VZW Call Filter supposed to be free as of March 2019

[mijojo19]

Hello, Verizon Wireless customers! 

This is my first post, but more importantly, I was under the impression that Verizon Wireless was supposed to offer their "Call Filter" program/app for free in March 2019.  I am still being billed for this and it hasn't really stopped the constant influx of ROBOCALLS from my area code and first 3 digit prefix and other numbers.

Anybody have some insight they'd share with me and any other persons being barated and bombarded with these robocalling scam artists?

[boringusername]

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@MIKEPASTA wrote:

FYI... Just found out that the Call Filter ONLY works on authorized (read LOCKED) Verizon phones. If you have an UNLOCKED phone from the manufacturer (like my Unlocked Samsung S10+), Call Filter from Verizon WILL NOT WORK. After being on the phone with Verizon for over an hour and speaking to 3 different people AND going to my local store twice, they FINALLY admitted that this app ONLY works with VERIZON LOCKED phones. Shocker... I know. Shame on you Verizon.

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You mean Verizon branded phones. Verizon phones are not locked. And of coruse this feature would only work n Verion branded phones. You want Verizon features get a phone geared for Verizon's network

[MIKEPASTA]

The Call Filter doesn't work on just Verizon branded phones, according to Verizon it works on unbranded iPhones as well. (See Verizon's earlier post.) It just doesn't work with unlocked Android phones (Samsung and Google).

Are Verizon phones locked? They claim no, but they are... partially. (See my earlier post about blocking access to the diagnostic code function.) They even lock (block) access to unlocked phones. This is true concerning both Verizon branded Galaxy phones and unlocked Galaxy phones. These functions are not blocked by ATT, Sprint, or T-Mobile. Verizon openly admits to locking or blocking certain features on their network. I understand that it is their right. If you want to play in their game, you have to play by their rules. 

As far as getting a Verizon phone? No thank you. I get most of the features I want without having to pay their monthly fee. Their bloatware isn't worth it to me. I use Hiya for spam blocking instead of Call Filter. It works great and is free. Just thought it would be nice to use one that my carrier provides. 

[vzw_customer_support]

MIKEPASTA, it definitely sounds like you have been well informed about the new and free feature. It is imperative that we be as clear as possible, so I am here to help add additional details on top of the helpful information you have supplied. All Apple iOS 10+ capable phones will work regardless of where it was purchased. On the other hand, all Android unlocked devices bought through the manufacturer and Google Experience Devices are not compatible with the Call Filter app. It is also important to note that all Verizon devices are unlocked the moment they are activated on our network.

AkaneM_VZW

[MIKEPASTA]

"It is also important to note that all Verizon devices are unlocked the moment they are activated on our network."

Not quite completely true. In fact, even unlocked phones brought to Verizon are partially locked by Verizon. I'll give you one example: Diagnostic Dialer Codes. They are blocked by Verizon as soon as you put the Verizon SIM in the phone and connect. I bought my S10+ from Samsung. Before I put my SIM in, I was able to access the dialer codes using the keypad. I'm sure you are familiar with them. For instance, entering *#06# immediately brought up my IMEI. All of the other codes worked fine as well. As soon as I put in the Verizon SIM and connected to my service, those codes no longer work. Even after taking out my SIM and trying it (even in Safe Mode), it no longer worked. I did a factory reset on my phone and tried it without the SIM, they worked again. As soon as I put my SIM back in, they were blocked. I went to my local store and the rep I talked with said that wasn't right. We called Tier 2 CS (while still at the store) and they said that yes, VZN does indeed block access to those dialer codes. They couldn't/wouldn't explain why as T-Mobile, Sprint & ATT do not block them. The rep at the store was quite dumbfounded on this. He said it didn't make sense. 

As far as the Call Filter app goes, will there come a time where VZN will let it be installed on unlocked Android phones? Is there a reason why VZN does not allow it on an unlocked device? I even checked into paying for the premium version, but found out that too is not compatible.

Thank you!

[Cchu]

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@boringusername wrote:

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 Did you download the app?

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The app is only available for a handful of devices (none of them mine) at this time.  

[vzw_customer_support]

Cchu, stopping unwanted calls in all devices is important, so we are here to assist. Currently, the Call Filter app is not available in Android devices launched prior to June 2017. However, updates are rolling out to allow the app to be downloaded. We do not have an exact date for the update, but please ensure the next software update is completed. Does this help?

DavidC_VZW

[jimsold]

Well people this shows that Verizon is either breaking another promise or just flat out lied to us again. This disappointments me because I have been telling my friends how Verizon was going to give us free help with the Robo calls, so now they will think I am the one that is telling a lie. I am going to see if I can get my blood pressure back down.

[vzw_customer_support]

jimsold, 

We would never want to cause you disappointment, and we know that it is crucial to be able to manage spam calls. The new Verizon Call filter is available for free! We do also offer an enhanced version for $2.99 with additional features, but the free Call Filter version allows you to block fraud and spam calls, and report suspicious numbers. When you initially download Call Filter, you will be given a free trial. After the trial expires, you will be offered the paid option for $2.99, or the free option. You will not be auto-enrolled in either version, but will be given a choice. Does this help clarify?  http://spr.ly/6609EeKfh;

MichelleH_VZW

[Austinite]

I have the VZW Call filter installed on my phone, works flawlessly.  You need to go into SETTINGS  and make sure your signed-in.  Then go to SCREENING, then click BLOCK, then click SPam Filter On and choose Medium & High Risk, make sure your Auto-Block spam calls by risk level is turned-on.  This should get you going without spam calls coming through.

[mijojo19]

Thank you that was a great suggestion!