How to stop a number from texting you

Blocking text messages prevents your phone from receiving texts from any specific number. There are multiple reasons why you might want to do this, like to stop spam or cut ties with someone.

Fortunately, you don't need a special message blocker to do so; you can block texts on iPhone and Android using settings built-in to those devices. However, the method you need to use to block numbers is different depending on the app you use to send messages.

Another way to stop a number from texting you is to log in to your carrier's website to access your account and set up message blocking.

When you block a number to stop getting texts from it, you're also preventing phone calls. There might be third-party apps that can differentiate between the two so that you're blocking texts only and not calls, or vice versa, but the methods explained below block both.

These steps apply to both iPhone and Android devices regardless of the manufacturer (e.g., Google, Samsung, HTC) or carrier (like AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon).

How to Block Text Messages on iPhone

There are multiple ways to block texts on iPhone. When you do so, you block not only text messages from that number but also phone calls and FaceTime calls.

From an Existing Text Message

1. Open Messages and tap the conversation that includes the number you want blocked.

2. Select the arrow to the right of the contact.

3. Select info (denoted by the round "i" icon).

4. Select Info (the last button in a row of four that appears).

5. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.

6. Select Block Contact to confirm.

From a Recent Call

If the point of contact is a phone call, open the list of calls in the Phone or FaceTime app, tap the (i) icon next to the number you want blocked, and select Block this Caller.

From Settings

If you don't have an existing message or recent call from the person you want to block, but they're a contact in your phone, you can set up the call and text blocking from Settings.

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Messages > Blocked Contacts.

3. Tap Add New.

   You need to scroll to the very bottom if you have lots of existing blocked numbers.

4. Pick the contact you want to block.

How to Block Texts on Android

Blocking unwanted texts on Android depends heavily on which messaging app you’re using.

Messages App

If you use Google's Messages app on your phone or tablet, follow these directions to block texts:

1. Tap and hold the conversation.

2. Select the circle with the line through it at the top right of the app.

3. Optionally, report the number as spam, and then tap OK.

Another way to block texts in the Google Messages app is by opening the conversation. From there, use the menu at the top right to access Details > Block & report spam.

Messenger App

If you use the Facebook Messenger app as your default SMS app, here's how to block texts on your Android:

1. Press and hold the conversation with the number you want blocked.

2. Tap the menu button.

3. Select Block.

4. Tap Block once again to confirm.

Other Text Blocking Methods for Android

There are lots of versions of the Android operating system still in circulation, so if you're using one that doesn't reflect the instructions above, those screenshots won't look like what you see on your phone or tablet.

Try one of these methods for blocking texts on Android if you haven't had luck yet:

1. Open the conversation, tap the three dots at the top right, select Block number, and then tap OK.

2. Tap the three dots at the top of the screen and go to Settings > Block numbers and messages > Block numbers. Type the number you want to block, or choose one from Inbox or Contacts, and then select the green plus sign to add the number to your block list.

3. Look for a Settings or menu-looking button and then browse the options for anything related to SMS, text, calls, messages, or other words that might be used to describe how someone could contact you. There should be a block option there.

How to Block Text Messages in Other Apps

There are so many messaging apps out there for iPhone and Android that listing SMS blocking directions for all of them is unrealistic. Here's how to block text messages in a few of the more popular ones:

• WhatsApp: We have a separate guide on this where you can learn how to block a WhatsApp contact.
• Signal: Open the conversation, tap the three-dotted menu button, select Conversation settings, and choose Block.
• Telegram: Open the conversation, tap the contact's name at the top, and then use the menu button to select Block user.
• Google Voice: From the Messages tab, select the conversation, tap the menu button at the top right, go to People & options, and then pick Block <#>.
• Skype: Select the conversation to open it, tap the person's name at the top, and then scroll to the bottom to choose Block contact.
• Verizon Messages (Message+): You can't block texts in Message+, but you can do so from your Verizon account.

7 Best Call-Blocker Apps for Smartphones

Block Text Messages Through the Carrier

Some carriers have message blocking tools you can use to block spam text messages or block specific numbers. This might be a preferred way for you to block messages if you're a parent overseeing several phones and you don't want your kids to easily undo your restrictions.

Follow these links for all the details you need to block text messages within each of these carriers' websites, regardless of the kind of phone that's being used on the account: Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile. If you're an AT&T customer, the AT&T Call Protect app is the best way to block specific numbers or fraudulent calls.

If you use AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, or Bell, you can report spam texts by forwarding the message to the number 7726 (it stands for SPAM). This might not immediately block the number from texting you again, but it will report the number for further investigation.

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