Spam texts are unsolicited and unwanted messages a person receives on their smartphone. Spam texts are not always coming from another phone; instead, these messages are sent from a computer and delivered to smartphones through SMS or instant messaging. Spam texts are cheap and easy to send because they are readily available online. Scammers send these messages in bulk to randomly chosen or generated numbers. A couple of responses from those that receive these messages are all a scammer needs to make a profit.
There are many reasons why you would want to block spam texts. It is probably because you are tired of getting daily messages from an unknown number or think you’ve been scammed. Blocking spam texts is relatively easy on Android and iPhone smartphones.
The eight ways how to block spam text are listed below.
1. Don’t Answer
2. Block Numbers
3. Inform your mobile network provider about spam communications.
4. Utilize applications that prevent spam.
5. Stay away from clicking links in messages you receive.
6. Guard your personal information.
7. Examine your mobile bill frequently.
8. Utilize the built-in spam-blocking tools on your phone.
1. Don’t Answer
Don’t answer or make any interaction with the sender of spam texts that you receive. Even if the message instructs you to key in “STOP” to stop receiving text – do not take action. It is the golden rule in handling and stopping spam texts.
Replying to spam text messages confirms that your number is active, which leads the scammers to continue sending you more spam texts, making you a potential target for future attacks. Don’t let this method of persuasion deceive you; if you text back, you will only receive more spam texts and calls. You would be better off ignoring the message altogether.
2. Block Numbers
It is simple to block numbers on your mobile device, but the process may vary depending on your phone’s manufacturer, model, and operating system. Remember that scammers may use a different number every time they text. Using fake numbers makes it more challenging to block them manually. You can block numbers from texting you on your Android or iPhone smartphone by following these simple steps:
For Android phones, the steps to block numbers are as follows.
- On an Android phone, open the Phone app and tap on the three-dot icon in the upper right corner. From there, select “Settings.”
- Select “Blocked numbers” on the drop-down menu. Tap it.
- Several options are available, including unknown callers, recent calls, or contacts from your list.
- Choose the number or manually input the number that you want to block.
For iPhone users, the steps to block numbers from the messages are as follows.
- Open the text from the number you wish to block and tap on the sender’s number.
- Click the info (i) button.
- On the Details screen, click on the phone number. Then, select Block this Caller and Block Contact.
3. Inform your mobile network provider about spam communications.
Timing is everything when it comes to spam texts. The sooner you report it, the better you can stop future messages. To report a spam text on your phone, forward the message to 7726. It works for most major carriers, including AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T Mobile, who have all signed up for this service to try and thwart any more spammy content.
You can also report spam text messages to data protection authorities such as the ICO (Europe) or the FTC (United States).
4. Utilize applications that prevent spam.
Although there are many Android and iOS apps available that claim to offer spam protection and robocall blocking, you must exercise caution before using any of them. For these apps to work as intended, you must grant them access to your call logs and contacts lists.
Although apps like RoboKiller or Nomorobo are secure, many more aren’t. Before using a third-party app, research to ensure they don’t sell or share your data without permission. Additionally, always be mindful of their business model and privacy policy.
5. Stay away from clicking links in messages you receive.
Never click on any links in the text message to check whether it’s legitimate. The website might be fake, or your phone could install malware.
Malware from links in spam texts has the potential to wreak havoc on your personal life by stealing data, contacts, and passwords, as well as sending texts to premium numbers. Also, it can make your device run slower than usual. To be safe, always double-check your phone bill for any suspicious activity.
6. Guard your personal information.
Be vigilant about who you give your personal information. If someone texts or calls you asking for your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information, hang up. No legitimate business or individual will ever ask for this information via text message.
You should never reply to any sender who requests personal details about your account, like passwords, social security numbers, or date of birth, by text. If a company needs this information, they will usually ask for it in person or on their website over a secure connection.
7. Examine your mobile bill frequently.
If you notice any unusual charges on your mobile bill, report them to your service provider immediately. You might be the victim of premium-rate texting scams, where scammers sign you up for a subscription without your knowledge and then charge you for it every month.
8. Utilize the built-in spam-blocking tools on
There should be a way to turn on spam protection within your messaging software. On Android devices, go to the SMS inbox, tap the three dots at the top of the screen, then scroll down and select ‘Settings’ and ‘Spam Protection.’
Enabling the spam protection will automatically direct future spam messages to the ‘Spam and Blocked’ section.
iPhone users may filter unknown senders by opening the Messages app and navigating to ‘Filter Unknown Senders.’ Enable the ‘Message Filtering’ feature to complete the process.
What is a Spam Text?
Spam texts are unsolicited or unwanted text messages, like a marketing message you didn’t sign up for or a phishing text from a fraudster. Spam texts are usually sent from computers using email or messaging apps. Spam texts are rarely sent from another mobile device.
Most text spams appear to have been sent from your bank or service provider, suggesting gifts or another incentive. Marketing spam texts (junk messages) are aggravating, but fraudulent texts are the ones that truly concern us.
They aim to deceive you into tapping a malicious link that could infect your device with malware or access your data. Or worse – steal from your bank account.
Scammers can do this because our phones aren’t fully secure. Consider how many applications you have on your smartphone right now. Every one of those applications has access to some of your personal information – data that a scammer may steal if you follow a fraud link.
Why should you Block a Spam Text?
It is necessary to block a spam text to protect your personal information and avoid costly scams. These messages might expose you to identity theft and put your phone at greater risk of infection by malware. If your wireless provider charges you for receiving text messages, this may result in unwanted costs on your phone bill.
It’s also important to remember that spammers sometimes use spoofed numbers – meaning they make their texts look like they’re coming from a different number than they are.
It makes it difficult to know who is sending you the message, and it’s one of the reasons why you should be careful about clicking links in texts. If you’re unsure whether a text is legitimate, your best bet is to delete it without clicking anything.
How to Block Spam Texts on Android?
It is easy to block a spam text sender on an Android phone. The steps listed below will guide you in blocking a number so that you no longer receive texts from them:
Step 1. In the Messaging app, go to the three dots icon in the upper right corner of your screen.
Step 2. Settings, then -> Spam Protection
Step 3. To enable spam protection, scroll down to the bottom of the page and select Enable Spam Protection.
Step 4. Swipe the button to the right to turn it on.
If you cannot locate the Spam Protection setting, your phone likely does not have a spam filter installed. If this is the case, you will need to download an app from your App Store.
What are the Best Text Blocking Apps for Android?
There are several text-blocking apps available for Android devices. These top text-blocking apps for Android will allow you to add contacts to the blocklist. After you add this, you will stop receiving SMS messages from those contacts.
- Chomp SMS (Best Overall) – Chomp SMS is a mobile phone app that allows you to replace your stock SMS/MMS software. You may use Chomp SMS to create a personalized blacklist to prevent text spam. It also includes several additional text messaging functions, such as setting fast replies, adding signatures to the messages, and more.
- TrueCaller – TrueCaller is the perfect app for anyone looking to better manage their communication, with features like caller ID and blocking spam calls and SMS. In addition, Truecaller also offers a few smart messaging features.
- Key Messages – Key Messages allow you to quickly block text messages based on different filters. For example, you can set filters to block numbers starting from predefined numbers or by sender title, content keyword, and more. It automatically blocks spam text messages from unknown senders and non-numbers.
How to Block Spam Texts on iPhone?
Blocking a spam text sender on your iPhone is quick and easy. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1. Open the Settings app, then scroll down to find Messages.
Step 2. To filter unknown senders, scroll down to Message Filtering and tap the Filter Unknown Senders toggle, so it is in the on position.
Step 3. Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad. You’ll be allowed to view only those messages you’ve previously received from contacts. To see notes from friends, tap Known Senders only. To see messages from unknown senders, including companies and banks, select Unknown Senders. Check this section if you expect an important message from any source (like a verification code). To view all messages, select All Messages.
Step 4. The final step to take is to disable notifications from unknown senders. If you do this, you won’t have to see the notifications appearing on your lock or home screen constantly. To do so, open Settings and tap Notifications. Scroll down until you find Messages and hit Customize Notifications. Once there, toggle the Unknown Senders switch to off under Allow Notifications heading.
What are the Best Text Blocking Apps for iPhone?
iOS devices have efficient spam blocking features. iMessage, the default messaging app for iPhones, has a built-in spam filter that can be enabled to stop spam texts. But if you’re unsatisfied with spam blocking on iOS, you may want to get a third-party app instead. The top three text-blocking apps for iPhone are listed below.
- VeroSMS (Best Overall) – Vero SMS is an excellent filtering app that stops spam messages from ever reaching your inbox. The free version allows you to add specific keywords you want to be filtered out, which can be based on the sender’s number or a particular keyword. There is also a whitelist feature where you can enter safe keywords.
- SMS Shield – SMS Shield is a call and text spam blocker that can block ads and filter phishing attempts, scams, and spam. It’s perfect for those who frequently travel as it can work abroad and has a blocklist feature that uses keywords you specify to prevent specific texts from coming through.
- Robokiller – RoboKiller is excellent at stopping robocalls and spam calls. It does an excellent job of preventing any call from disrupting you, no matter how many times it rings. The app gives real-time protection against both calls and texts. With this program, you can defend yourself against fraudulent activities.
Are Text Blocking Apps Necessary?
Yes. Text blocking apps are necessary for mobile devices that do not have an efficient spam blocking feature. Text blocking apps will protect you from unwanted and unsolicited text messages. Blocking spam texts becomes more efficient if you use blocking apps proven to work for your device. Spam texts are a nuisance and can be costly if you’re not careful. Text blocking apps will save you time and money by stopping spam texts before they reach you.