How to block your phone number when texting

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, if you’re wondering how to block text messages — and even unwanted phone calls — it’s easy, and we’ll show you how.

Contents

• Block texts from the Messages app in iOS
• How to block texts from known contacts in iOS
• Block texts from numbers that appear as unknown or private
• Report spam iMessages
• Blocking texts on a Google Pixel or any Android phone from the Messages App
• How to block texts on a Samsung phone from a conversation
• How to block texts on (most) other Android phones
• How to block texts using your carrier

Block texts from the Messages app in iOS

Blocking texts in iOS is easy. On your iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, or older iPhone, the easiest way to block a message is from the Messages app.

Step 1: Choose the message from the contact you want to block.

Step 2: Select their name or profile photo at the top of the message.

Step 3: Choose Info.

Step 4: Select Block this caller.

How to block texts from known contacts in iOS

Another way to block texts from known contacts is to add them to your Blocked list. Using either this method or the method outlined above, you’ll block not only messages, but also phone calls and FaceTime calls. This saves you from having to go to the Phone and FaceTime apps to block the same person.

Step 1: Open the Settings app scroll down, and select Messages.

Step 2: Choose Blocked contacts.

Step 3: Select Add New.... Select the contact you want to block. Contacts can only be added one at a time. To remove a contact, select Edit in the upper-right corner, and choose the minus sign next to the name of the person you want to remove.

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. 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.

Step 1: Go to your Settings app, scroll down, and select Messages.

Step 2: Toggle Filter Unknown Senders.

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. Select 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 . 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, plus 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 on a Google Pixel or any Android phone from the Messages App

There are two ways to go about blocking messages on a Google phone, such as the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro. Both happen in the Messages app. The first is to open the Messages app, then open or start a conversation with one of your contacts. Choose More — represented by three vertical dots — select Details, and then Block & Report Spam.

Step 1: Open Messages.

Step 2: Select and hold on a message from someone you want to block.

Step 3: In the context menu that appears, select the three dots on the right.

Step 4: Tap Block.

Step 5: Alternatively, if you choose the message to open, you can select the three dots in the upper right corner.

Step 6: Select Details.

Step 7: Select Block & Report Spam.

How to block texts on a Samsung phone from a conversation

Similar to a Google phone, Samsung phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy S22 Plus, or Galaxy S22 Ultra have two ways to block messages. The first happens from within a conversation in the Messages app.

Step 1: Open the Messages app and select the conversation you'd like to block.

Step 2: If the contact is not a saved contact, then select the sender's number and choose Block number. If the person you want to block is a known contact, the process is slightly different, and you should skip to step 4.

Step 3: In the dialogue box that opens, you can also select Delete conversation to remove the conversation from your list.

Step 4: If the conversation you want to block comes from a known contact, open that conversation, and select the contact's name, then the round "i".

Step 5: This takes you to the contact's card. Select the Three dots and then Block contact.

How to block texts on (most) other Android phones

Android is a wonderful operating system that comes in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Because of this, there are various ways to block texts and contacts in each version of Android. For the most part, you'll want to go into your Messages app. From there, you'll generally find a three-dot menu, and in there, you'll find Settings. You can also choose a message and look for an option to block in there. As with all things Android, your results may vary, but that's a good idea of where to look.

How to block texts 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, and AT&T has Secure Family.

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