You can block spam texts using built-in phone tools, carrier services, or third-party apps

Most phones come with a native blocking feature that stops messages from specific numbers or senders from reaching your inbox. Your mobile carrier — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider — also offers spam filtering you can turn on at no cost. If those don't catch everything, third-party apps like TrueCaller or RoboKiller add an extra layer by filtering based on known spam patterns and user reports.

The fastest route is usually your phone's built-in tools first, then your carrier's service if spam keeps getting through. Third-party apps work best when you want more aggressive filtering, but they require you to grant them access to your messages and contacts, so weigh that trade-off against how much spam you're actually receiving.

Key Takeaways

  • Every major phone has a native block feature: on iPhone, open the message, tap the sender's name, and select Block This Caller; on Android, long-press the message and tap Block.
  • Your carrier offers free spam filtering — Verizon Call Filter, AT&T Call Protect, and T-Mobile Scam Shield are turned on by default or can be enabled in your account settings.
  • Blocking one number stops future messages from that sender, but spammers rotate numbers constantly, so carrier filtering or third-party apps catch patterns rather than individual numbers.
  • Third-party apps like TrueCaller and RoboKiller filter more aggressively but require permission to read your messages and contacts, which is a privacy trade-off worth considering.
  • Never reply to spam texts or click links in them, even to unsubscribe — doing so confirms your number is active and leads to more spam.

How to block a single number on your phone

On iPhone, open the Messages app, find the spam text, and swipe left on it. Tap the trash icon to delete it, then tap the three dots (more options) and select Block This Caller. The sender's number is now blocked — they can still send messages, but they won't appear in your inbox or trigger notifications.

On Android, open Messages (or your default SMS app), long-press the spam text, and tap Block or Block Number. The exact wording varies by phone maker and Android version, but the option appears in the context menu. Some Android phones also let you block by opening the message, tapping the sender's name at the top, and selecting Block.

Blocking one number is useful when you recognize the sender — a scammer who called you once, a business you want to stop hearing from — but it doesn't solve the core problem: spammers use new numbers constantly, so blocking one number today doesn't prevent a different number from texting you tomorrow.

Turn on carrier-level spam filtering

Verizon offers Call Filter, which is free and turned on by default for most accounts. It filters known spam and scam numbers automatically. You can adjust settings in the My Verizon app under Settings > Call Filter, or text FILTER to 35633 to manage it from your phone.

AT&T provides Call Protect, also free and on by default. It blocks calls and texts from known scammers and spammers. You can manage it through the AT&T mobile app under Settings > Call Protect, or call 611 from your AT&T phone to adjust filtering levels.

T-Mobile includes Scam Shield at no cost. It filters spam calls and texts and lets you report spam directly through the Messages app. Open the app, find the spam text, tap the three dots, and select Report Spam. T-Mobile also offers Scam Shield Premium (paid) for more aggressive filtering, but the free version catches most common spam.

Other carriers vary — check your provider's website or call customer service to confirm what spam filtering is included. Some smaller carriers partner with Verizon or AT&T's infrastructure and use their filtering tools.

Use a third-party spam-filtering app

TrueCaller is available on both iPhone and Android. It identifies spam based on a database of known spam numbers and user reports. When a spam text arrives, TrueCaller can filter it before it reaches your inbox. The free version filters most spam; a paid tier adds features like caller ID for unknown numbers. Download it from the App Store or Google Play, install it, and grant it permission to access your messages and contacts.

RoboKiller works similarly on both platforms. It uses audio fingerprinting and machine learning to identify robocalls and spam texts. The free version filters some spam; the paid version ($3.99 per month or $39.99 per year) adds more aggressive filtering. Like TrueCaller, it requires access to your messages and contacts.

Google Messages (Android only) has built-in spam filtering that works without a separate app. If you use Google Messages as your default SMS app, spam filtering is on by default. Open the app, tap your profile picture, go to Settings > Spam and abuse, and confirm filtering is enabled.

Third-party apps are most useful if your carrier's filtering isn't catching enough spam, or if you want features like caller ID for unknown numbers. The trade-off is that they need access to your message history and contacts, so review the app's privacy policy before installing. If you're uncomfortable with that level of access, stick with your phone's native blocking and your carrier's filtering.

Report spam texts to your carrier and to authorities

Reporting spam helps your carrier improve its filtering and can lead to enforcement action against scammers. Most carriers let you report spam directly through their apps or by forwarding the message to a specific number.

On Verizon, forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM). On AT&T, forward to 7726 as well. On T-Mobile, open the message, tap the three dots, and select Report Spam. You can also report spam texts to the Federal Trade Commission by forwarding them to spam@ftc.gov. The FTC doesn't respond to individual reports, but the data helps them track patterns and pursue enforcement cases.

If a spam text is part of a scam — asking for money, personal information, or credentials — also report it to your local police department's non-emergency line or file a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. These reports create a record and may help authorities identify organized scam operations.

What not to do when you receive spam texts

Never reply to a spam text, even to say "stop" or "remove me." Replying confirms your number is active and monitored by a human, which makes you a higher-value target for future spam. Scammers sell lists of "confirmed active" numbers to other scammers at a premium.

Don't click links in spam texts, even if they look official or urgent. Links in spam messages often lead to phishing sites designed to steal your login credentials, banking information, or personal data. If you receive a text claiming to be from your bank or a service you use, don't click the link — instead, open your phone's browser, go directly to the official website, and log in to check your account.

Don't call a number in a spam text. Some scams include a phone number and claim you owe money, have a package delivery issue, or need to verify your identity. Calling confirms your number is active and may connect you to a scammer who will try to extract payment or information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block all texts from unknown numbers?

Most phones don't have a blanket "block all unknown numbers" setting for texts the way they do for calls, because you might receive legitimate messages from businesses or services you don't have saved as contacts. Some third-party apps like TrueCaller offer this as an option, but it risks blocking messages you actually need. A better approach is to use your carrier's spam filtering and block individual numbers as they arrive.

Will blocking someone prevent them from seeing my messages?

No. Blocking only affects what you receive — blocked senders can still send messages to you, but the messages won't appear in your inbox or trigger notifications. They won't know they're blocked unless they try to call you and hear a message saying the call can't be completed. Blocking is one-way.

If I report spam to my carrier, will they take action against the sender?

Your carrier uses spam reports to improve its filtering algorithms and to identify patterns of abuse. If a number is reported by many users, the carrier may block it network-wide. However, carriers don't typically pursue individual scammers — that's the job of law enforcement and the FTC. Reporting to the FTC creates a record that helps authorities identify organized operations.

Do I need to pay for spam filtering?

No. Every major carrier offers free spam filtering, and every phone has a built-in blocking feature. Third-party apps like TrueCaller and RoboKiller offer free versions with basic filtering and paid tiers with more features, but you don't need to pay to reduce spam significantly. Start with your carrier's free service and your phone's native tools before considering a paid app.

What if spam texts keep coming even after I block the number?

Spammers rotate phone numbers constantly, so blocking one number won't stop new numbers from texting you. This is why carrier-level filtering and third-party apps are more effective than blocking individual numbers — they identify spam patterns rather than relying on specific numbers. If spam is overwhelming, enable your carrier's most aggressive filtering level, consider a third-party app, and report spam to the FTC so authorities can track the operation.