Fortunately, you don’t need a special message blocker to do so; you can block texts on iPhone and Android using settings built-in to those devices. However, the method you need to use to block numbers is different depending on the app you use to send messages. Another way to stop a number from texting you is to log in to your carrier’s website to access your account and set up message blocking.
How to Block Text Messages on iPhone
There are multiple ways to block texts on iPhone. When you do so, you block not only text messages from that number but also phone calls and FaceTime calls.
From an Existing Text Message
From a Recent Call
If the point of contact is a phone call, open the list of calls in the Phone or FaceTime app, tap the (i) icon next to the number you want blocked, and select Block this Caller.
From Settings
If you don’t have an existing message or recent call from the person you want to block, but they’re a contact in your phone, you can set up the call and text blocking from Settings.
How to Block Texts on Android
Blocking unwanted texts on Android depends heavily on which messaging app you’re using.
Messages App
If you use Google’s Messages app on your phone or tablet, follow these directions to block texts:
Messenger App
If you use the Facebook Messenger app as your default SMS app, here’s how to block texts on your Android:
Other Text Blocking Methods for Android
There are lots of versions of the Android operating system still in circulation, so if you’re using one that doesn’t reflect the instructions above, those screenshots won’t look like what you see on your phone or tablet. Try one of these methods for blocking texts on Android if you haven’t had luck yet:
How to Block Text Messages in Other Apps
There are so many messaging apps out there for iPhone and Android that listing SMS blocking directions for all of them is unrealistic. Here’s how to block text messages in a few of the more popular ones:
WhatsApp: We have a separate guide on this where you can learn how to block a WhatsApp contact. Signal: Open the conversation, tap the three-dotted menu button, select Conversation settings, and choose Block. Telegram: Open the conversation, tap the contact’s name at the top, and then use the menu button to select Block user. Google Voice: From the Messages tab, select the conversation, tap the menu button at the top right, go to People & options, and then pick Block <#>. Skype: Select the conversation to open it, tap the person’s name at the top, and then scroll to the bottom to choose Block contact. Verizon Messages (Message+): You can’t block texts in Message+, but you can do so from your Verizon account.
Block Text Messages Through the Carrier
Some carriers have message blocking tools you can use to block spam text messages or block specific numbers. This might be a preferred way for you to block messages if you’re a parent overseeing several phones and you don’t want your kids to easily undo your restrictions. Follow these links for all the details you need to block text messages within each of these carriers’ websites, regardless of the kind of phone that’s being used on the account: Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile. If you’re an AT&T customer, the AT&T Call Protect app is the best way to block specific numbers or fraudulent calls.
