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Verizon to enable spam call filtering by default on select Android phones

Verizon to enable spam call filtering by default on select Android phones

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Available on select Android handsets at first

By Jon Porter, a reporter with five years of experience covering consumer tech releases, EU tech policy, online platforms, and mechanical keyboards.

Aug 27, 2019, 3:17 PM UTC

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Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg

Verizon is starting to opt in customers to its call filtering service so they can better identify and block spam calls. The carrier launched the free service earlier this year, but it will now download its call filtering app on select Android devices automatically and opt customers into a degree of spam blocking using the service.

First released for free back in March, Verizon’s call filtering service allows customers to get an alert when a call is likely spam, report unsolicited numbers, and block spam calls based on a “preferred level of risk.” However, in June the Federal Communications Commission voted to allow carriers to block robocalls by default, and Verizon is now taking advantage of this new rule. Users can still opt out if they want to.

Verizon plans to add more eligible devices each week

Verizon says that calls from numbers that have been reported as fraudulent will be automatically blocked, while other numbers will generate a “potential spam” warning message on the incoming call screen. Calls from known contacts will be unaffected. Users also have the option of blocking all international calls if the only ones they receive are spam.

A Verizon spokesperson told The Verge that the service’s rollout will be staggered, with new devices added each week. Users with iOS devices will still be able to access the service, but they’ll have to download Verizon’s Call Filter app manually.

The rollout will start with Samsung devices, with new models being added to the list over time. The initial list includes:

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