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Verizon Customers on Android to Get Automatic Robocall Blocking

The carrier started rolling out a free version of its Call Filter spam detection and blocking service in March, but until today, everyone had to download the app and sign up for it themselves. Now Android users won't have to take that extra step.

 & Jake Leary jake_leary@ziffdavis.com

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In June, the FCC allowed wireless carriers to automatically enroll customers in robocall-blocking services, and Verizon customers with select Android phones will now benefit from that move.

Starting today, Verizon will "automatically protect eligible Android users through free spam-detection and blocking high-risk calls." Those on iOS will have to download Verizon's Call Filter app to enroll in the free service.

The carrier started rolling out a free version of its Call Filter spam detection and blocking service in March, but until today, everyone had to download the app and sign up for it themselves. Now Android users won't have to take that extra step.

With the free version of Call Filter, you'll get an alert when a call is likely spam. Some calls from known spammers will be blocked and sent straight to voicemail, others will appear as "Potential Spam" in the caller ID field. The service also lets you report unsolicited numbers and will automatically block robocalls based on your preferred level of risk.

A paid version of Call Filter is $3 per month; it will identify unknown callers by name, even if they aren't saved in your contacts. The paid version also includes a robocall risk meter, a spam number lookup feature, and lets you create a personal robocall list.

"We know our customers are sick and tired of the endless onslaught of robocalls," Verizon EVP Ronan Dunne said in a statement. "Our team is committed to developing and enhancing the tools that will help bring relief to our customers. This is another major step in that process."

About Our Expert

Jake Leary

Jake Leary

jake_leary@ziffdavis.com

Jake Leary is an editorial intern at PCMag covering tech news. He loves gaming of all stripes and keeps an eye out for tech-industry oddities. He previously worked as a student reporter at Ithaca College and an arts writer for the greater Ithaca, NY area. Follow him on Twitter at @jd_leary.

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