or app drawer.
Access Settings:
Tap the three-dot menu (usually in the top right corner) or find a "Settings" icon.
Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
Find Call Blocking/Spam: Look for options like "Blocked numbers," "Call blocking," or "Spam and Call Screen."
Enable Block Unknown Callers:
Toggle on the option that says "Block unknown callers" or "Block calls from unidentified numbers."
Note: The exact wording and location might vary slightly depending on your Android phone's manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.) and Android version.
Benefit: This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail or simply blocks them, which is ideal for "No Caller ID."
Step 5: Consider Third-Party Call Blocking Apps (Supplementary Protection)
While Verizon's Call Filter is powerful, some users opt for third-party apps for additional features or a different user experience.
Sub-heading: Popular Third-Party Options
Nomorobo: This service is well-regarded for blocking robocalls and spam. It often integrates with landlines and can be configured for mobile devices.
RoboKiller: Known for its aggressive spam blocking and "answer bot" feature that wastes spammers' time.
Hiya/Truecaller: These apps offer caller ID for unknown numbers and robust spam blocking features.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Third-Party Apps
Permissions: Be mindful of the permissions these apps request, as they often need access to your call logs and contacts to function effectively.
Subscription Fees: Many of the more advanced third-party apps require a paid subscription.
Overlap with Call Filter: Running multiple call-blocking solutions simultaneously can sometimes lead to conflicts or over-blocking. It's generally best to choose one primary method and supplement only if necessary.
Step 6: Register for the National Do Not Call Registry (Long-Term Strategy)
While it won't stop malicious "No Caller ID" calls or scammers, the National Do Not Call Registry helps reduce calls from legitimate telemarketers.
Sub-heading: How to Register
Visit the Website: Go to the official National Do Not Call Registry website (
www.donotcall.gov Add Your Number: Follow the instructions to add your mobile and/or landline number to the registry.
Be Patient: It can take up to 31 days for your number to be fully registered and for telemarketing calls to decrease.
Step 7: Manual Blocking (For Persistent Annoyances from "No Caller ID" that somehow slip through)
Sometimes, even with all the filters, a persistent "No Caller ID" might be the same annoying person or entity. While you can't block "No Caller ID" directly by a number, if they occasionally show up with a number (even if it's spoofed), or if a "No Caller ID" call turns into a known number later, you can block that specific number.
Sub-heading: Blocking a Specific Number via My Verizon
Log In to My Verizon: Sign in to your My Verizon account (app or website).
Go to Call & Message Blocking:
On the website, navigate to "Account" > "My plan" > "Blocks."
In the app, select the line, then "Settings & Preferences" > "Call & Message Blocking."
Add a Block:
Enter the 10-digit phone number you wish to block.
Verizon allows you to block up to 5 numbers per line for up to 90 days for free. For permanent or more extensive blocking, Call Filter Plus or Verizon Smart Family (for family accounts) may be better options.
Important: If a "No Caller ID" call somehow reveals a number in your call log after the fact, you can use this method.
Conclusion: Reclaim Your Phone's Peace!
By combining Verizon's powerful Call Filter with your smartphone's built-in features and strategic use of options like Anonymous Call Rejection, you can significantly reduce, if not eliminate, those irritating "No Caller ID" calls. Remember, vigilance and regular review of your settings are key to maintaining a spam-free phone experience. Now, go forth and enjoy a quieter phone!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to block "No Caller ID" calls on an iPhone with Verizon?
You can use the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature in your iPhone settings (Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers) to send calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. Additionally, enable Verizon's Call Filter through the My Verizon app or website for broader spam detection.
How to block "No Caller ID" calls on an Android phone with Verizon?
Go to your phone's Dialer/Phone app, then "Settings," and look for "Block numbers" or "Call blocking." Enable the option to "Block unknown callers." Complement this by activating Verizon's Call Filter via the My Verizon app for additional spam protection.
How to activate Anonymous Call Rejection on a Verizon landline?
You can typically activate it by dialing *77 from your Verizon landline phone. Listen for a confirmation tone or message.
How to manage Verizon Call Filter settings to block unknown calls?
Access Call Filter through the My Verizon app or website. In the "Settings" tab, adjust the "Auto-block spam calls by risk level" to a higher setting (e.g., "Medium and high risk" or "All spam calls") to increase the likelihood of blocking unwanted "No Caller ID" calls.
How to know if a "No Caller ID" call is legitimate?
Legitimate callers, especially businesses or organizations, will typically leave a voicemail if their call goes unanswered. If they don't leave a message, it's often a sign it was a spam or telemarketing call.
How to report unwanted "No Caller ID" calls to Verizon?
While you can't report "No Caller ID" directly by number, if a call reveals a number later or if you suspect it's part of a known spam campaign, you can report it through the Call Filter app or via Verizon's website.
How to use Verizon Call Filter Plus for better "No Caller ID" blocking?
Call Filter Plus (a paid subscription) offers enhanced features like Caller Name ID, which can sometimes identify the name behind an unknown number, and the ability to block calls by category, which can help in filtering out anonymous calls related to telemarketing or surveys.
How to temporarily allow a "No Caller ID" call to come through on Verizon?
If you've enabled "Silence Unknown Callers" on iPhone or "Block unknown callers" on Android, you would need to temporarily disable that setting to receive all calls, including "No Caller ID." Alternatively, for specific important calls you are expecting, ask the caller to reveal their number or provide a specific number they will be calling from.
How to stop neighborhood spoofing calls on Verizon?
Verizon's Call Filter app allows you to block calls from numbers similar to your own (neighborhood spoofing) by enabling the "similar to mine" switch or by adding specific area codes/prefixes you want to block within the app's settings.
How to check if my Verizon device is compatible with Call Filter?
Most modern smartphones on Verizon's standard monthly or prepaid plans are compatible. You can check your device's compatibility on the Verizon website (