To get caller ID on a Verizon cell phone, you need to enable the free Verizon Call Filter app, which displays the incoming phone number and blocks spam. If you want to see the name of callers not saved in your contacts, you must subscribe to Call Filter Plus.
How to get caller ID on verizon cell phone with the Call Filter app
The Verizon Call Filter app is the primary way to manage caller ID and spam protection on your device. It is pre-loaded on most Android phones or can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. For iPhones, download it from the Apple App Store; the app requires iOS 13.3 or later.
- Open the Call Filter app on your phone.
- Tap "Get started" and follow the on-screen instructions to configure your profile and preferences.
- Ensure the app has the necessary permissions to display caller information and filter calls.
- Once set up, the app will automatically show the incoming number and flag suspected spam.
You can manage your Call Filter settings directly within the app or, for eligible devices, through My Verizon.
Free Call Filter vs. Call Filter Plus: what you get
Verizon offers two tiers of the Call Filter service. The free version includes spam detection, a spam filter, a log of spam and blocked calls, the ability to allow specific numbers, and spam reporting. This is enough to see the caller's phone number and avoid most nuisance calls.
Call Filter Plus costs $3.99 per month for one line or $10.99 per month for three or more lines. It adds Caller Name ID, which shows the name of callers not in your contacts, a personal block list, spam lookup, a spam risk meter, and the ability to block calls by category. If you need to know exactly who is calling, Call Filter Plus is the upgrade you want. Verizon Smart Family provides advanced parental controls and Caller ID features like Caller ID Name, allowing you to see the names of contacts for all the devices on your account. Voicemail Transcription automatically transcribes voice messages into text form, requiring Visual Voicemail to be enabled on your device.
Basic caller ID included with your Verizon plan
All Verizon plans include basic caller ID, which displays the incoming caller's phone number at no extra cost. The Call Filter app builds on this foundation by adding spam protection and, with the Plus subscription, optional name display. You do not need to pay extra just to see a number, but the app gives you far more control over who gets through.
How to customize your outgoing caller ID with Share Name ID
Share Name ID is a separate, free service from Verizon that lets you control the name shown when you call other Verizon customers who have caller ID. This is useful if you want your business name or a preferred nickname to appear instead of your billing name. You can set it up through your My Verizon account or by contacting customer support. Caller ID Picture allows you to associate photos with contacts in your phonebook, so when they call, their picture will appear on your screen.
Troubleshooting caller ID issues on Verizon
If you are not seeing caller ID or are having other problems, try these common fixes:
- Call Filter blocking legitimate calls: The spam filter may accidentally block calls you want to receive. Open the Call Filter app and check your spam filter settings. You can add trusted numbers to your allow list so they always ring through.
- No caller ID display: Make sure the Call Filter app is installed and updated. Verify that caller ID permissions are enabled in your phone's settings. If you are using an iPhone, confirm your device is running iOS 13.3 or later. Caller ID may not be available in some areas or for certain types of calls, such as international or blocked numbers.
- Incompatible Caller ID Format: If you see a Caller ID displayed in an incompatible format, try updating your device's software to the latest version.
- Incomplete Caller ID Information: If you're receiving calls with incomplete Caller ID information, such as missing names or numbers, it could be due to issues with your Verizon account. Contact Verizon customer support.
- Network or Service Outage: Check Verizon's support website or contact customer support to find out if there are any known issues in your area that could be impacting Caller ID functionality.
- Caller ID Blocking: If you have enabled Caller ID blocking on your Verizon cell phone, your number will not be displayed to others when you make outgoing calls. Ensure that Caller ID blocking is not enabled if you want to see the caller's ID on the receiving end.
- Device compatibility: Call Filter requires a compatible device and plan. If the app does not work, check with Verizon to confirm your phone is supported. If you consistently experience Caller ID issues with specific callers, it's worth contacting Verizon customer support to investigate the compatibility of your device with their network.
If you receive a call from a private number and need to identify the caller, you can use the feature to call back in 5 easy ways by checking your recent calls log and using the Call Filter app to review any flagged numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Call Filter app compatible with all Verizon phones?
No, a compatible device and plan are required. Most modern Android and iPhone models are supported, but you should check Verizon's compatibility list or the app store listing for your specific phone.
Will Call Filter Plus cost me extra if I already have Verizon Protect?
All Call Filter services are moving into Verizon Protect soon. If you already subscribe to Verizon Protect, check whether Call Filter Plus is included or if you need to add it separately.
Can I manage Call Filter settings without the app?
Yes, for eligible devices you can manage Call Filter settings through My Verizon. This includes turning spam filtering on or off and reviewing your blocked numbers list.
Does Call Filter work on international calls?
The app can identify and filter international spam calls, but caller name display may not be available for all international numbers. The incoming phone number will still appear.
How do I stop Call Filter from blocking calls I want?
Open the Call Filter app, go to your spam filter settings, and add the numbers you trust to your allow list. You can also adjust the filter sensitivity to reduce the chance of false positives.
