Block a text sender on iPhone or Android

The fastest way to stop texts from a specific number is to open the message thread, tap and hold the sender's name or number, then select the block option. On iPhone, this appears as "Block this Caller" in the menu. On Android, it shows as "Block" or "Block number" depending on your phone's manufacturer. Once blocked, that sender cannot reach you by text, call, or FaceTime — their messages go nowhere, and they receive no notification that they were blocked.

If you have already deleted the message thread, you can still block the number through your phone's settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts and tap the plus sign to add a number manually. On Android, open the Phone app, go to Settings > Blocked numbers, and enter the number you want to block. The process takes less than a minute either way.

Blocking works best when you know exactly which number is sending unwanted texts. If you are receiving messages from many different numbers or from numbers that change each time, blocking individual senders becomes impractical — in that case, you may want to use a filtering service instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can block a text sender directly from the message thread by tapping and holding their name, then selecting block.
  • Blocked senders cannot reach you by text, call, or video call, and they do not know they were blocked.
  • If the message thread is deleted, you can add the number to your blocked list through your phone's settings.
  • Blocking works for known numbers but not for spam that rotates phone numbers — use a filtering service for that instead.
  • Different phone manufacturers use slightly different names for the block feature, but all smartphones have this function built in.

Blocking on iPhone with iMessage or SMS

iPhone treats iMessage (texts to other Apple users) and SMS (standard text messages) the same way when blocking. Open the Messages app, find the conversation with the sender you want to block, and swipe left on their name. A red "Unblock" button appears — tap it, then confirm. Alternatively, tap "Edit" in the top left of your Messages list, select the conversation, and tap "Delete" followed by "Block this Caller" from the menu that appears.

Once you block someone on iPhone, their messages stop arriving when ready. Any texts they send after you block them sit on their phone as "delivered" but never reach your device. If you change your mind later, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts, find their name, and swipe left to unblock them.

Blocking on Android with SMS and third-party apps

Android's built-in blocking works through the default messaging app or the Phone app, depending on your device. Open your Messages app, long-press the conversation you want to block, and look for a block or report option in the menu. On Samsung phones, this is labeled "Block number." On Google Pixel phones, tap the three dots at the top of the conversation and select "Block."

If you use a third-party messaging app like WhatsApp or Signal, blocking happens within that app, not through your phone's system settings. Open the conversation, tap the sender's name at the top, scroll down, and select "Block." Blocking in one app does not block them in another — if someone texts you through both SMS and WhatsApp, you need to block them in each app separately.

When blocking is not enough

Blocking works when you know the sender's number and want to stop one specific person. It does not work against spam or scam texts that use a different number each time. If you are receiving dozens of messages from rotating numbers, blocking each one individually wastes time and does not solve the problem.

For spam and scam texts, use your phone's built-in filtering instead. On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and turn on "Filter Unknown Senders" — this moves texts from numbers not in your contacts to a separate tab. On Android, open the Messages app, tap the three dots, go to Settings > Spam and abuse, and turn on "Enable spam protection." These filters catch most spam automatically without requiring you to block each number.

If you are receiving texts that threaten you, demand money, or claim to be from your bank asking for passwords, report them to your carrier and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Do not reply to the message, and do not click any links in it.

Blocking a number you do not recognize

You do not need to open a message to block someone. If you see a missed text notification from an unknown number, you can block it directly from your lock screen on some phones. On iPhone, swipe left on the notification and tap "Block." On Android, tap and hold the notification, then select "Block" or "Report spam."

If you want to block a number before you receive a text from them — for example, a number someone gave you that you do not want to hear from — you can add it to your blocked list manually through Settings. This prevents them from reaching you by text or call, even if you have never received a message from them before.

What happens after you block someone

Once you block a number, the sender cannot text you, call you, or reach you through FaceTime or iMessage. Their messages do not bounce back to them — they see "delivered" on their end, but the message never arrives on your phone. You will not receive a notification that they tried to contact you, and you will not see their name in your recent calls or messages.

The blocked person does not receive a notification that you blocked them. If they call you, they hear a normal ring tone but you do not answer — they have no way to know whether you blocked them, ignored the call, or straightforward did not see it. If they text you, the message appears to send normally on their phone, but it vanishes into your phone's blocked queue.

Blocking is not permanent. You can unblock someone at any time through your phone's settings, and they will be able to reach you again when ready. Unblocking does not notify them — you straightforward become reachable to them again.

Blocking does not protect your accounts

Blocking a text sender stops their messages from reaching you, but it does not undo any damage they may have already done. If someone texted you a phishing link and you clicked it, or if they tricked you into sharing a password, blocking them now does not find your account. You still need to change your password, check your account for unauthorized activity, and contact your bank or service provider if money or information was compromised.

Blocking is a tool for stopping ongoing contact, not for recovering from a breach. If you received a suspicious text claiming to be from your bank, block the number, but also call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card to report the message and confirm your account is find.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone tell if I blocked them?

No. When a blocked person texts you, the message appears to send normally on their phone — they see "delivered" just like any other text. They have no notification that you blocked them. If they call, they hear a normal ring tone. There is no way for them to know for certain that you blocked them rather than straightforward ignoring them.

What if I block someone and then unblock them later?

Unblocking restores contact when ready. They can text and call you again, and you will see their messages. Unblocking does not notify them — they straightforward regain the ability to reach you. Any messages they sent while you had them blocked will not appear on your phone.

Can I block a number that is not in my contacts?

Yes. You can block any number, whether or not you have saved it to your contacts. Go to your phone's settings, find the blocked numbers or blocked contacts section, and add the number manually. You do not need to know the person's name or have their information saved.

If I block someone on iMessage, does it block their SMS texts too?

Yes. Blocking on iPhone blocks all contact from that number — iMessage, SMS, calls, and FaceTime. You do not need to block them separately for each service. On Android, blocking through the Phone or Messages app blocks SMS and calls, but blocking in a third-party app like WhatsApp only blocks that app.

Do I need to report a number before I block it?

You can do either. Most phones offer a "Report spam" option alongside "Block" — reporting sends information about the number to your carrier and helps them identify patterns of spam. Blocking stops the messages from reaching you. You can report without blocking, block without reporting, or do both. For scam texts claiming to be from your bank, report to the FTC as well.