Most phones let you block senders directly, and your carrier offers a second layer of filtering

You can block individual spam numbers on any phone through your Messages app, and both iPhone and Android have built-in filters that catch many spam texts before they arrive. Your mobile carrier — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider — also runs filtering on their network, and you can turn on stronger filtering if the default is not catching enough.

The most effective approach combines all three: use your phone's native blocking for repeat offenders, turn on your carrier's spam filter, and consider a third-party app if spam is still getting through. None of these cost money, though some carriers offer paid premium filtering as an add-on.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone, open any spam text, tap the sender's number, and select Block This Caller; on Android, long-press the message and tap Block or Report Spam.
  • iPhone's Filter Unknown Senders setting and Android's Spam Protection both work automatically once turned on, catching messages from numbers not in your contacts.
  • Your carrier runs its own spam filter by default, but you may need to turn it on or upgrade to a stronger version through your account settings or their website.
  • Spam texts often come from spoofed numbers that change with each message, so blocking individual senders helps less than filtering by message type or turning off read receipts.
  • Never reply to spam texts, click links, or call numbers you do not recognize, as this confirms your number is active and can increase spam volume.

How to block a specific number on your phone

On iPhone: Open the Messages app, find the spam text, and tap it to open the conversation. Tap the sender's phone number or name at the top of the screen, then scroll down and tap Block This Caller. The sender's future messages will go to a separate folder and you will not see notifications.

On Android: Open the Messages app (or your default SMS app if you use a different one), long-press the spam message, and tap Block or Report Spam. Some Android phones show both options; choose Block to stop messages from that number, or Report Spam to send the message to your carrier's spam database as well.

Blocking works best for repeat offenders — a number that texts you multiple times. Spam often comes from spoofed numbers that change with each message, so you may block one number only to receive spam from a different one the next day. For that reason, blocking individual numbers is most useful combined with your phone's automatic filtering.

Turn on your phone's built-in spam filter

On iPhone: Go to Settings, tap Messages, and turn on Filter Unknown Senders. This moves messages from numbers not in your contacts into a separate Unknown Senders tab in the Messages app. You will still receive the texts, but they will not trigger notifications and will not clutter your main inbox.

On Android: Open the Messages app, tap the three-line menu (or your app's settings), go to Spam Protection or Advanced, and turn on Block Unknown. The exact name and location varies by phone maker and Android version, but the setting is usually in the app's settings rather than your phone's main Settings. If you cannot find it, search your phone's Settings for "spam" or "block".

Both filters work by checking incoming messages against your contacts. Messages from people you know come through normally; messages from unknown numbers are filtered. This catches most spam because spammers rarely have your contact information. The downside is that legitimate messages from businesses, doctors' offices, or services you use may also be filtered if they text from numbers not in your contacts.

Enable carrier-level spam filtering

Your mobile carrier runs a spam filter on its network before texts reach your phone. The default filter is usually on, but it is worth checking your account to confirm and to see if a stronger option is available.

Verizon: Call 611 from your Verizon phone or go to verizon.com and log into your account. Look for Call Filter or Message Filter in your settings. Verizon offers a free basic filter and a paid premium version called Call Filter Pro; the free version blocks known spam, and the paid version uses additional data to catch more.

AT&T: Log into your AT&T account online or open the AT&T Mobile app. Look for Call Protect or AT&T Call Protect. The free version blocks known spam; AT&T Call Protect Plus is a paid upgrade that offers more aggressive filtering.

T-Mobile: Log into your T-Mobile account or open the T-Mobile app. Look for Scam Shield. The free version blocks known spam and spoofed numbers; T-Mobile Scam Shield Premium is a paid option with stronger filtering.

If you use a smaller carrier or prepaid service, visit their website or call customer service and ask whether spam filtering is available and whether it is turned on by default. Many smaller carriers use filtering from one of the major carriers behind the scenes.

Consider a third-party spam-blocking app

If your phone's filter and carrier filtering are not catching enough spam, a third-party app can add another layer. Common options include Truecaller, RoboKiller, and Nomorobo. These apps use larger databases of known spam numbers and patterns to catch messages your phone and carrier missed.

Most third-party apps offer a free version with basic blocking and a paid version with more features. The free versions are usually enough for moderate spam. Be aware that any app you install will have access to your text messages and contacts, so read the app's privacy policy before downloading. Look for apps that say they do not sell your data or share it with third parties.

Third-party apps work best as a last resort, after you have turned on your phone's filter and your carrier's filter. If spam is still heavy, an app may help, but most people find that the built-in options catch the majority of unwanted texts.

What not to do when you receive spam texts

Never reply to a spam text, even to say "stop" or "remove me". Replying confirms that your number is active and monitored, which makes your number more valuable to spammers. They may sell it to other spammers or send you more messages themselves.

Do not click links in spam texts. These links often lead to phishing sites designed to steal your login information, or they may install malware on your phone. If a text claims to be from your bank, your delivery service, or another company you use, do not click the link in the text. Instead, open your phone's web browser, go directly to that company's official website, and log in from there.

Do not call numbers in spam texts. Some spam messages include a phone number and ask you to call to "confirm your information" or "stop receiving messages". Calling confirms your number is active and may connect you to a scammer. If you need to contact a company, use the phone number on their official website or your bill, not a number from an unsolicited text.

Why spam texts keep coming and what that means

Text spam exists because it is cheap and often effective. Spammers send thousands of messages at once to random or purchased number lists. Even if only a tiny fraction of recipients respond or click a link, the spammer makes money. Because the cost is so low, spammers keep sending even if most people ignore them.

Spam texts often come from spoofed numbers — numbers that look local or familiar but are not real. A spammer might send you a text that appears to come from your bank, your delivery service, or a government agency. These are almost always fake. Real companies rarely initiate contact by text, and when they do, they use official channels you have already set up.

The fact that you are receiving spam does not mean your number was hacked or that you did anything wrong. Spammers often use random number generation or buy lists of numbers from data brokers. The best you can do is block what arrives, use your phone's filters, and never engage with the messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report spam texts to my carrier or to the government?

Yes. Most carriers let you forward spam texts to a reporting number. On Verizon, forward spam to 7726 (SPAM). On AT&T, forward to 7726 as well. On T-Mobile, forward to 7726. You can also report spam texts to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. These reports help carriers and law enforcement identify patterns, though they rarely result in action against individual spammers.

Will blocking a number stop them from texting me again?

Blocking stops messages from that specific number from reaching you. However, spammers often use different numbers for each message, so blocking one number may not stop future spam. Blocking is most useful for repeat offenders — a number that texts you multiple times. For random spam, your phone's automatic filter is more effective than blocking individual numbers.

Is it safe to use a third-party spam-blocking app?

Third-party apps can be safe if you choose a reputable one and read its privacy policy. Apps like Truecaller and RoboKiller are widely used and have privacy policies you can review. Avoid apps with poor reviews or unclear privacy practices. Remember that any app you install will have access to your text messages and contacts, so only use apps you trust.

What if a spam text looks like it is from my bank or a service I use?

It is almost certainly fake. Real banks and services do not initiate contact by text asking you to confirm information or click a link. If you are unsure, hang up and call the company directly using the phone number on your bill or their official website. Never use a phone number from an unsolicited text.

Do I need to pay for spam filtering?

No. Your phone's built-in filter and your carrier's basic filter are free and catch most spam. Paid options from carriers and third-party apps offer stronger filtering, but most people find the free options sufficient. Try the free options first before paying for an upgrade.