Android has a built-in block feature that stops texts from specific numbers

You can block text messages on Android directly through your default messaging app or through your phone's settings. The exact steps depend on which messaging app you use — Google Messages, Samsung Messages, or another app — but all of them let you block a number so texts from that sender stop arriving. Once blocked, you won't see notifications, and the messages won't appear in your inbox.

Blocking works at the app level, which means the person can still call you unless you also block them in your phone's contacts. If you want to block both texts and calls from the same number, you'll need to do that separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your messaging app, find the conversation from the number you want to block, and look for a block or report option — usually accessed by pressing and holding the conversation or tapping a menu icon.
  • If you use Google Messages, you can also block a number by opening the conversation, tapping the three-dot menu at the top, and selecting "Block."
  • Samsung Messages users should long-press the conversation, tap the three-dot menu, and choose "Block number."
  • Once blocked, texts from that number stop arriving, but the person can still call you unless you block them separately in your phone's Contacts app.
  • You can unblock a number at any time by going into your messaging app's settings and finding the blocked contacts list.

Block a number through Google Messages

Google Messages is the default messaging app on many Android phones. To block a number, open the app and find the conversation from the person you want to block. Tap and hold on that conversation until it's highlighted, then look for a block icon or menu option at the top of the screen. If you don't see a block option there, tap the three-dot menu icon (usually in the top right corner) and select "Block."

A confirmation window will appear asking if you want to block that number. Tap "Block" again to confirm. After that, any texts from that number will be blocked, and you won't receive notifications about them.

Block a number through Samsung Messages

If your phone uses Samsung Messages as the default app, the process is similar but the menu locations differ slightly. Open Samsung Messages and find the conversation you want to block. Press and hold on that conversation until it's highlighted, then tap the three-dot menu icon at the top of the screen. Select "Block number" from the menu that appears.

Confirm the block when prompted. The number is now blocked in Samsung Messages, and you won't receive texts from it. If you want to block calls from the same number, you'll need to open your Contacts app, find that contact, and block them there as well.

Block a number through your phone's settings

Some Android phones let you block numbers directly through the system settings rather than through the messaging app. Go to Settings, then look for Apps or Applications. Find your messaging app in the list, open it, and look for a Blocked contacts or Blocked numbers option. The exact path varies by phone manufacturer, but this method blocks the number across your entire phone rather than just in one app.

If you can't find a block option in your messaging app's settings, try opening your phone's Contacts app instead. Find the contact you want to block, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Block" or "Block number." This blocks both texts and calls from that contact.

What happens when you block a number

When you block a number in your messaging app, texts from that sender stop arriving in your inbox. You won't see notifications about their messages, and the conversation may disappear from your message list — though some apps keep blocked conversations visible but marked as blocked. The blocked person doesn't receive a notification that they've been blocked; their texts simply don't go through on your end.

Blocking only affects text messages in your messaging app. If you want to block calls from the same number, you must block them separately in your phone's Contacts app or Phone app. Some people block numbers in both places to prevent all contact.

Unblock a number if you change your mind

You can unblock a number at any time. In Google Messages, tap the three-dot menu at the top right, select Settings, then Blocked numbers. You'll see a list of all blocked numbers. Find the one you want to unblock and tap the minus sign or delete icon next to it. In Samsung Messages, go to Settings, then Blocked contacts, and remove the number from the list.

If you blocked the number through your Contacts app, open Contacts, find the person, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Unblock." The person can now text you again, and you'll receive their messages normally.

Block spam and unknown numbers

If you're getting texts from numbers you don't recognize, most messaging apps have options to block unknown senders or mark messages as spam. In Google Messages, you can enable Spam protection in the settings, which automatically filters suspected spam. In Samsung Messages, look for a Spam folder where filtered messages go automatically.

You can also block individual unknown numbers the same way you block known contacts — by finding the conversation and selecting the block option. If spam texts continue after blocking, check whether your carrier offers spam-blocking tools. Many carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have their own spam-filtering services that work alongside your phone's built-in tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the person I blocked tell that I blocked them?

No. When you block someone's number, their texts simply don't go through on your end. They don't receive a notification saying they've been blocked, and they won't know unless they try to contact you through another method and realize you're not responding.

If I block someone, can they still call me?

Yes, unless you block them separately in your phone's Contacts or Phone app. Blocking in your messaging app only stops texts. To block both texts and calls from the same person, you need to block them in two places: your messaging app and your Contacts app.

What's the difference between blocking and reporting spam?

Blocking stops texts from reaching you, but reporting spam sends information about that number to your carrier or the messaging app so they can investigate patterns of abuse. Some apps let you do both at once. Reporting helps protect other people, while blocking only protects you.

Will blocked messages be deleted, or can I see them later?

This depends on your app. Some messaging apps delete blocked conversations entirely, while others keep them in a separate folder or mark them as blocked so you can view them if you unblock the number later. Check your app's settings or blocked contacts list to see where blocked messages go.

Can I block a number that's texting me from different numbers each time?

You can block each individual number as it appears, but if someone is spoofing their number or using a service that generates new numbers, blocking one won't stop the others. In that case, enable spam protection in your messaging app settings, report the messages as spam to your carrier, or contact your carrier's customer service for additional filtering options.