YouMail: Block Spam on iPhone Reviews

by Law482017

I’ve been a youmailer for many years, and love this app ability to block calls and personally greet callers by name. this app is spot on with blocking calls my phone almost never rings for scammers. But lately I’m seeing a lot more large intrusive ads. Hinders Me from basic functionality like clearing recents you have to wait for the large ad and many don’t have an X to exit. I understand money is needed to develop YouMail . And ads provide revenue but the smaller ads weee not so aggressive and intrusive. Let me also add that this app has always been free to me but I also don’t get additional functionality with free version. As of now I will continue to try to keep this app but I’m the type of customer to delete any app with large intrusive ads no matter how good YouMail is. I may very well be forced to use my carrier call blocker, and I’ll be sad to see this app go but very happy to stop these large intrusive ads. Thank you this app happy New Years! UPDATE!!! I UNINSTALLED, THE LAST ADD WAS HUGE, INTRUSIVE AND VERY LOUD SOUND. NO X TO STOP. UNACCEPTABLE FOR ME ILL SINCERELY HATE TO SEE YOU GO BUT IM DONE WITH this app.

by Candigirl1968

YouMail blocked my home monitoring company - whose message is automated - from leaving a message. Big problem. Loved YouMail before that. Now, I am left to wonder what else got blocked. This one episode ruins YouMail for me. Uninstalling. Update: the developer responded by contending that the number was likely spoofed and so its number was marked as spam. When I called from my own own home number (because I was shocked at what happened), I got the same message that voicemail wasn’t set up. If someone at my own home cannot leave a message for me, that’s a problem. Since it’s impossible to know what numbers have been spoofed, this creates a significant drawback to YouMail , as no message can be left, even in a discreet “possible spam” folder. I don’t expect YouMail to be perfect. But, if it is blocking messages from members of my own home (which number was in the contacts I linked to YouMail , so no excuse) it’s worthless. Update No. 2: Developer suggested I was still on my carrier’s voicemail. I was not. I received other voicemails on this app. The only known voicemails I didn’t receive were from my land line and my alarm company. Not receiving either is a problem.

by JagrPenguin68

As a spam call blocker it works great for the most part but callers that aren’t on your contacts list (like Drs alternate outgoing only lines, etc.) go straight to voicemail and you never even know they’ve called until it’s too late and you’ve missed the call!! So if you’re waiting for an important call-back or get an emergency call from some random number, you won’t get it. And even my Mom called me twice in a row and I missed the call. I heard the phone ring (since she’s obviously on my contact list), but she said when it went to voicemail, it wasn’t my normal voicemail. It was an automated voicemail that gave my number but the last 2 digits were wrong so she thought she dialed the wrong number. That’s why she called twice in a row but got the same message twice. She was confused because she knows my number and didn’t leave a message because the message said the number but the last 2 digits were wrong. WTH?! How many other calls have I missed that didn’t leave a message because the voicemail has the wrong number on the message?! I’ve deleted YouMail from my phone but I still keep getting voicemail emails. Why am I still getting these if I deleted YouMail ? Very frustrating!

by Brock1100

YouMail does what it is supposed to do as I have been using it for a few years now. However, I believe I will be starting to look for a new service, or just go back to my carriers voicemail. I am starting to get a ton of spam texts which YouMail isn’t the greatest at blocking. What I am most disappointed in is the fact that this app offered 100 voicemails to be saved under the free plan. They have now limited this to 50 to get you to upgrade. I understand that it is due to storage & operations costs, however, this app did not even notify me of this change. They did this without even mentioning it to their users which is shady if you ask me. Clear & honest communication about something like that would have been much appreciated & more than likely I wouldn’t even be as upset about this as I am to just find out that so and so couldn’t leave a voicemail cause I’m at max. Furthermore, this should have been grandfathered to existing users, or as I mentioned at least notified well in advance prior to making such change, or even offered some incentive to their existing users to upgrade to a plan. Very shady business practices.

by The Original Joc

Now this is a free app that I would have gladly paid to upgrade if it actually worked. Its advertised as "stopping robocalls"; it does not do that. What it actually does is provide a ability to stop robocallers from leaving messages. I complained twice to the "help desk via chat; they were polite and helpful". I have the saved data from our chats where I am reporting the robocalls getting through and still annoying the crap out of me. While chatting with the tech today two calls from their known data base of spoofed spammed calls/robocalls called my phone. I told the tech when it happened and he told me without hesitation our app doesn't stop getting calls. Our app prevents receiving voicemail from those robocalls said "Cornelius".

I dropped this app today.

Edit: while you mail states it stops robocalls that was not my experience. I reported two times that "KNOWN" robocallers got past and one left a voice mail. Once this happened while on line with this app support. My phone allowed it to happen but the this app app did not react to known robocaller.

by Blocks Wanted Calls

I had this app and this app professional version for a while and the transcription service is generally very good. HOWEVER the spam call blocking service is problematic. Any member apparently can note a number as spam whether or not it is, and without verification it is blocked as a spam caller unless you have that number specifically in your contacts. ATT UVerse was trying to call regarding appointments and the call kept going to spam and I never received it...was having issues with other companies too. I contacted this app to see if I could turn that feature off because I should not be subject to the whim of any of their members merely noting a number as spam and then I do not receive my appointment calls. I asked this app if I could turn that feature off and they said no...that the number had to be in my contacts to receive it if someone marked as spam. That blocks calls from others that I may need and just because they are not in my contacts it seems other this app members can say it is spam and it is blocked. I reported the ATT number to them as not spam but as long as they give other this app members the ability to determine what calls I receive that are not in my contacts merely by marking them as spam, I am not interested. this app, when you make this feature an optional opt out let me know.

by Mso9905

I will start off by saying that the this app service is second to none, I’ve been a this app subscriber in the free tier for many years. I have no complaints about the service itself. My only issue is that the free tier has minimal mechanisms for user support in place. I understand that the free tier is not supported as well as the paid edition by design, I am not looking for support to the level of the paid edition. I simply am looking for some way to report software bugs to the developer. Over the years I have encountered bugs with the iOS app, some as recently as the time this review was written. I am not looking for 24/7 support at the free level, I understand this type of support is reserved for paid users, but at the same time it is very frustrating that there is no clear process for submitting bug reports for the iOS app for free tier users. I would think that it would be in the developers best interest to accept and review reports like these from ALL users to squash bugs in future updates, as it helps to improve the product overall. If there is some sort of mechanism for bug reports for free tier users, it is very unclear at best and I was not able to find it within the iOS app or the website.

by Navlaw

I got a new iPhone and the assigned number must have belonged to somebody who got a lot Robocalls and spam messages. I think the prior number owner either never did anything to block the nuisance calls or just gave up and got a new number. It only took a few days of activation and the robocalls and spam became constant. I didn’t want to change my number, because I had already given the number to friends and family. I tried blocking services from my provider and blocking on my phone, but the calls and spam kept coming. I started using Verizon Call Filter and Hiya together along with reporting directly to Nomorobo which reduced the calls but not stopping them all together. I needed an app that would fool the Robo calls and spammers into thinking my number was not working, which is exactly what this app did for me. My only compliant is that it takes a little bit to really understand how to make YouMail work best, it does not integrate with your phone block call list - you have to manually add block numbers and it will not reject five digit spam messages - I use SPAMSMS app for that. I had to be persistent about manually adding numbers to block, but doing that along with using their blacklisted numbers has reduced nuisance calls down to one or two a day. Some days, I get zero. I just wish YouMail could block 5 digit spam messages. I would pay for the more robust version, if I needed it.

by Mike In Pa 18643

this app has taken something very valuable to me and has given it back-TIME! I literally have been a member since approximately 2010. I started as a free user and then had switched to a Professional Plan. The service is second to none and I love how they actually take suggestions on how to better their app and use it. I don’t think that anyone understands the full features of this all in one favorite of mine. And no I don’t own or work for the company in anyway. Honest. This answers callers by name, has a custom recording of my name and business, has conference calling, spam blocking (or block anyone you choose with a message that your phone is out of order), greetings specifically for a contact, and even an extra line for whatever you want. I hate listening to voicemails. This transcribes the vms and text and/or emails them to you. If I needed to hear the tone of the message, I could still listen. Plus it holds up to 10,000 vms. YouMail is my favorite and so many business associates have commented on how does my phone know their name. People love it. Also, with your friends, there are masses of greetings from funny to musical. I don’t know what I would do without my this app. As you may have guessed, I highly recommend it for anyone A+++++! I also love how they are always doing something to improve their product. Thanks, Mike

by Chfpsycho

I have been a subscriber for years. I’ve been using the free version but decided to buy it just to support a great company. YouMail is much better than the carrier voicemail. I first installed it to block the spam that my carrier’s voicemail wouldn’t but got much more than I intended to. It does a great job at blocking unwanted calls, but does so much more. I love the smart greetings feature which greets the caller by name or plays an out of service message to nuisance callers. There are some funny greetings you can use too. You can customize who gets what greeting as well. With the message transcription, I can read my voicemail right on my watch-no need to listen. That’s just with the free version. I’m looking forward to seeing what the paid version does. I can’t recommend YouMail highly enough. Great job!!

by Rhmachote

I wasn't quite sure if it was worth switching my voice mail from my service provider to this app. I decided to switch. A little confused when incorporating this app until reading further and found out to get it to work was simply forwarding non answered phone calls from my provider to this app. Once I got it forwarded and activated I was surprised how flexible it was compared to my providers mail. I like the fact that it has professional features and features for the average user. If I was in business I would definitely opt to purchase business features, of course at a cost. I use the Plus features which gives you an extra number to separate your personal and other calls, also has a conference call option which is very easy to setup. You can leave seperate greetings for people that leaves a message, a seperate message for those that hangup. Even leave a seperated greeting for you personal contacts, it uses you contacts list. I love all the different Greetings you can use from funny to serious to professional type. I have spent 2 days going thru the greetings and have not finished yet. You can save several greetings and easily switch them out. So far this app is working for me. Try it, if you dont like it youneasily revert back to your original voice mail.

by Youmail39

I just installed this app yesterday and I’m already loving it because since I did I have not received any spam call’s or voicemails at all but before I installed it I get so many messages and calls from spam and I wasn’t happy to receive them since i got so much work to do in my phone and I don’t have time for spam calls even though they will try to act like they willing to help you with any situation but the problem is they going to steel ur information and even credit cards numbers and social security numbers and much more information trust me don’t ever give anything to anyone calls if you’re not 100% sure who they are or where they trying to help you with at all because you will be one of many people who lost their license money and much more I wish the best for everyone and I hope you got something out of my review,,,

by Swoopdaddy52

this app is possibly the best call blocking and consumer usable program that exist! Especially with a plethora of free or standard features that make it a no brainer with all of the annoying spam calls today! It is easy to use and can be customized to fit any personal or business need! It would be perfect if it could create a work around to companies like xfinity who claim to not be able to control their own settings to their voicemail! Xfinity has a apparent built in setting of 6 rings before their voicemail answers! I was told there is no way that even they could change the number of ring settings! If this app could find a way to correct other companies obvious flaws then you guys would be perfect!! Who waits 6 rings to leave a voicemail? This shows me how great your thoughtfulness and concern for the consumer stands above the rest! Keep up the good work this app and Vincent is the best !

by KasieSpring

Thank you so much for creating YouMail! I’ve been receiving calls for vacation time shares and refinancing my student loans for three years. I am on the donotcall list, I have reported the numbers, yelled at them, blocked multiple numbers, requested to be removed. Nothing has worked. I had been considering changing my number when I found your app. You were my last resort and I am so happy to have found you before I went ahead and changed my number. The calls have almost stopped. Just one week into using this and I’ve gone from 7+ calls a day to only two this entire week (two who were played the out of service message so hopefully they don’t call me again either). I set YouMail up to play the out of service message to any numbers not in my contact list so these spam callers must have gotten the message. You really should charge!

by Princess.Kristin.P

This is the best voicemail. It will (if you configure it in settings) block calls known to be scams, spam, & other known calls to be unwanted. Just ignore or send call to voicemail and it will do the job for you. There is a voicemail that will play sounding as though your phone is disconnected and it will deter these calls. Also FYI, more telemarketing calls will use local numbers to call you as though it is a call from someone you might know (called a “spoof” call or “spoofing”). You can attempt to call the number back to make sure it’s not a friend or company you know but generally it’s not. Block these “spoof” calls and the others I mentioned on your phone to be sure they will not get through & aside from call waiting they won’t get through but even with call waiting, send to voicemail and this app takes care of it!! I suggest getting the Pro version for a lot of features you can use for even more this app treats!!

by LadyBpeters

I installed your app on my iPhone to see if It would help me deal with all of the spam phone calls I had been getting. What I got instead was an app that totally screwed up my phone and locked up my voice mail so people could not leave messages by telling them my mailbox was full when it wasn't. When I found out about this I had a hard time figuring out how to correct the problem because deleting YouMail was not enough. I went into Google to search for “fix it” instructions and found some. I did exactly what the instructions said, including resetting my network and surprise surprise it didn't work. So now I am going to have to write down all of my contacts, all of my Facebook info, and all of my games then go back and try the fix it app again only this time I plan to do a complete reset of my entire phone and hope that works. Then I will have to re-enter all of my contact info again, all of my games, etc. So, thank you for a totally frustrating experience. B.Peters

by JackStraw777

I have had T-Mobile for several years now I use an iPhone 7. My friend lives in Atlantic City, NJ and has a Samsung Galaxy with AT&T. He leaves messages when I’m sleeping. I see missed calls on my phone and at least one or more messages are missing. Everything is fine on his end. He calls the voicemail records the message and I never get it. I call my phone directly and it is not there. If he call 3 times the first message is not recorded. The other day he left 5 messages and none of them are there. I see the times of missed calls several minutes apart. Because this is erratic T-Mobile gives their usual answer of everything is fine. I reset the network settings and it didn’t resolve anything. I call my cell phone from my home phone and all the messages record. He has no issues leaving voicemails on other phones. Now with this app I hope all is resolved. I don’t have to worry about T-Mobile’s server recording my voicemails. I’m not switch to another carrier when I’m only paying $35 a month.

by Grayson Madsen

I can not speak highly enough to YouMail! It is the one app that has never failed me! It has so many features and protections that I never have to worry. I am able to read my VM if I am in a meeting or unavailable. I no longer get hassled by so many unwanted calls in one day! Their prices are so CHEAP!!! It’s unreal! You no longer need white pages because it is in YouMail for you! You are allowed to have an extra number up to I believe over 8 numbers. The customer service is so fast and efficient and never bothersome. No I have not been paid to say any of this, I have just had this app for so long and hate writing reviews, but figured with all of the time they save me and all of the good they bring to me, it was time I gave back and let people know that this is one App that you will always have, never regret and I know you will never want to get rid of it. They are one of the very few most honest companies I have ever dealt with and I do not foresee myself ever leaving them. They are so essential! Thank you so very much for making my life a lot less complicated. I literally save time and money every day just by having their cheap but extremely high quality service! I can’t thank you enough!!!

by PhredB

I have reviewed before but actually decided to take the time to speak up again! I have now been using this app for several years and 2 phones and can honestly say that that I continue count on it and am very happy. Once, a long time ago, I did have one problem with calls not being answered, but contacted support and was quickly provided an updated forwarding number which cured the issue. You might note also that I said "quickly" and I am using the free version with no promise of preferred support :-)
My friends are always asking about how my voicemail knows and addresses them by name when they call! Hard to believe that all of this is free!! One of my favorite features allows setting the greeting to the wonderful " doo doo doo we're sorry, you have reached a number that is disconnected or no longer in service ......" I set this for every number that calls offering me junk that i do not want and I swear it gets my number removed from their lists a lot faster than requesting to be placed on their do not call... ever did!
I have been considering upgrading to the paid edition so I can have unlimited voice transcribed text emails and other premium features, but even if you don't, it is well worth installing. Great features at entry level and has gotten better with each upgrade.

This is my voicemail app period!

by DeeDeeDee66

I loved YouMail especially since it has the spam blocker on it.

Its not good for my business. It gets my personal voicemail confused with my business voicemail. I had my google business number ported to this app. I thought that when I ported my number I didn't have to use my personal cell at all to have this app. But all my personal calls get transferred to my business voicemail thus giving bill collectors, telemarketers, stalkers, ANYONE my entire whereabouts, website, days Im at work.... and also vice versa.... if my clients call my business they get my personal cell and voicemail info. Its all one..... even when I try to text it sometimes texted from my personal phone even though Im in the this app app. this is dangerous. If its and app it should work independently from my cell. And when I deactivated the this app voicemail from my phone... it was telling clients my business phone was disconnected.... so its one number or the other. The extra line was being routed to my voicemail. So I will keep for my own personal line. Not my business.

by Anglbby77

I’m hearing impaired. Although Apple does allow transcription of voicemail, I turned Siri off (not functional for me to use as I can’t understand her anyway, was just bothersome to have on) and for whatever reason I think that made the transcripts go away. So for months I just didn’t check my voicemail. Then I got this little gem. It doesn’t allow junk calls and gives me a pretty good written record of what callers I want to hear from said. No frustration trying to make out a message only to realize it’s total junk. Although not your intention, this can really help out those of us who cannot hear voicemail messages clearly. 10 stars 😊. Thank you so much. Now if only you could add transcription options to Apple Maps for driving directions...

by Dr.Norm

We have used this for over a year on our home line. It notifies both of our personal cells when we get a call, lets us check the voicemail, and also blocks a ton of scam and robocalls. Have thought about upgrading to paid service and extending to all of our phones. It's been great since we use the home line as a filter and adding this service strengthens the filtering.

There have been a couple times when the service has been disabled but that's been on the Verizon side. All but one were associated with us making changes to our account, which seems to trigger a reset in forwards, etc. Even when it happens, though, it's pretty simple to correct. I also like that this app sent an email letting me know that the service hadn't been used for a while, which is what alerted me to the issue.

by Charlotica

I am a long term user and have turned many people into this app believers. Recently upgraded to the professional version and ported my business line as a second number. Performance has been good as always but I do miss some features from YouMail I was using for my second line: 1- I wished there was no limit on the # of characters in text messages. 2-I wish there was an option to choose from using voip o cellular service and back. Sometimes one gives you a better connection than the other. 3-the most frustrating issue I have is the caller ID doesn't work for the second line. It only shows the logo and a generic message "call to second number" I want to see the phone number and name of the caller if available for every call. That would really add value to YouMail for my use of the professional plan.

by Lucy Poppy

I get a large number of scam or spam calls because I am a 78 year old female and we are considered fair game to this type of call. It is thought that by this age, we have probably becoming at least a little senile and will likely fall for anything a good salesperson type presents to us in a way that sounds like we would be foolish not to take part in. Since I’m not to any degree senile, I have put a voicemail message on my phone that states due to a lot of scam and spam calls, I do not answer calls from numbers I do not recognize. The person is welcome to leave a message stating their name, phone number and a brief reason for their call and I will return their call as quickly as I can. I usually keep the volume on my phone fairly low and it now no longer bothers me to hear it ring from a number I do not recognize. this app blocks a lot of calls before they reach me because the numbers have already been identified as coming from scammers or spammers. They do, however, let me know they have done so. Voicemails are recorded on their equipment and they give a written version of the voicemail as well as a recorded copy. YouMail has saved me a tremendous amount of time and stress.

by MrsPooh12205

I had been getting spam calls on my iphone for over a year, and I started getting calls several times a day! Annoying to keep blocking a deleting, especially when I never give my cell out so who knows how my # got on a list. The last straw was when we gave my son an iphone for his 13th bday and he started getting FaceTime calls (!) and several a day!! Wth!!! I did some research and Apple recommended YouMail to stop the calls. After 3 days I was no longer getting calls and occasionally I see a call was blocked without me knowing. Awesome! Best, is that I don’t have to worry about my child getting spammed and FaceTimed from and about who knows what. Recommended it to others and they are just as happy A+++