The fastest way to stop unwanted texts

Most phones let you block a number directly from the message thread — no settings menu required. Open the text from the number you want to block, tap the sender's name or number at the top, and look for a "Block" or "Block This Caller" option. On iPhone, it appears in a menu; on Android, it's usually a button or three-dot menu. The blocked number can still send you texts, but they go to a separate folder you won't see unless you look for them.

If you want to block multiple numbers or a pattern of texts (like all messages from unknown numbers), your phone's settings offer broader controls. These vary by device, but the principle is the same: you're telling your phone to sort certain messages away from your main inbox, or to reject them entirely before they reach you.

The difference between blocking and filtering matters. Blocking stops one specific number; filtering stops whole categories of messages — like texts from people not in your contacts, or messages containing certain words. Most people need both.

Key Takeaways

  • You can block a single number by opening its text thread and selecting "Block" from the sender's contact card or message menu.
  • iPhone's Messages app has a separate "Filter Unknown Senders" toggle that hides texts from people not in your contacts.
  • Android's default Messages app lets you block numbers individually, and some phones offer a "Spam Protection" or "Block Unknown" setting in the app itself.
  • Spam texts often come from services you signed up for; texting "STOP" to the sender can remove you from their list, though this doesn't always work.
  • If blocking and filtering don't stop the messages, your carrier may offer a spam-blocking service you can turn on for a fee or free.

Blocking a single number on iPhone

Open the Messages app and find the conversation with the number you want to block. Tap the sender's name or number at the very top of the thread — not the message itself, but the header area. A contact card will slide up from the bottom showing their name or number.

Scroll down on that card until you see "Block This Caller" in red text. Tap it, then confirm when your phone asks if you're sure. The conversation stays in your Messages app, but any future texts from that number will be hidden in a separate "Blocked" folder. You can view blocked messages if you need to, but they won't notify you when they arrive.

To unblock the number later, go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts, find the number, and swipe left to delete it from the blocked list.

Blocking a single number on Android

Open your default Messages app (Google Messages, Samsung Messages, or whatever came with your phone). Find the conversation with the number you want to block and press and hold on it — don't tap, but hold your finger down for a second or two. A menu will appear with options including "Block" or "Block Number."

Tap that option and confirm. Some Android phones also let you block a number by opening the conversation, tapping the three-dot menu at the top right, and selecting "Block Number" from there. Either way, future texts from that number will be silenced.

To see your blocked numbers or unblock one, go to your Messages app settings (usually the three-dot menu > Settings), look for "Blocked Contacts" or "Blocked Numbers," and manage the list from there.

Filtering unknown senders on iPhone

If most of your unwanted texts come from numbers you don't recognize, iPhone's "Filter Unknown Senders" feature moves those messages to a separate tab so they don't clutter your main inbox. Go to Settings > Messages and toggle on "Filter Unknown Senders." Your Messages app will now show two tabs: one for conversations with people in your contacts, and one for everyone else.

Unknown senders still reach your phone, but you won't get a notification when they arrive. You can check that tab whenever you want to see if anything important came through. This is especially useful if you get frequent texts from delivery services, banks, or other businesses using different numbers each time.

Filtering unknown senders on Android

Android's approach depends on which Messages app you're using. If you have Google Messages (the default on most newer phones), open the app and tap your profile icon in the top left, then go to Settings > Spam and Abuse. Toggle on "Enable Spam Protection" to filter likely spam automatically.

If you're using Samsung Messages or another carrier's app, look in Settings for "Spam Protection," "Block Unknown," or "Filter Spam." The exact name varies, but the function is the same: messages from numbers not in your contacts get sorted into a spam or blocked folder. You can review them later if needed, but they won't interrupt you.

Stopping marketing texts by replying STOP

Many unwanted texts come from legitimate businesses — retailers, banks, delivery services — that you signed up for at some point. These messages are required by law to include an opt-out option. Look at the bottom of the text for a line like "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" or "Text STOP to opt out."

Reply with the word STOP exactly as written. The sender should remove your number from their list within a few days. This works for most major retailers and services, though smaller or less scrupulous senders sometimes ignore it. If the texts continue after you've replied STOP, you can then block the number.

Do not reply to texts asking you to confirm your number or asking any other question — that confirms your number is active and monitored, which can lead to more spam. Only reply STOP if that's the explicit opt-out instruction.

Using your carrier's spam-blocking service

If blocking and filtering aren't stopping the unwanted texts, your phone carrier may offer a spam-blocking service. AT&T offers Call Protect, Verizon offers Call Filter, and T-Mobile offers Scam Shield. These services run on the carrier's network rather than just on your phone, so they can block texts before they reach you.

Some carriers include basic spam blocking for free; others charge a monthly fee for advanced features. Check your carrier's website or call their customer service to see what's available on your account. You can usually turn these services on through your carrier's app or website without visiting a store.

Carrier-level blocking is most useful if you're getting texts from spoofed numbers (fake numbers that look like they're from your bank or a local business) or if you're receiving dozens of spam texts daily. It won't catch everything, but it catches patterns that your phone's built-in filters might miss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone I blocked still see that I blocked them?

No. When you block a number, they can still send you texts, but they won't know whether the message went through or was read. Your phone straightforward hides their messages from you. They won't receive a notification saying they've been blocked.

What's the difference between blocking and reporting spam?

Blocking stops one number from reaching you. Reporting spam (an option on some phones when you long-press a message) tells your phone's system or your carrier that the number is spam, which helps them identify patterns and block similar numbers for other users. You can do both at once.

If I block a number, will they know I blocked them?

They won't receive a notification. If they try to call you, they may hear a message saying the call couldn't go through, which might tip them off, but text messages won't give them any sign. Blocking is silent on your end.

Do I need to pay for spam blocking, or is it free?

Your phone's built-in blocking and filtering features are free. Carrier services like AT&T Call Protect or Verizon Call Filter may be free at a basic level or cost a few dollars per month for advanced features. Check your carrier's website to see what's included with your plan.

What should I do if the blocked number keeps texting me from different numbers?

If someone is sending you repeated texts from multiple numbers, that's harassment. Block each new number as it appears, and consider reporting the pattern to your carrier or local police. Most carriers take repeated harassment seriously and can investigate if you file a complaint.