Where to find the block option on your phone
The fastest way to block a number is to open the text message from that sender, then look for a block or report option. On iPhone, open the message thread, tap the sender's name or number at the top, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller. On Android, open the message, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select Block number or Block contact — the exact wording depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version.
If you do not have a recent message from the number, you can block it through your Contacts app instead. Create a new contact with just the number you want to block, then use the same block option from that contact's details page. This works the same way on both iPhone and Android.
Some carriers also let you block numbers through their own apps or websites. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile each have call and text filtering tools you can turn on in their apps or online accounts. These carrier-level blocks work across all your devices on that network, not just your phone itself.
Key Takeaways
- You can block a number directly from a text message by tapping the sender's name and selecting the block option.
- Blocked numbers cannot send you texts or calls, and you will not receive notifications when they try.
- Your carrier offers its own blocking tools through their app or website, which block the number across all your devices.
- Blocking a number does not delete old messages from that sender — you have to delete those yourself if you want them gone.
What happens when you block a number
Once you block a number, that sender cannot reach you by text or call. Their messages will not arrive on your phone, and you will not see a notification that they tried. On their end, they may see a message saying the text failed to send, or they may see nothing at all — it depends on their carrier.
Blocking is not the same as deleting. The old messages from that number stay in your message history unless you manually delete them. If you want to remove those messages, open your message thread with that number and delete it, or select individual messages and delete those instead.
If you change your mind, you can unblock the number the same way you blocked it. Go to your phone's settings, find the blocked contacts or numbers list, and remove the number from it. After you unblock, that sender can reach you again.
When blocking is not enough
Blocking works well for a number that texts you once or twice. If the same sender keeps reaching you from different numbers, blocking each one individually becomes tedious. In that case, turn on your phone's spam filtering instead.
iPhone has Filter Unknown Senders in Settings > Messages, which sends texts from people not in your contacts to a separate tab. You can still see those messages if you look for them, but they will not interrupt you. Android has a similar feature called Spam protection in the Messages app settings, which automatically filters suspected spam and scam texts.
If someone is harassing you repeatedly from multiple numbers, or if the texts contain threats, contact your local police and your carrier. Both can investigate patterns of harassment and may be able to take action beyond what your phone's blocking tools can do.
Blocking on different devices and platforms
If you use multiple devices — an iPhone and an iPad, for example — blocking a number on one device does not automatically block it on the others. You have to block the number separately on each device. The exception is if you use iCloud and have Contacts syncing turned on; in that case, a blocked contact will sync across your Apple devices, but the block itself may not.
For Android, blocking is usually specific to your phone. If you have a tablet or smartwatch on the same account, you will need to block the number on those devices too. Some Android phones let you export your blocked list and import it on another device, but this varies by manufacturer.
If you use a messaging app like WhatsApp, Signal, or Facebook Messenger instead of regular text messages, blocking works differently. Each app has its own block list, separate from your phone's native blocking. You have to block the number or contact within each app individually.
How blocking relates to your account security
Blocking a number stops texts from reaching you, but it does not undo any damage if the sender already has your information. If a scammer texted you a link and you clicked it, or if they got your password, blocking them now will not find your account. You would need to change your passwords and check your account activity for unauthorized access.
Blocking is a defensive tool — it prevents future contact from that number. It is not a substitute for the steps you should take if you suspect your account has been compromised. If a text message led you to enter your login details or payment information on a fake website, treat that as a breach and change your passwords when ready, even after you block the number.
Reporting spam and scam texts to your carrier
Most carriers let you report a number as spam or scam directly from your phone. On iPhone, you can mark a message as Junk by swiping left on it. On Android, tap the three dots and select Report spam or Report as spam. When you report a number, your carrier logs it and uses those reports to identify patterns and block numbers at the network level.
You can also report spam to the Federal Trade Commission through their website at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC does not contact you back, but your report helps them track scam trends and take action against the people running them. If the texts contain threats or harassment, report them to your local police as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone tell if I blocked them?
No. When you block a number, the sender will not receive a notification that you blocked them. They may notice their texts are not getting through, but they cannot confirm the reason from their phone.
Will blocking a number delete my old messages from them?
No. Blocking only stops future messages from that number. Your old message thread with them stays in your inbox unless you delete it manually. You can delete the thread or individual messages from it whenever you want.
What if the scammer texts me from a new number after I block them?
Block the new number the same way. If they keep texting from many different numbers, turn on your phone's spam filtering instead of blocking each number individually. You can also report the pattern to your carrier and the FTC.
Does blocking a number on my phone also block them on my email or social media?
No. Blocking a phone number only affects text messages and calls on your phone. You have to block the person separately on email, social media, and messaging apps if they contact you through those channels too.
Can I block a number that is not in my contacts?
Yes. You can block any number, whether or not you have saved it as a contact. If you do not have a recent message from them, create a new contact with just their number, then block that contact.