You can block text messages on any phone, and the steps depend on whether you want to block a single number or use your phone's built-in filtering

Most phones let you block texts in two ways: you can block a specific number directly from a conversation, or you can turn on filtering that catches spam and unwanted messages automatically. On iPhones, you block a number by opening the conversation, tapping the contact name at the top, scrolling down, and selecting "Block this Caller." On Android phones, the steps vary by manufacturer, but generally you open the message, tap the three dots or menu icon, and choose "Block" or "Block number." Both systems also let you report the message as spam at the same time, which helps train their filters.

If you get texts from unknown numbers or want to stop spam before it reaches your inbox, your phone's built-in spam filter is usually the faster route. iPhone users can turn on "Filter Unknown Senders" in Settings > Messages, which moves texts from people not in your contacts to a separate tab. Android users can enable "Spam protection" in their Messages app settings, though the exact name and location depends on whether you use Google Messages, Samsung Messages, or another app. These filters don't delete the messages — they just hide them — so you can still check them if you change your mind.

Key Takeaways

  • You can block a single number by opening the text conversation, tapping the contact name or menu icon, and selecting the block option.
  • Blocking a number prevents that person from texting you, calling you, or reaching you through FaceTime or iMessage, depending on your phone type.
  • Your phone's spam filter can automatically sort unwanted texts into a separate folder without deleting them, which is useful for blocking patterns rather than single numbers.
  • Blocked messages are not deleted from your phone — they are hidden, and you can unblock a number at any time if you change your mind.
  • Some carriers also offer spam-blocking services through their own apps, though your phone's built-in tools usually work just as well.

How to block a number on iPhone

Open the Messages app and find the conversation with the number you want to block. Tap the contact name or phone number at the top of the screen. Scroll down until you see "Block this Caller" and tap it. A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure — tap "Block Contact" to confirm. That number can no longer text you, call you, or reach you through iMessage or FaceTime.

If you want to unblock the number later, go to Settings > Messages, scroll down to "Blocked Contacts," and tap "Edit." Find the number you want to unblock and tap the red minus sign, then tap "Unblock." The person will not be notified that you unblocked them, and they can contact you normally again.

How to block a number on Android

The exact steps depend on which messaging app you use. If you use Google Messages (the default on most newer Android phones), open the conversation with the number you want to block, tap the three vertical dots at the top right, and select "Block." If you use Samsung Messages, open the conversation, tap the three dots, and choose "Block number." Other Android phones may have slightly different wording, but the menu structure is usually the same.

To unblock a number on Android, open your Messages app, tap the three dots in the top right corner, go to Settings, and look for "Blocked numbers" or "Blocked contacts." Find the number you want to unblock and tap it, then select "Unblock." As with iPhone, the person will not know you unblocked them.

What happens when you block a number

When you block a number, that person's texts will not reach your phone at all. On iPhone, blocked calls and texts are silently rejected — the person does not get a message saying they are blocked, but they may notice their texts are not being read. On Android, the behavior is similar: the message is rejected, but the sender does not receive a notification that they were blocked.

Blocking only affects text messages and calls from that specific number. If the person has your email address or uses social media to contact you, those messages will still come through. Blocking also does not prevent someone from seeing your posts on public social media accounts or calling you from a different phone number.

Using your phone's spam filter instead of blocking individual numbers

If you receive unwanted texts from many different numbers or from patterns you recognize (like repeated offers or scams), using your phone's spam filter is often more effective than blocking each number one at a time. On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and turn on "Filter Unknown Senders." This moves texts from people not in your contacts to a separate "Unknown Senders" tab in the Messages app. You can still read these messages if you want, but they will not send you notifications.

On Android with Google Messages, open the app, tap your profile picture in the top right, go to Settings, and turn on "Spam protection." This automatically filters suspected spam into a "Spam & blocked" folder. You can also manually mark messages as spam by opening a conversation, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Report spam." The more messages you report, the better the filter learns what you consider unwanted.

Spam filters are not perfect — some legitimate messages may be filtered, and some spam may still get through. Check your spam folder occasionally to make sure nothing important was caught by mistake. If you find a message was filtered incorrectly, you can move it back to your main inbox and mark it as "not spam" to train the filter.

Blocking texts from your carrier

Your phone company may also offer spam-blocking services through their own app or account settings. AT&T offers "Call Protect," Verizon offers "Call Filter," and T-Mobile offers "Scam Shield." These services work alongside your phone's built-in filters and can block calls and texts at the carrier level before they reach your phone. Some carriers charge for premium versions of these services, though basic blocking is usually free.

Carrier-level blocking can be useful if you want to block a number across all your devices or if you want more detailed reports about blocked calls and texts. However, your phone's built-in tools are usually sufficient for everyday blocking. If you decide to use your carrier's service, you can set it up through your carrier's website or app.

What to do if you keep receiving unwanted texts

If blocking individual numbers is not stopping the texts, the sender may be using different numbers each time. In this case, your spam filter is more effective than blocking. Turn on your phone's spam protection and report each message as spam. Over time, the filter will recognize the pattern and catch similar messages automatically.

If the texts are threatening, harassing, or appear to be part of a scam, you can also report them to your carrier or to the Federal Trade Commission. Most carriers have a way to report spam through their website or app. The FTC accepts reports at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps authorities track patterns and take action against scammers, though it does not immediately stop the texts from reaching you.

Do not respond to unwanted texts, even to ask the sender to stop. Responding confirms that your number is active and may result in more messages. Blocking or filtering is the most effective way to stop them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone tell if I blocked them?

Not officially. On iPhone, a blocked person may notice their texts are not being delivered or read, but they will not see a message saying they are blocked. On Android, the behavior is similar. However, if someone tries to call you and the call goes straight to voicemail every time, they may suspect you blocked them.

Will blocked messages be deleted from my phone?

No. Blocked messages remain on your phone and are hidden in a separate folder. You can view them at any time by unblocking the number or by checking your blocked contacts list. If you want to permanently delete a conversation before blocking, delete it first, then block the number.

Can I block a number if I do not know who it is?

Yes. You can block any phone number, even if it is not saved in your contacts. Open the text message from the unknown number, tap the contact name or number at the top, and select the block option. You can also block a number directly from your carrier's app without having received a message from it first.

What is the difference between blocking and reporting as spam?

Blocking stops a specific number from contacting you. Reporting as spam tells your phone company or the FTC that the number is sending unwanted messages, which helps them identify patterns and take action. You can do both at the same time — most phones offer the option to block and report in one step.

If I unblock someone, will they know?

No. Unblocking a number does not send any notification to that person. They will only know you unblocked them if they try to contact you and you respond, or if you tell them directly.