Whether it’s a constant stream of spam messages or that persistent ex who won’t take “no” for an answer, blocking messages is something you need to learn how to do. Whether you use iOS or Android, the process is probably quicker and more painless than you realize.
No matter what kind of phone you have, blocking unwanted text messages and even phone calls is a simple procedure, and we’ll show you how.
Blocking texts in iOS
Block texts from known contacts and phone numbers
Blocking texts in iOS is easy. For messages specifically, tap the message from the contact you want to block, then tap on their name, which will reveal the Audio, Facetime, and Info options. Tap on the Info option, then tap on the arrow to the right of the phone icon next to their name. Scroll down and select Block This Caller.
Another way is to go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts and tap Add New to add a new blocked contact. Using either method, you’ll not only block messages, but also phone calls and FaceTime calls. This saves you from having to go to the Phone and FaceTime apps and settings to block the same person.
Block texts from numbers that appear as unknown or private
Unfortunately, you can’t outright block unknown and private numbers in the same way you can block known contacts. You can, however, filter and separate them from the people you know. Go to Settings > Messages and toggle on the Filter Unknown Senders option. This will create a new tab in your Messages app called Unknown Senders, and you won’t get notifications for these. It may not be ideal, but it’s a decent compromise.
Report spam iMessages
Another thing you can do is report spam and junk iMessages. When you get an iMessage from someone you don’t know, there will be a Report Junk link. Tap the link to forward the sender’s information and message to Apple. The company should deal with the contact and eventually render the person or bot unable to message you again.
You can also email Apple at “imessage.spam@apple.com.” Keep in mind that you’ll need a screenshot of the message, as well as the email address or phone number that sent the iMessage, and the date and time you received it.
Apple doesn’t deal with SMS and MMS messages, but you can always report them to your carrier. AT&T, for example, suggests sending the spam message to 7726 (SPAM). Afterward, the carrier will look into the message.
Blocking texts in Android
On a Google phone
There are two ways to go about blocking messages on a Google phone, such as the Pixel 4 or 4a. The first is to open the Messages app, then open or start a conversation with one of your contacts. Tap More — represented by three vertical dots — select Details, and tap Block & Report spam. You can also open the Messages app, touch and hold the conversation you want to block, and tap the Block icon when the option appears in the top-right corner.
On a Samsung phone
Similar to a Google phone, Samsung phones have two ways to block messages. One method involves opening Messages, then choosing the conversation that contains the contact you want to block. From there, tap the More icon, select Block number, and toggle to check Delete conversation if you like. Then, tap OK.
Or head to Messages > More > Settings. Tap Block messages, then Block numbers, where you can manually enter the contact’s number and tap the + sign, or choose from your inbox or contacts list. When you’ve entered all the numbers you want to block, tap the back arrow.
On an LG phone
LG’s blocking process is fairly quick and straightforward. Start by opening LG’s messaging app and tapping the SMS or MMS message you want to block. Then, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, then tap Block number to confirm your choice. The number should now be blocked.
On an HTC phone
Much like LG’s blocking process, HTC’s way of blocking unwanted messages is quick and easy. Open Messages, then tap and hold the desired text conversation until the Message options appears. Then, tap Block contact.
Using your carrier
Many mobile carriers provide services and additional settings to help their customers block messages from specific numbers, like those from telemarketers. T-Mobile has Message Blocking, Verizon has Block Calls & Messages, Sprint requires using Limits and Permissions via My Sprint, and AT&T has Secure Family.
Block texts with apps
There are dozens of apps in Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store that you can install if you’re looking for more ways to block numbers and messages. Here’s what we recommend checking out if you want to go down that path, but be aware of the potential privacy issues when you share your contacts.
Should I Answer? (free)
Our top pick for the best call-blocking app is Should I Answer? An active community shares information and reviews on numbers and rates them, so you can see when a message comes in whether the number it’s coming from is legitimate or not. You can easily block numbers, it works when you’re offline, and you can even choose to block all numbers that aren’t on your contacts list if you want to. While this text-blocking app does access your contacts, the developer promises that it’s only to check them against incoming calls, and your private contacts are not uploaded or shared. Unfortunately, it’s not available for iPhones.
Hiya Caller ID and Block (free)
This call-blocking app automatically identifies callers and flags robocalls, telemarketers, debt collectors, and known fraudsters based on a huge database containing hundreds of millions of numbers. You use it to create a block list, and you can even reverse look-up numbers from your call log. The caveat we have about Hiya is the fact that it accesses your contacts and uploads them to its database, albeit in encrypted form. The company promises they’re only used to match information and build a white list, and says that it will never sell them, but you should read the privacy policy and decide for yourself. Hiya comes from the same developer that created Mr. Number.
Truecaller (free)
Truecaller is the successor to the widely popular Truemessenger app, and it fills much the same niche, allowing you to instantly recognize when a spam number is calling or messaging. It also automatically blocks spam and marketing text messages. The powerful Caller ID system also names and shames unknown numbers that call you. Used by more than 250 million people, this is a very popular app, but we have some privacy concerns. It’s important to note that Truecaller will access and potentially share your contacts, so we advise reading up on the privacy policy before you install it.
Editors’ Recommendations
