Blocking messages is something you should learn how to do, whether you’re dealing with a constant stream of spam messages or a persistent ex who won’t take no for an answer. Whether you’re using iOS or Android, the process is likely to be faster and easier than you think.
Blocking unwanted text messages and even phone calls is a simple procedure that we’ll show you how to do no matter what kind of phone you have.
Blocking texts in iOS
Texts from known contacts and phone numbers are blocked.
It’s simple to block texts in iOS. Here’s how to do it on your iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, or whatever iPhone you have: To secure a message, tap the message from the person you want to block, then tap their name to reveal the Audio, Facetime, and Info options. Tap the Info option, then the arrow to the right of their name next to the phone icon. Select Block This Caller from the drop-down menu.
You can also add a new blocked contact by going to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts and tapping Add New. You can block not only messages but also phone calls and FaceTime calls using either method. This eliminates the need to block the same person in both the Phone and FaceTime apps and settings.
Texts from numbers that appear to be unknown or private are blocked.
Unfortunately, you can’t block unknown or private numbers in the same way that you can know contacts. You can, however, filter them out and keep them separate from people you know. Toggle the Filter Unknown Senders option on Settings > Messages. Unknown Senders will appear as a new tab in your Messages app, and you will not receive notifications for these. It’s not perfect, but it’s a good compromise.
Spam Messages should be reported.
Reporting spam and junk messages is another option. There will be a Report Junk link in an iMessage from someone you don’t know. To send the sender’s information and message to Apple, tap the link. The company should handle the situation and eventually prevent the person or bot from contacting you again.
Apple can also be contacted via email at “[email protected].” Keep in mind that you’ll need a screenshot of the message, as well as the iMessage’s sender’s email address or phone number and the date and time you received it.
SMS and MMS messages are not handled by Apple, but you can always report them to your carrier. For example, AT&T recommends sending the spam message to 7726. (SPAM). Following that, the airline will investigate the message.
On a Google phone, you can block texts on Android.
On a Google phone, such as the Pixel 5 or Pixel 4, there are two ways to block messages. To begin, open the Messages app and then open or initiate a conversation with one of your contacts. Select Details, then Block & Report spam by tapping More (three vertical dots). You can also open the Messages app, touch and hold the conversation you want to block, and then tap the Block icon in the top-right corner when it appears.
When using a Samsung phone
Samsung phones, such as the Galaxy S21 or Galaxy S21 Ultra, have two ways to block messages, similar to Google phones. Opening Messages and then selecting the conversation containing the contact you want to block is one method. Then tap the More icon, select Block number, and check the box next to Delete conversation if you’re going to. Then press OK.
Alternatively, go to Messages > More > Settings.
Block messages, then Block numbers. You can either manually enter the contact’s phone number and tap the + sign or choose from your inbox or contacts list. Tap the back arrow once you’ve entered all of the numbers you want to block.
When using an LG phone
Do you have an LG Wing? That’s fantastic! Are you still using the LG Velvet? It’s no problem! The blocking process with LG is fairly simple and quick. To block an SMS or MMS message, open LG’s messaging app and tap the message you want to block. Then, in the upper-right corner, tap the three dots, then block the number to confirm your selection. The phone number has now been blocked.
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On an HTC device
HTC’s method of blocking unwanted messages is quick and simple, similar to LG’s. Tap and hold the desired text conversation until the Message options appear, then open Messages. After that, tap Block contact.
Making use of your carrier
Many mobile carriers offer services and extra settings to help customers block messages from specific phone numbers, such as telemarketers. T-Message Mobile’s Blocking, Verizon’s Block Calls & Messages, Sprint’s Limits, and Permissions via My Sprint, and AT&T’s Secure Family are all options.
Apps that block texts
There are dozens of apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store that allow you to block numbers and messages in more ways. If you decide to go that route, we recommend checking out these options, but be aware of the privacy concerns that come with sharing your contacts.
Should I Respond? (no cost)
Should I Answer? It is the best and most popular call-blocking app on the market. It has an active forum where users can review and rate phone numbers as well as share other information, making it simple to determine whether a phone number is legitimate, a bot, a telemarketer, or a scam. It’s simple to block numbers online or offline, and you can block any or all numbers that aren’t in your contacts list. Yes, your contacts are accessed by this text-blocking software. The developer promises, however, that your contacts will remain private, with no sharing or uploading, and that they will only be accessed to check for incoming phone calls. Unfortunately, this app does not work on iPhones.
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Hello there, Caller ID and Block (free)
To identify and flag telemarketers, robocalls, fraudsters, and debt collectors, this call-blocking app uses a massive database with millions of phone numbers. This app allows you to create a list of numbers to block or reverse-search from your phone call log. The disadvantage of Hiya is that it accesses your contacts and stores them in an encrypted format in their database. The company guarantees that your contacts will never be sold and that they will only be used to create white lists and match information. Still, if you want to be safe, read the privacy policy. Hiya was created by the same team that created Mr. Number, another popular app.
Truecaller is a service that allows you to call people (free)
Truecaller, the follow-up to the popular Truemessenger app, works in much the same way as its predecessor, alerting you to a spam call or message. When the app detects spam, it will block the senders, preventing them from calling or texting you. The app’s powerful Caller ID system detects any harassing calls from unknown numbers. This app has over 250 million users, so you know it’s got to be good, especially since they can share spam callers’ contact information. Despite the fact that your phone book will be accessed in order for Tuecaller to block spam, the company assures us that user privacy will not be jeopardized.
Truecaller does not upload user contacts or make them shareable/searchable to others, according to Google Play Store and Apple App Store policies, according to Hitesh Raj Bhagat, Director of Corporate Communications. The app will access your phone book for its Caller ID feature, but it will not take or use any of the information stored there.
You don’t have to take our word for it: read the privacy policy (or the abridged version) for yourself to ensure that you feel safe using this app.