How to block text messages depends on your phone type and carrier
The fastest way to stop texts from a specific number is to use your phone's built-in blocking feature. On iPhone, open the conversation, tap the contact name at the top, scroll down, and select "Block this Caller." On Android, open the message thread, tap the three dots, and choose "Block number." Both methods prevent that sender from reaching you by text, call, or FaceTime/Google Meet.
If you want to block texts before they reach your phone — or block entire categories like spam and marketing — your carrier offers filtering tools at no extra cost. These work differently than phone-level blocking because they stop messages before they arrive, rather than hiding them after they land.
Some texts come from services you signed up for but no longer want. Those usually include an unsubscribe link or a reply instruction like "Text STOP." Using that method removes you from the sender's list and often stops the texts within a few hours.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone and Android both have built-in blocking that prevents a specific number from texting you, and blocked messages disappear from your conversation thread.
- Your carrier — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider — offers free spam filtering that stops unwanted texts before they reach your phone.
- Marketing texts and service notifications often include an unsubscribe option; replying with "STOP" or clicking the link removes you from that sender's list.
- Blocking a number on your phone does not prevent that sender from leaving voicemails, so you may need to block them as a contact in your phone's address book as well.
Blocking a single number on your phone
On iPhone: Open the Messages app, find the conversation you want to block, swipe left on it (or tap and hold), and tap "Block this Caller." Alternatively, open the conversation, tap the contact name or number at the top of the screen, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Block this Caller." Once blocked, that number cannot text you, call you, or reach you through FaceTime. Their messages will not appear in your inbox, though you can view them later in a separate "Blocked" folder if you open the conversation again.
On Android: Open the Messages app (or your default SMS app), tap and hold the conversation you want to block, tap the three dots or menu icon, and select "Block number" or "Block." Some Android phones also let you open the conversation, tap the three dots at the top, and choose "Block." After blocking, that number's texts will not arrive on your phone, and you will not receive notifications from them.
Blocking at the phone level works immediately and does not require your carrier's involvement. The blocked person does not receive a notification that you blocked them, but they may notice if their texts never get a response.
Using your carrier's spam and fraud filters
Your wireless provider offers free tools to filter spam texts before they reach your phone. These services catch messages from numbers that are known to send spam, phishing attempts, or fraud alerts. They work differently than blocking a single contact — instead, they use databases of reported spam numbers to protect all your incoming texts.
Verizon includes Call Filter for free on most plans; it marks suspected spam texts and can automatically block them if you turn on the "Filter Spam" setting in the Messages app. AT&T offers Call Protect, which filters spam calls and texts; you can turn it on in your AT&T mobile app or in your phone's settings. T-Mobile includes Scam Shield at no cost, which blocks known spam and fraud numbers automatically. Other carriers have similar tools — check your carrier's website or call customer service to find out what is included with your plan.
These filters are optional, so you have to turn them on. Once active, they run in the background and catch most spam without you having to do anything. If a legitimate text gets caught by the filter by mistake, you can usually mark it as "not spam" and the filter learns from that correction.
Unsubscribing from marketing and service texts
Texts from banks, delivery services, retailers, and other businesses often include an unsubscribe option. Look for a link at the bottom of the message or instructions that say "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" or "Text STOP to opt out." Following that instruction removes your number from that sender's list and usually stops the texts within a few hours to a day.
This method works because these senders are required by law to honor unsubscribe requests. If you continue to receive texts from that number after replying STOP, you can report it to your carrier or the Federal Trade Commission. Replying STOP does not block the number entirely — it just removes you from their mailing list, so they cannot text you again about that service.
Do not reply to unsubscribe requests from unknown numbers or obvious spam messages. Replying to spam confirms your number is active and may result in more texts. Only use the unsubscribe method for texts from services you recognize or signed up for.
Blocking texts from unknown numbers and private callers
If you receive texts from numbers that are hidden, blocked, or marked as "Unknown," you cannot block them the same way you block a regular contact. Instead, use your phone's settings to filter these messages automatically.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > Messages, scroll down, and turn on "Filter Unknown Senders." This moves texts from numbers not in your contacts to a separate "Unknown Senders" tab, so they do not clutter your main inbox. You can still read them if you check that tab, but you will not get notifications.
On Android: The method varies by phone and manufacturer. On most phones, open Messages, tap the three dots, go to Settings, and look for "Spam protection," "Block unknown," or "Filter spam." Turn on the option to filter texts from unknown numbers. Some Android phones also let you block "Private" or "Restricted" numbers directly in the phone's call and message settings.
What happens after you block a number
When you block a number on your phone, that person's texts no longer appear in your inbox and you do not receive notifications from them. The conversation thread remains on your phone, but new messages from that number will not show up in it. If you want to see what they sent after you blocked them, you can open the old conversation thread, but new messages will not be added to it.
Blocking a number does not prevent them from leaving voicemails. If you want to stop hearing from them entirely, you may also need to block them as a contact in your phone's address book or use your carrier's voicemail settings to filter their calls. Some carriers let you block voicemails from specific numbers through their app or website.
If you change your mind and want to unblock a number, you can do so at any time. On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts and swipe left on the number to unblock it. On Android, open Messages, tap the three dots, go to Settings > Blocked numbers, and tap the X next to the number you want to unblock.
Blocking texts from apps and online services
Some texts come from apps or online services that use your phone number to send alerts, confirmations, or notifications. If you no longer want these texts, the best approach is to turn off notifications in the app itself or change your settings on the service's website.
For example, if you receive texts from a social media app, log into that app's settings and turn off text notifications. If you get texts from a bank or financial service, log into your account online and disable text alerts. This stops the texts at the source rather than just blocking the number, and it is usually faster than trying to unsubscribe.
If you cannot find the notification setting in the app or on the website, look for a "Contact Us" or "Support" page and ask them to remove your number from their system. Keep a record of when you requested removal in case you need to report the sender later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone tell if I blocked them?
No, they will not receive a notification that you blocked them. However, they may notice that their texts never get a response and their calls go straight to voicemail. Some people try calling to see if the call goes through, which can be a sign that they have been blocked.
What if I block someone and they text from a different number?
Blocking only affects the specific number you blocked. If someone texts you from a new number, you will receive that text normally. You can block the new number the same way you blocked the first one. If this keeps happening, contact your carrier about additional options or consider reporting the person for harassment.
Do blocked texts still count against my text message limit?
No. Blocked texts do not arrive on your phone, so they do not use your data or count against any message limits in your plan. Your carrier's spam filters work the same way — filtered messages are stopped before they reach your phone.
Can I block texts from a business or company?
Yes, you can block any number the same way you block a personal contact. However, if it is a legitimate business you signed up with, try unsubscribing first by replying STOP. If you block a business number, you may miss important alerts like delivery notifications or account warnings.
What should I do if I keep getting texts from a scammer?
Block the number on your phone and report it to your carrier. You can also report spam texts to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Do not reply to the scammer or click any links in their messages, as this confirms your number is active and may lead to more texts.