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Verizon spam calls

How to block and reduce spam calls on Verizon

Verizon’s free spam protection identifies suspected spam and sends high-risk spam to voicemail. Verizon is moving Call Filter into Verizon Protect, so current users may see either app name while the transition continues.

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Quick answer

Confirm the free Verizon spam protection is active, then add your phone’s own spam-call controls for a layered setup.

Recommended protections

What to turn on

iPhone

Screen calls from unknown numbers

1 min

Makes unknown callers identify themselves before your iPhone rings, or sends them straight to voicemail if you choose Silence.

Keep in mind: Expected callers whose numbers are not saved may be delayed by screening. Silence can send legitimate first-time callers directly to voicemail.

Setup

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Apps, then tap Phone.
  3. Open the setting for screening calls from unknown numbers.
  4. Choose Ask Reason for Calling for a balanced setup.
  5. If you want the most aggressive interruption reduction, choose Silence instead.
Official Apple guidance · Verified 2026-09-22
Android

Turn on caller ID and spam warnings

1 min

Shows warnings for suspected spam callers and identifies some callers or businesses that are not in your contacts.

Keep in mind: This identifies suspicious calls but does not automatically block them by itself.

Setup

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap More options, then Settings.
  3. Tap Caller ID and spam.
  4. Turn on See caller ID & spam.
Official Google guidance · Verified 2026-09-22
Android

Automatically filter spam calls

1 min

Automatically prevents many suspected spam calls from ringing your phone.

Keep in mind: With Filter spam calls, you may not receive missed-call or voicemail notifications for filtered calls, although calls remain in call history and voicemail can still be checked.

Setup

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap More options, then Settings.
  3. Open Caller ID and spam and turn on Filter spam calls if that option appears.
  4. If you use a Pixel and Filter spam calls is not shown, open Spam and Call Screen or Call Screen and enable automatic call screening.
Official Google guidance · Verified 2026-09-22
iPhone

Filter carrier-identified spam calls

1 min

Silences calls your carrier identifies as potential spam or fraud, sends them to voicemail, and moves them to the Spam list.

Keep in mind: A legitimate call can occasionally be mislabeled as spam. Review the Spam list if you are expecting an important call.

Setup

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Apps, then tap Phone.
  3. Find the section for filtering unknown and spam calls.
  4. Turn on Spam.
Official Apple guidance · Verified 2026-09-22
Verizon

Turn on Verizon Call Filter free spam protection

3 min

Detects suspected spam and automatically forwards high-risk spam calls to voicemail.

Keep in mind: Verizon says spam detection can mislabel or block legitimate callers. Add important numbers to Contacts or Allowed Numbers.

Setup

  1. Open Verizon Protect or the Call Filter app, depending on which app Verizon shows for your device.
  2. Open Call Filter and choose the free spam-protection option if setup is required.
  3. Confirm activation and keep the Spam Filter enabled. Verizon's default blocks high-risk spam by sending it to voicemail.
  4. On iPhone, follow the setup prompt to enable Call Filter under Call Blocking & Identification in Phone settings.
  5. Review Allowed Numbers and add important callers if needed.
Official Verizon guidance · Verified 2026-09-22
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How to reduce spam calls and texts on VerizonLearn how Verizon Call Filter and Verizon Protect reduce spam calls, plus how to report spam texts and combine carrier tools with phone settings.How to block and reduce spam calls on AndroidStep-by-step guide to Android caller ID, spam warnings, spam-call filtering and carrier tools for reducing unwanted calls.How to block and reduce spam calls on AT&TUse AT&T ActiveArmor spam-call blocking plus your phone’s built-in settings to reduce robocalls and suspected scam calls.How to stop spam calls without blocking everyoneReduce spam calls with a layered setup using phone screening, carrier spam filtering and reporting tools for iPhone and Android.