Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

This wikiHow teaches you how to block text messages from unknown contacts or phone numbers. To block messages from unknown numbers, this number must have contacted you.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Block someone on Messages

1. 

   Messages on iPhone. Tap the Messages app icon with a white dialogue bubble on a green background.
   • This is great for blocking future messages from anyone, whether in contacts or not. If you want to block a contact before they can text you, take the next step.
   • If the number has called you, you can block it by opening the app Phone (Phone), click on the card Recents (Recent) then skip to the next step.

2. 

   
   
   Settings on iPhone. Tap the gear-shaped app icon in the gray frame.
   • This is ideal if you want to block someone on your contact list before they have a chance to text you, but it doesn't work with unknown numbers. If you want to block random phone numbers, please use the first method.

3. 

   Settings on iPhone. Click the gear icon on the gray frame.

4. 

   White. The switch will turn green

   

   
   
   . iPhone separates messages from non-contact senders into a separate tab in the Messages app.
   • On the Messages app, you'll see new tabs at the top: Contacts & SMS (Contacts and SMS) and Unknown Senders (The sender does not know). Messages going to the Unknown Senders tab will not display notifications.
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Advice

• Contact your carrier if you are being harassed. Harassing messages from unknown numbers will be blocked much more effectively if you contact your carrier because they have access to stronger blocking tools.

Warning

• Unfortunately, iOS doesn't allow us to block all messages except for accepted numbers. You can only block specific contacts and phone numbers from texting you first.
• You cannot add phone numbers that are not in contacts or have not contacted you to the blacklist.