Ever found yourself staring at your phone, dreading that incoming call or text from a persistent, unwanted number? Perhaps it's a telemarketer, an old acquaintance, or simply someone you'd rather not hear from. Whatever the reason, if you're a Verizon customer, you're in luck! Blocking a number on Verizon is a straightforward process that can bring you instant peace of mind.
Ready to reclaim your phone from unwanted interruptions? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Identify Your Blocking Goal and Choose Your Method
Before we begin the technical steps, let's consider why you want to block a number. Is it a temporary nuisance, or someone you want to permanently cut ties with? Knowing this will help you choose the most effective blocking method. Verizon offers a few different ways to block numbers, each with its own advantages:
Blocking via My Verizon Online (Recommended for comprehensive control): This method offers the most robust blocking features, allowing you to manage multiple blocked numbers and set up specific blocking rules. It's ideal for long-term solutions and offers a clear overview of your blocked list.
Blocking via My Verizon App (Convenient for on-the-go blocking): If you're out and about and need to quickly block a number you just received a call or text from, the My Verizon app is your best friend. It's a streamlined process that's very user-friendly.
Blocking from Your Phone's Native Settings (Basic on-device blocking): Most smartphones have a built-in blocking feature. While effective for individual numbers, these settings are device-specific and don't sync with Verizon's broader network-level blocking. This is good for immediate, one-off blocks.
Blocking Unwanted Calls and Texts with Call Filter (Advanced Spam Protection): Verizon's Call Filter is a fantastic option for proactively combating spam and scam calls. It identifies and blocks suspicious numbers before they even reach your phone, offering an extra layer of protection.
Once you have your blocking goal in mind, let's move on to the practical steps!
Step 2: Blocking a Number Using My Verizon Online
This is often the most comprehensive and recommended method for managing blocked numbers on your Verizon account.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your My Verizon Account
Open your web browser: Go to the official My Verizon website. You can typically find it by searching "My Verizon" or going directly to
www.verizon.com/myverizon.Log In: Enter your User ID or Mobile Number and your Password. If you've forgotten your login details, there are options to recover your User ID or reset your password. It's crucial to have your account credentials handy for this step.
Sub-heading: Navigating to the Call & Message Blocking Section
Locate the "Account" or "My Account" Section: Once logged in, look for a menu item or tab usually labeled "Account," "My Account," or something similar. Click on it.
Find "Manage Devices" or "Manage Blocking": Within the "Account" section, you'll need to find an option related to "Devices," "Lines," "Features," or "Blocking." Sometimes it's under a larger "Plan & Services" or "Account Overview" heading.
Look for phrases like: "Manage Blocked Numbers," "Call & Message Blocking," or "Manage Devices."
Select the Desired Line (If Applicable): If you have multiple lines on your Verizon account, you'll likely be prompted to select the specific line you wish to apply the blocking to. Make sure you choose the correct phone number.
Sub-heading: Adding Numbers to Your Block List
Identify the Blocking Options: On the Call & Message Blocking page, you'll typically see options to block specific numbers for calls, messages, or both.
Enter the Number: There will be a field where you can enter the 10-digit phone number you wish to block. Double-check the number to ensure accuracy.
Choose Blocking Type: You might have the option to block:
All calls and messages from this number.
Calls only.
Messages only.
Select the option that best suits your needs.
Confirm and Save: After entering the number and selecting the blocking type, click on "Add," "Block," or "Save Changes." You may receive a confirmation message.
Sub-heading: Important Notes on My Verizon Online Blocking
Verizon allows you to block up to 20 numbers per line for a period of 90 days. After 90 days, the block will automatically expire unless you renew it.
You can unblock numbers at any time by returning to this same section and removing them from your blocked list.
This method blocks calls and messages at the network level, meaning they won't even reach your device.
Step 3: Blocking a Number Using the My Verizon App
This is a great option for quick and convenient blocking when you're on the go.
Sub-heading: Downloading and Logging into the App
Download the My Verizon App: If you haven't already, download the official "My Verizon" app from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
Log In: Open the app and enter your User ID or Mobile Number and Password. The app might offer biometric login (fingerprint/face ID) if your device supports it.
Sub-heading: Navigating to Blocking Features within the App
Access the Account Tab: Once logged in, look for a tab or icon typically labeled "Account" or "More." This is usually located at the bottom of the screen.
Find "Manage Devices" or "Block Numbers": Within the Account section, navigate to options related to your devices or services.
Look for headings like: "Devices," "Manage Devices," "Plan & Services," or directly "Call & Message Blocking."
Select the Desired Line: If you have multiple lines, choose the phone number you want to apply the block to.
Sub-heading: Blocking a Number in the App
Locate "Call & Message Blocking": Tap on this option.
Add a Number: You'll see an option to "Add a number" or a similar button.
Enter the 10-Digit Number: Type in the phone number you want to block.
Choose Blocking Preference: Similar to the website, you'll likely have options to block calls, messages, or both.
Confirm: Tap "Block," "Add," or "Save" to finalize the block.
Sub-heading: App-Specific Notes
The 90-day blocking limit and the 20-number per line limit also apply when blocking via the app.
The app interface is generally very intuitive and designed for quick actions.
Step 4: Blocking from Your Phone's Native Settings (Device-Specific)
While less comprehensive than Verizon's network-level blocking, your phone's built-in features offer immediate, on-device blocking. Keep in mind these blocks only apply to that specific device.
Sub-heading: For Android Users:
Open the Phone App: This is typically the green phone icon.
Go to Call History/Recents: Find the number you want to block in your recent calls list.
Tap on the Number or Info Icon: Tap the number itself or an "i" (info) icon next to it.
Find "Block" or "Block/Report Spam": You'll see an option to block the number. Some phones also offer to report it as spam simultaneously.
Confirm: Confirm the action when prompted.
Sub-heading: For iOS (iPhone) Users:
Open the Phone App: Tap the green phone icon.
Go to Recents: Find the number you wish to block in your call history.
Tap the "i" (Info) Icon: This is a blue circle with a white "i" inside, located next to the number.
Scroll Down and Tap "Block this Caller": At the bottom of the contact details, you'll see this option.
Confirm "Block Contact": Tap to confirm.
Sub-heading: Managing Blocked Numbers on Your Phone
Android: Go to your Phone app > three-dot menu (or similar) > Settings > Blocked numbers. Here you can add or remove numbers manually.
iOS: Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. You can add new numbers or unblock existing ones from this list.
Step 5: Leveraging Verizon Call Filter for Advanced Spam Protection
If your primary concern is unwanted spam, scam, and telemarketing calls, Verizon's Call Filter service is an excellent solution.
Sub-heading: Understanding Call Filter
Call Filter is a service that helps identify, filter, and block spam and robocalls. It uses a database of known spam numbers and analyzes incoming calls to help you avoid unwanted interactions.
Sub-heading: Activating and Using Call Filter
Check Your Plan: Some Verizon plans include Call Filter free of charge (e.g., Unlimited Ultimate, Unlimited Plus). For other plans, there might be a premium version with more features available for a monthly fee.
Download the Call Filter App: Search for "Verizon Call Filter" in your device's app store.
Activate the Service: Follow the on-screen prompts to activate Call Filter for your line. This usually involves granting permissions for the app to access your call log.
Customize Settings:
Spam Risk Labels: See labels like "Spam Risk" or "Potential Spam" on incoming calls.
Automatic Blocking: Set the app to automatically block calls identified as high-risk spam.
Personal Block List: You can add specific numbers to your personal block list within the Call Filter app, similar to the My Verizon methods.
Report Spam: Report unwanted calls to help improve the Call Filter database.
Explore the app's settings to tailor it to your preferences.
Sub-heading: Benefits of Call Filter
Proactive Blocking: Stops many unwanted calls before your phone even rings.
Caller ID for Spam: Provides insight into who's calling, even if it's a known spammer.
Robocall Protection: Specifically designed to combat the pervasive problem of robocalls.
Spam Reporting: You contribute to a cleaner calling environment for everyone by reporting spam.
By following these steps, you can effectively block unwanted numbers on your Verizon account and regain control over your communication. Whether you choose the comprehensive My Verizon online method, the convenient app, your phone's native settings, or the proactive Call Filter, peace and quiet are just a few taps away!
Related FAQ Questions
How to block a number permanently on Verizon?
While Verizon's network-level blocking through My Verizon or the My Verizon app currently has a 90-day limit, you can manually renew the block every 90 days. For truly permanent blocking, it's best to use your phone's native blocking features in conjunction with Verizon's network-level block.
How to unblock a number on Verizon?
To unblock a number, simply go back to the "Call & Message Blocking" section on the My Verizon website or the My Verizon app, find the number on your blocked list, and select the option to "Unblock" or "Remove." For device-level blocks, go to your phone's settings for blocked numbers and remove it there.
How to block a text message on Verizon?
You can block text messages along with calls using the My Verizon website or My Verizon app by selecting "Calls & Messages" or "Messages only" when adding a number to your blocked list.
How to block unknown numbers on Verizon?
Verizon's network-level blocking (My Verizon online/app) generally doesn't have a direct "block unknown numbers" feature. However, Call Filter can help by identifying and blocking calls from "No Caller ID" or suspicious numbers. Some phone's native settings also have an option to "Silence Unknown Callers" or similar.
How to block a number from calling me but not texting me on Verizon?
When using the My Verizon website or My Verizon app for blocking, you will typically be given the option to choose if you want to block "Calls only," "Messages only," or "Both." Select "Calls only" to block calls but allow texts.
How to block a number without them knowing on Verizon?
When you block a number using any of the methods on Verizon (My Verizon, My Verizon app, or even your phone's native settings), the person whose number you've blocked will not receive a notification that they have been blocked. Their calls will simply not go through, or their messages will not be delivered to your device.
How to see blocked numbers on Verizon?
You can view your list of blocked numbers by logging into your My Verizon account online and navigating to the "Call & Message Blocking" section. Similarly, you can see them within the My Verizon app under the same feature. Your phone's native settings also maintain their own list of blocked contacts.
How to block a number from a landline on Verizon?
Blocking on Verizon's network primarily applies to wireless numbers. If you have a Verizon Fios Digital Voice landline, you would typically manage call blocking through your Fios account online or via specific features available for your Fios Voice service. This is separate from wireless blocking.
How to block a number on Verizon for free?
All the methods described – using My Verizon online, the My Verizon app, and your phone's native settings – are free for Verizon wireless customers. The basic version of the Call Filter app is also free for many plans, with premium features available for an extra charge.
How to block a private number on Verizon?
Verizon's network-level blocking through My Verizon or the My Verizon app is designed for specific 10-digit numbers. For "Private" or "No Caller ID" calls, the Verizon Call Filter app is the most effective solution. It can help identify and block these types of calls proactively.
