Since (short) text messages, or SMS, is so well-known and can be used to quickly deliver a message without doing much work, advertising companies are also using it to promote their products, offering information, etc. Not only that, some people you’ve only met once could spam you with annoying texts.
Luckily, in recent releases, starting from iOS 7, Apple has implemented more security features for their iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad users, which allows them to have more control over their privacy and block specific phone numbers from sending text messages (regular SMS) and iMessages.
In this post, we will go through several methods which you can use to block text messages on an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. To block unwanted iPhone calls read this tutorial, for general number blocking this one is great.
If you own an Android phone, we have a specific article about how to block SMS on Android.
Block Caller(s) from your iPhone Contacts
The built-in Block feature in the iPhone contacts allows you block a phone number from calling, sending text messages, or even facetiming you. The process is really simple and it can be found right on your iPhone without downloading third-party applications or connecting the device to a computer.
- Go to your stock Phone app
- Tap on the Contacts menu
- Pick a person you wish to block
- The last option on their page should say “Block this Caller”
- You will be prompted with a confirmation popup and then choose Block Contact
By pressing the Block Contact button, you will not receive phone calls, messages, or Facebook from people on the block list.
Keep in mind that the contract will not disappear, but continue to display on under your Contacts list. This way you can come back and unblock the phone number using the same process.
Block Unwanted or Spam Text Messages from Unknown on iPhone
The above method works really well for people in your Contacts list. However, it doesn’t have any effects on those spammers or advertising agencies who try to send different promotions and offers for their products to your number.
We refer these guys as “spammers” or “unknown”, and they can also be blocked from your iPhone too.
- Go to the Messages app
- Tap on the message from the spammer
- Choose details on the top right hand corner
- There will be phone icon and a letter “i” icon across from the number. Tap on the “i” icon
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and then tap on Block this Caller
Again, once you press on Block this Caller, the phone number that you just blocked won’t be able to make phone calls, send text messages, or Facetime you.
Contact Your Carrier for Phone Spam Tools
These two methods that we mentioned earlier worked really well for most users, however, if you are unfortunate enough to receive text messages from spammers, then the best thing to do is contact your carrier. Most likely, wireless carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile has a phone spam tools. For example, Verizon has one, but others should too.
Your Wireless Carrier’s tool will let you add an email address that is used to send text messages or enter a specific number that you wish to block. Just go to your online portal where you pay your bills, see your mobile data, etc and there should be an option where you can sign-up to create your own block list.
Filed in . Read more about iPhone, Sms and Text Messages.