The fastest way to block a number on Verizon
You can block a number on Verizon in three ways: directly from your phone after a call or text, through the My Verizon app, or by calling Verizon customer service. The method you choose depends on whether you want to block one number quickly or manage a list of blocked numbers over time.
If you just received a call or text from a number you want to block, the fastest route is to do it right from your phone without opening any app. For iPhone, open the Phone app, find the number in your recent calls or in the Messages app, tap the info icon next to it, scroll down, and tap "Block this Caller." For Android, open the Phone app, press and hold the number, and select "Block number" from the menu. The number is blocked immediately.
If you want to block multiple numbers or manage your blocked list later, the My Verizon app gives you a central place to see all your blocked contacts. This method also works if you want to unblock a number without hunting through your call history.
Key Takeaways
- You can block a number directly from your phone's Phone or Messages app without using any Verizon tool — the block happens on your device, not on Verizon's network.
- The My Verizon app lets you view, add, and remove blocked numbers in one place, which is useful if you block many numbers or want to unblock someone later.
- Blocking a number stops calls and texts from that number, but the caller will not receive a message saying they are blocked — the call or text simply fails to reach you.
- If you block a number and then change your mind, you can unblock it the same way you blocked it, either through your phone or through the My Verizon app.
Blocking a number through the My Verizon app
Open the My Verizon app on your phone and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right. Select "Settings," then "Call & Message Blocking." Tap "Block a number" and enter the phone number you want to block, then confirm. The number is added to your blocked list immediately.
From this same screen, you can see all the numbers you have already blocked. If you want to unblock a number, find it in the list, tap it, and select "Unblock." You can also block numbers by contact name if you have them saved in your phone — just search for the contact instead of typing a number.
Blocking a number by calling Verizon customer service
If you prefer to block a number over the phone, call Verizon customer service at 611 from your Verizon phone or 1-908-559-4899 from any phone. Tell the representative the number you want to block, and they will add it to your account. This method is slower than blocking through your phone or the app, but it works if you do not have access to your device or prefer speaking to someone.
When you block a number through customer service, the block is recorded on your Verizon account. This means if you switch phones or get a new SIM card, the blocked numbers will carry over to your new device — they are not just stored on your old phone.
What happens when you block a number
When you block a number on Verizon, calls and text messages from that number will not reach you. The blocked caller will not hear a message saying they are blocked; instead, their call will go to voicemail (if you have voicemail set up) or fail silently. Text messages from a blocked number simply will not appear in your Messages app.
If the blocked caller tries to reach you multiple times, they may eventually realize something is wrong, but Verizon does not send them a notification that you have blocked them. The block is invisible on their end.
The difference between blocking on your phone and blocking through Verizon
Blocking a number directly on your phone (through the Phone or Messages app) stores the block on your device only. If you get a new phone or switch to a different device, those blocks will not transfer unless you back up your contacts and blocked list to iCloud (iPhone) or Google (Android).
Blocking through the My Verizon app or by calling customer service stores the block on your Verizon account. This means the block will follow you to a new phone as long as you use the same Verizon account and phone number. If you frequently switch devices or want your blocks to persist across phones, account-level blocking is more reliable.
Unblocking a number you blocked by mistake
If you blocked a number and want to unblock it, the process is the same as blocking. On iPhone, open the Phone app, go to Recents, find the blocked number, tap the info icon, and select "Unblock this Caller." On Android, open the Phone app, press and hold the number, and select "Unblock number."
Through the My Verizon app, go to Settings > Call & Message Blocking, find the number in your blocked list, and tap "Unblock." The number will be able to reach you again immediately. If you blocked the number through customer service, you can unblock it the same way — either through your phone, the app, or by calling 611 again.
When blocking is not enough
If you are receiving calls or texts from numbers that keep changing or from unknown numbers, blocking individual numbers becomes tedious. Verizon offers a separate tool called Call Filter that can automatically block suspected spam and robocalls. Call Filter is free for Verizon customers and works in the background without you having to block each number manually.
You can also report spam or robocalls to Verizon through the My Verizon app or by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM). This helps Verizon identify patterns and block those numbers for other customers. If you are being harassed by a specific person, blocking the number is a first step, but you may also want to contact local law enforcement or your phone carrier's abuse team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the person I blocked know that I blocked them?
No. When you block a number, the caller will not receive a notification or message saying they are blocked. Their call will go to voicemail or fail silently, and text messages will not be delivered. They may eventually suspect they are blocked if calls consistently fail, but Verizon does not tell them directly.
Can I block a number that is not saved in my contacts?
Yes. You can block any phone number, whether it is saved in your contacts or not. You can block a number from your recent calls, from a text message, or by typing the number directly into the My Verizon app or your phone's blocking settings.
If I block a number, will I still see their voicemail or text messages?
No. Blocked calls go to voicemail, but you will not see the voicemail in your voicemail inbox — it will be deleted automatically. Blocked text messages will not appear in your Messages app at all. You will have no record of the blocked contact trying to reach you.
What is the difference between blocking and silencing notifications?
Silencing notifications (or muting a contact) means you will still receive calls and texts from that person, but your phone will not ring or alert you. Blocking means the calls and texts will not reach you at all. If you want to hear from someone but do not want constant alerts, silencing is the right choice. If you do not want contact at all, block the number.
Can I block a number on my Verizon home phone or business line?
Yes, but the process is different. For Verizon home phone service, you can use the Call Filter feature through your online account or call customer service. For business lines, contact your Verizon business account manager, as blocking options may vary depending on your service plan.