Blocking a text message sender depends on your phone type and which app you use

The steps to block texts differ between iPhone and Android, and they differ again if you use your phone's built-in messaging app versus a third-party app like WhatsApp or Signal. On both phone types, blocking usually takes two to four taps and works when ready — the blocked person can still send you messages, but you won't see them arrive, and they won't get a delivery confirmation. Some apps let you block silently (the sender doesn't know) while others notify them.

The person you block can still call you unless you block them in your phone's contacts or call settings separately. Blocking texts does not delete old messages from that sender — you'll need to delete the conversation manually if you want those gone. If you change your mind, unblocking takes the same number of steps as blocking.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone, open the conversation, tap the contact name at the top, scroll down, and tap "Block this Caller" — this blocks both texts and calls from that number.
  • On Android with the default Messages app, open the conversation, tap the three dots, and select "Block" — the process varies slightly by phone maker and Android version.
  • Third-party apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram have their own block buttons inside each conversation, separate from your phone's system-level block.
  • Blocking prevents you from seeing new messages but does not delete old ones, and the blocked person may or may not be notified depending on the app.
  • You can unblock someone at any time through the same menu where you blocked them, or through your phone's blocked contacts list.

Blocking texts on iPhone

Open the Messages app and find the conversation with the person you want to block. Tap their name or number at the top of the screen — this opens a details panel. Scroll down until you see "Block this Caller" and tap it. A confirmation message appears asking if you're sure; tap "Block Contact" to confirm.

Once blocked, that person's texts will no longer appear in your inbox, and you won't get notifications when they message you. If they call, the call will go straight to voicemail. The block applies to both iMessage (texts to other iPhone users) and SMS (texts to any phone). You can see a list of everyone you've blocked by opening Settings, tapping Messages, scrolling down, and tapping "Blocked Contacts."

Blocking texts on Android

The exact steps vary depending on which phone maker you have and which version of Android it runs, but the general process is the same. Open your default Messages app (usually called Messages, Messaging, or SMS) and find the conversation you want to block. Tap and hold the conversation until a menu appears, then look for an option that says "Block," "Block number," or "Block contact." Tap it and confirm.

On Samsung phones, open Messages, tap the conversation, tap the three dots in the top right, and select "Block number." On Google Pixel phones, open Messages, tap the conversation, tap the three dots, and tap "Block." On other Android phones, the location of the block option may differ — it might be under a menu labeled "More options" or accessed by long-pressing the conversation. If you can't find it in the Messages app, you can also block through your phone's Contacts app: open Contacts, find the person, tap the three dots, and select "Block number."

Blocking texts in WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram

These apps have their own blocking system separate from your phone's system-level block. In WhatsApp, open the chat with the person you want to block, tap their name at the top, scroll down, and tap "Block Contact." In Signal, open the conversation, tap the person's name at the top, tap the three dots, and select "Block." In Telegram, swipe left on the conversation (on iPhone) or long-press it (on Android), then tap "Block User."

When you block someone in a third-party app, they can no longer message you through that app, but they can still text you through your phone's regular SMS if they have your number. They also cannot see your profile, your last seen time, or whether you've read their messages. On WhatsApp and Signal, they won't be notified that you've blocked them. On Telegram, they may see that the chat has been deleted but won't know if you blocked them or just left the conversation.

What happens after you block someone

Their new messages won't appear in your inbox, and you won't get notifications. However, the messages still exist on their phone and in their sent folder — they just don't reach you. If they call your number, the call will go to voicemail on iPhone; on Android, the behavior depends on your phone and carrier, but usually the call is rejected silently or goes to voicemail.

Old messages from that person remain in your conversation history unless you delete them manually. If you want to delete the entire conversation, you can do that separately — blocking and deleting are two different actions. The blocked person won't receive a notification that you've blocked them on most apps, though some services may indicate a delivery failure if they're paying close attention.

Unblocking someone

If you change your mind, you can unblock someone through the same place you blocked them. On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts, find the person, and tap "Unblock." On Android with the default Messages app, open the app, tap the three dots, go to Settings > Blocked numbers, find the person, and tap "Unblock." In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked Contacts, find the person, and tap "Unblock." In Signal, tap your profile icon, go to Privacy > Blocked Users, find the person, and tap "Unblock."

Once you unblock someone, their messages will start reaching you again, and they'll be able to see your online status and read receipts if those settings are on. You won't see any of the messages they sent while you had them blocked — those are gone from your inbox permanently.

When blocking doesn't work the way you expect

If someone is contacting you from multiple numbers, blocking one number won't stop the others. You'll need to block each number separately. If someone is using a different app to reach you (for example, they text you on SMS but also message you on Facebook), blocking them in one place won't block them in the other — you have to block them in each app individually.

Some carriers offer additional blocking tools through their own apps or websites. Verizon has Call Filter, AT&T has Call Protect, and T-Mobile has Scam Shield. These tools can block calls and texts at the carrier level before they reach your phone, which can be more effective than app-level blocking if someone is spoofing numbers or using a service to mask their identity. Check your carrier's website to see what options are available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone tell if I've blocked them?

On most apps, no — they won't get a notification. However, they may figure it out if they notice their messages never get a delivery confirmation, or if they can no longer see your profile or last seen time. On some services, a blocked person might see an error message when trying to message you, which could tip them off.

Will blocking delete old messages from that person?

No. Blocking only stops new messages from reaching you. Old conversations stay in your inbox unless you delete them manually. If you want those messages gone, you have to delete the conversation separately after blocking.

What if someone blocks me — will I know?

You might notice if your messages never get a delivery confirmation, or if you can no longer see their profile picture or online status. However, most apps don't send a notification saying "this person blocked you," so you may not be certain without trying to contact them and seeing what happens.

Can I block someone from calling me without blocking their texts?

On iPhone, blocking through Messages blocks both calls and texts together. On Android, it depends on your phone — some phones let you block calls and texts separately through your contacts or call settings. Check your phone's native call or contacts app for separate call-blocking options.

If I block someone on WhatsApp, can they still text me on SMS?

Yes. Blocking someone in WhatsApp only blocks them within that app. They can still send you regular text messages through your phone's SMS system if they have your phone number. You would need to block their number separately in your phone's Messages app to stop SMS texts.