In the United States, unwanted robocalls and spam calls have become a significant nuisance. If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer, you have access to a tool designed specifically to combat this problem: the Verizon Call Filter app. This article provides an overview of the app, its features, and how it can help you regain control over your incoming calls.
What is the Verizon Call Filter App?
The Verizon Call Filter app is a mobile application offered by Verizon to its wireless subscribers. Its primary goal is to help you identify, filter, and block unwanted calls, particularly those originating from known spam or fraudulent numbers.
Core Purpose
The app leverages Verizon’s network intelligence and user reports to detect potential spam calls. It aims to reduce the number of interruptions from telemarketers, robocallers, and potential scammers, providing a more peaceful mobile experience.
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Who Can Use It?
The Call Filter app is available to Verizon Wireless postpaid and prepaid customers with compatible iOS or Android smartphones. Availability might vary slightly based on your specific plan and device.
Key Features of the App
The Verizon Call Filter app offers several features to manage incoming calls:
Spam Detection and Filtering
- The app automatically identifies suspected spam calls based on a constantly updated database.
- You can configure settings to automatically block calls identified with a high risk of being spam or simply alert you with a “Potential Spam” warning on the incoming call screen.
Personal Block List
- Beyond automatic detection, you can manually add specific phone numbers to your personal block list, ensuring calls from those numbers never reach you.
Spam Reporting
- Users can easily report unsolicited spam numbers directly through the app. This crowdsourced information helps improve the accuracy of the spam detection database for all users.
Caller ID
- Depending on the service level (see below), the app can provide enhanced Caller ID features, potentially showing names for numbers not already in your contacts.
Spam Risk Meter
- For calls that aren’t automatically blocked, the app may display a risk level (low, medium, high) for suspected spam, helping you decide whether to answer.
Free vs. Call Filter Plus (Paid Version)
Verizon typically offers two tiers for this service:
Included Features (Free)
The basic, free version of the Verizon Call Filter app generally includes:
- Spam detection and filtering capabilities.
- The ability to report spam numbers.
- Blocking of numbers based on your personal block list.
- Identification of potential scam calls.
Enhanced Features (Call Filter Plus)
For a monthly fee, Call Filter Plus typically adds more robust features, such as:
- Full Caller Name ID (displays names for unknown callers).
- Creation and management of a personal spam list.
- Ability to block calls based on assigned spam risk level.
- Spam number lookup features.
- Increased capacity for your personal block list.
Note: Specific features and pricing for Call Filter Plus are subject to change and should be verified directly with Verizon.
Getting Started
Using the app is straightforward:
How to Download and Install
- Navigate to the app store on your smartphone (Apple App Store for iPhone, Google Play Store for Android).
- Search for “Verizon Call Filter”.
- Download and install the official app provided by Verizon.
Setting Up Permissions
- Upon launching the app for the first time, you will likely need to grant it necessary permissions (e.g., access to contacts, call management) to function correctly. Follow the on-screen prompts for setup.
- You may also need to ensure the service is active on your Verizon account, which can often be managed through the app itself or your My Verizon account portal.
