Block a number directly from your phone

The fastest way to block a number on Verizon is through your phone itself. When you receive a call or text from someone you want to block, you can reject it right then and add them to your blocked list. The exact steps depend on whether you have an iPhone or Android phone, but both work the same way: find the number in your recent calls or messages, tap the info button, and select block or report spam.

On an iPhone, open the Phone app, find the number in your recent calls, tap the i icon next to it, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller. On Android, open the Phone app, long-press the number in your call history, and tap Block number. Once blocked, that person cannot call or text you, and their calls go straight to voicemail without ringing your phone.

This method works immediately and does not require you to contact Verizon. The block stays on your phone even if you switch carriers later, because the block is stored on your device, not on Verizon's network.

Key Takeaways

  • You can block a number directly from your phone by finding it in your call history or messages and selecting the block option, which works instantly without calling Verizon.
  • Verizon Call Filter is a separate app that blocks spam and robocalls automatically, and you can add specific numbers to a personal block list within the app.
  • Verizon's network-level block through *67 or the My Verizon app prevents a blocked number from reaching you even if they call from a different phone.
  • Blocked callers hear a message that the number is not in service, and their calls do not appear in your call history or generate notifications.
  • You can unblock a number at any time using the same method you used to block it, or through the My Verizon app.

Use Verizon Call Filter to block spam and robocalls

Verizon Call Filter is a free app that automatically blocks known spam and robocalls before they reach you. Download it from the App Store or Google Play, sign in with your Verizon account, and it starts working immediately. The app shows you which calls were blocked and why, so you can see what it caught.

Inside Call Filter, you can also create a personal block list for specific numbers you want to reject. Tap the menu, go to Block List, and add numbers manually. You can also block a number directly from the app's call log if you see an unwanted call there. This gives you two layers of protection: automatic spam blocking plus your own custom list.

Call Filter also lets you set how aggressive the blocking is. You can choose to block only known spam, or to block suspected spam as well. The suspected category catches more unwanted calls but occasionally blocks legitimate ones, so adjust this based on what you experience.

Block a number through the My Verizon app or website

If you want Verizon to block a number at the network level, you can do this through the My Verizon app or website. This type of block is more powerful than a phone-level block because it stops the call before it even reaches your phone. Open the My Verizon app, tap Menu, go to Settings, then Call & Text Settings, and look for Block Calls & Texts.

Add the number you want to block, and Verizon's network will reject it. The blocked caller hears a message saying the number is not in service. This method works even if the person calling you spoofs their number or calls from a different phone, because the block is tied to your account, not to your device.

You can also block a number through the Verizon website. Log into your account, go to Account Settings, find Call & Text Settings, and select Block Calls & Texts. Add up to 30 numbers this way. Network-level blocks take effect within a few minutes.

What happens when you block a number

When you block a number, the person calling cannot reach you. Their call goes to voicemail without your phone ringing, and they do not see a message saying they are blocked — they hear a generic message that the number is not in service or is unavailable. This prevents them from knowing for certain that you blocked them.

Blocked calls and texts do not appear in your call history or message threads. If you want to see what you blocked, you have to check your block list in the app or settings. This keeps your phone clean and prevents accidental replies to blocked contacts.

If the blocked person texts you, the message does not reach your phone at all. They may not know the text failed to deliver, depending on their phone and carrier. Some carriers show a delivery failure, others do not.

Unblock a number if you change your mind

You can unblock a number at any time using the same place you blocked it. On your iPhone, go to Settings, tap Phone, then Blocked Contacts, find the number, and tap Edit then Unblock. On Android, open the Phone app, tap More, go to Settings, tap Blocked Numbers, find the contact, and tap the minus sign to unblock.

To unblock through Call Filter, open the app, go to Block List, find the number, and tap Remove. To unblock through My Verizon, go back to Block Calls & Texts, find the number in your block list, and delete it. Network-level unblocks take effect within a few minutes, just like blocks do.

Block unknown or private numbers

If you are getting calls from blocked or private numbers, you can block the entire category rather than individual numbers. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap Phone, and turn on Silence Unknown Callers. This sends any call from a number not in your contacts straight to voicemail without ringing your phone.

On Android, the option varies by phone model and manufacturer. Open the Phone app, tap More, go to Settings, and look for Block Unknown or Block Private Numbers. Some Android phones do not have this built in, but Call Filter can block suspected spam calls, which catches many private number calls.

Be aware that blocking all unknown numbers means you might miss calls from doctors' offices, schools, or other legitimate callers who use private numbers. Use this setting only if you are getting many unwanted calls from unknown sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone tell if I blocked them?

No. When a blocked person calls, they hear a message that the number is not in service or is unavailable. They do not hear a message saying you blocked them. If they text, the message fails silently on some carriers and shows a delivery failure on others, but nothing explicitly says you blocked them.

Will blocking stop spam and robocalls?

Blocking individual numbers helps with repeat calls from the same number, but spam and robocalls usually come from different numbers each time. Verizon Call Filter is better for this because it blocks known spam automatically. You can also report spam numbers to Verizon through the Call Filter app, which helps the system learn.

What is the difference between blocking on my phone and blocking through Verizon?

Phone-level blocks stop calls on your device only. Network-level blocks through Verizon stop calls before they reach your phone. Network blocks are stronger because they work even if someone spoofs a number or calls from a different phone. Phone blocks are easier to set up and work instantly.

Can I block a number if I do not know who it is?

Yes. You do not need to know the person's name to block their number. Find the number in your call history or messages and block it. If you want to block an entire category of calls, like all private numbers, you can do that too through your phone settings or Call Filter.

How many numbers can I block?

Your phone can store hundreds of blocked contacts. Through My Verizon's network-level block, you can block up to 30 numbers. If you need to block more than 30, use your phone's built-in block feature or Call Filter instead.