You can block texts on iPhone through the Messages app, the Phone app, or your carrier

The fastest way to stop texts from a specific number is to open the message thread, tap the sender's name or number at the top, and choose "Block this Caller." This works whether the texts are SMS, iMessage, or from an unknown number. The person can still send you messages — they just won't reach your phone, and you won't see a notification.

If you want to block texts from many numbers at once, or if you're getting spam texts from numbers that change, your carrier may offer a filtering service. AT&T Call Protect, Verizon Call Filter, and T-Mobile Scam Shield all block suspected spam texts before they reach your phone. These services are often free or cost a few dollars per month.

You can also report spam texts to your carrier and to Apple, which helps them improve their filters over time. None of these methods are perfect — spammers change numbers constantly — but they reduce the volume of unwanted messages you see.

Key Takeaways

  • Blocking a contact through the Messages app prevents their texts from reaching your phone and stops notifications, but they won't know they're blocked.
  • Carrier filtering services like AT&T Call Protect and Verizon Call Filter catch suspected spam before it arrives, and are often free or low-cost.
  • Reporting spam texts to your carrier and to Apple helps improve filters for everyone, though it does not remove your number from spam lists.
  • Blocking a contact is permanent until you unblock them; carrier filters can be adjusted or turned off in your phone settings at any time.

Blocking a single contact through the Messages app

Open the Messages app and find the conversation with the person or number you want to block. Tap their name or number at the very top of the thread — not the message itself, but the header area. A menu will appear with options including "Block this Caller" or "Block Contact." Tap that option.

Once blocked, that person's texts will no longer appear in your Messages app. If they send you a message, it will sit on their phone as "delivered" but you will never see it. They won't receive a notification that you blocked them, though they may figure it out if their messages never get a response.

To unblock someone, go to Settings > Messages (or Phone, if they were texting you through the Phone app), scroll down to "Blocked Contacts," and swipe left on their name. Tap "Unblock."

Using carrier spam filters to block texts before they arrive

Your phone company offers a filtering service that catches suspected spam and scam texts before they reach your phone. These services work differently than blocking a single contact — they use patterns and databases to identify texts that look like spam, rather than blocking specific numbers you choose.

AT&T Call Protect is free for AT&T customers and filters spam calls and texts. You can turn it on in the Phone app under Settings. Verizon Call Filter is also free and works the same way. T-Mobile Scam Shield is free for T-Mobile customers and includes spam text filtering. All three let you see what was blocked and unblock something if it was filtered by mistake.

These services are not perfect — some spam still gets through, and occasionally a real message gets caught by mistake. But they reduce the number of unwanted texts you see without requiring you to block each number individually. If you want more advanced filtering, each carrier offers a paid version with stricter rules.

Reporting spam texts to your carrier and Apple

When you get a spam or scam text, reporting it helps your carrier and Apple improve their filters. On iPhone, open the message, tap "Report Junk" (or "Report as Spam" depending on your iOS version), and choose whether it's junk or a phishing attempt. Apple uses these reports to train its systems.

You can also report spam texts directly to your carrier. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all have ways to forward spam texts to them — usually by forwarding the message to a short code like 7726 (which spells SPAM). Your carrier will log the number and may add it to their filter list if many people report it.

Reporting does not remove your number from spam lists or stop future texts from that number. Spammers change numbers constantly, so the same number rarely texts you twice. But reporting helps protect other people by making filters smarter.

What happens when you block someone on iMessage

If the person you're blocking uses iMessage (the blue-bubble texts between Apple devices), blocking them also prevents FaceTime calls and FaceTime audio calls from reaching you. They can still call your phone number through the regular phone network, but iMessage and FaceTime will be blocked.

The blocked person can still see your contact in their phone, and they can still try to send you messages or call you through iMessage or FaceTime. Their messages will show as "delivered" on their end, but you won't see them. After a while, they may realize the messages aren't getting responses and figure out they're blocked.

Blocking unknown or private numbers

If you're getting texts from "Unknown Sender" or from numbers that show as private, blocking works differently. You can't block "Unknown Sender" as a category — it's not a real contact. Instead, turn on "Filter Unknown Senders" in Settings > Messages. This moves texts from numbers not in your contacts to a separate tab so they don't interrupt you.

If a specific private number keeps texting you, ask your carrier to block it. Some carriers can block private numbers entirely, though this may also block legitimate calls from businesses that hide their numbers. Your carrier can walk you through the trade-offs.

When to block versus when to report

Block a contact when you know the person and don't want to hear from them. This is permanent and personal — only you are affected. Report spam when you don't know the sender and the text looks like a scam or phishing attempt. Reporting helps everyone.

If you're getting texts about a package delivery, a bank account, or a prize you won, and you didn't expect them, those are usually scams. Don't click links in them. Report them to your carrier and Apple, then block the number if it keeps texting you.

If you're getting texts from a real business (your bank, your doctor's office, a store) that you don't want, you can usually unsubscribe by replying STOP. If that doesn't work, block the number. Legitimate businesses respect STOP requests; scammers ignore them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone tell if I blocked them on iPhone?

They won't get a notification that you blocked them, but they may figure it out if their messages never get responses and calls go straight to voicemail. There's no way for them to know for certain without asking you directly.

If I block someone, do they see my old messages?

No. When you block someone, the entire conversation disappears from your Messages app. They can still see messages you sent them before the block, but any new messages they send won't reach you.

Will blocking stop scam texts completely?

No. Scammers use new numbers constantly, so blocking one number stops that specific sender but not spam in general. Carrier filters catch more spam than blocking alone, but some will always get through.

Can I block texts but still receive calls from someone?

When you block a contact on iPhone, you block both texts and calls. If you want to receive calls but not texts, you'll need to use Do Not Disturb or a custom notification setting instead of blocking.

What's the difference between blocking and reporting spam?

Blocking is personal — it stops one number from reaching you. Reporting is community — it tells your carrier and Apple that a number is spam, which helps them filter it for everyone. You can do both.