How to block text messages on iPhone and Android

Are you receiving unwanted, unwarranted messages on your phone? If so, it might be a smart move to block the numbers they're coming from.

This guide will show you exactly how to put measures in place to block text messages and phone calls from pesky prank callers, salesmen, and fraudsters.

Does blocking text messages block calls?

Yes! When you block text messages from any given number on both Android and iOS, you are effectively blocking all correspondence with that number. 

This means that not only will they not be able to text you, but ringing through to your number instead won't get them any closer to contacting you. 

If that's a salesperson or fraudster, that move will throw them off your scent. But remember, if it's someone trying to contact you specifically, there might be other ways they can reach you such as social media – so make sure you've blocked them on there too! 

How to block text messages on an iPhone

Blocking text messages on iPhone is a pretty simple procedure and takes only a few seconds:

How to block text messages on Android 

Blocking text messages on phones that use Android OS is also a pretty straightforward procedure that doesn't require much effort. 

Alternatively, if you press and hold the contact that you'd like to block and then tap the block icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen, it will achieve the same effect. 

You can also, in the main message menu, tap 'More' and then 'block messages' and you can block any number you like by entering it manually. HTC phones have a really simple method for blocking text messages.

How to block messages on Huawei

Huawei is eating up an increasingly significant portion of the smartphone market and is now the device of choice for millions of people worldwide. It uses HarmonyOS as its operating system so blocking texts is slightly different.

If you'd like to block unwanted texts, the clearest instructions available on the web can be found on their website. You can even block messages with certain keywords in if you think this will be useful. 

Other ways to keep unwanted contacts at bay 

As mentioned above, if you're getting cold-called or messaged by people trying to sell you stuff, or even looking to scam you, blocking text messages and calls from them will likely stop them from contacting you. 

However, if it's a person trying to make unwanted contact with you specifically – such as a creepy ex-partner or a family member you really don't see eye-to-eye with – then simply blocking their phone number. If you want this kind of person completely out of your life – at the very least temporarily – make sure you take these additional steps: 

• Delete the person from your social media channels and block them.
• Review your privacy settings on sites like Facebook. 
• Block emails from their email address/revert emails to junk.
• Change your own social media passwords, just to be safe.
• Report contact attempts to the relevant site support teams. 

It's also a good idea to think about what other mediums they may be able to contact you over. If you're a gamer, for example, make sure to delete them from your friend list. There may also apps on your phone they may be able to contact you through. 

Check out our best call blocking apps page for a list of the best services for keeping spam calls away.

Reporting spam messages

If you'd like to help others avoid being spammed, you could always report the number. In both the United States and the United Kingdom, you can do this by copying and pasting the content of the text into a new message box and sending it to 7726 and your operator will be notified.