How to Block Text Messages on Android: Complete Guide and Tips (2024)

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Unwanted text messages have become a growing problem for Android phone users, a constant source of annoyance and even security and privacy risks. Learning how to block text messages on Android is a crucial skill for protecting yourself from spam, scams, and other attempts at manipulation or fraud. While blocking mechanisms may vary slightly depending on the device's make and model, and even the carrier, there are universal methods and advanced options that can help you maintain complete control over who can contact you via SMS.

Why is it important to block text messages on Android?

The widespread use of smartphones has multiplied unwanted communication attempts. Constantly receiving messages from companies, unknown entities, or even senders trying to scam you is much more than just an annoyance: it's an entry point for scams, malware, and identity theft . It's not just about protecting your peace of mind, but also your personal information and the integrity of your device.

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Types of annoying and dangerous text messages

• corporate spam: Messages from companies with unsolicited promotions, surveys, or advertisements. These messages are often sent even if you haven't given your explicit consent.
• Messages from strangers: Numbers you don't have saved, possible bots, scammers, or massive spam campaigns.
• Phishing SMS: They try to steal confidential information through suspicious links or requests for personal data.
• Bullying and harassment: Senders who use SMS to harass, threaten, or emotionally manipulate.
• Phishing and malware: Messages that seek to infect your phone or impersonate banks, financial services, or well-known companies.

A recent study indicates that approximately 47% of users receive unwanted SMS messages from unknown senders, which are the source of numerous scams, malware installation attempts, and bank fraud. Simply deleting these messages is not enough: it's preferable to block the sender and even report them as spam to help curb their spread.

The spam and blocked messages folder on Android

Most Android phones include a spam and blocked folder or similar systems. Blocked messages stop appearing in the user's main inbox and are stored separately, reducing visibility and interruptions. You can also review or restore messages if they are accidentally blocked. Some apps allow you to report the sender as spam, notifying Google and your service provider to improve collective protection.

How to access and manage the locked conversations folder

1. Open the Messages app on your Android.
2. Touch the menu three horizontal lines in the upper left.
3. Select option “Spam and blocked”.
4. Review blocked conversations and, if necessary, unblock contacts by tapping on the conversation and choosing "Unlock".

Complete Guide: How to Block Text Messages on Android by Brand and System

On pure Android (Stock):

1. Enter the Messages app.
2. Press and hold the conversation you want to block.
3. Access the menu (three vertical dots) and select "To block" o “Mark as spam”.
4. Confirm the action. The sender will be blocked and their messages will no longer appear in your inbox.

The blocking option may vary slightly in name, depending on the Android version or messaging app used.

On Samsung devices (One UI)

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Long press on the conversation you want to block.
3. Tap the three dot menu and choose Block contact.
4. In advanced settings, activate Caller ID and spam protection to automatically filter suspicious SMS.

On Xiaomi (MIUI and Android One)

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Select the conversation and access Details from the three-dot menu.
3. Choose Block o Block and report as spam.
4. Confirm by clicking on Accept.

On Huawei (EMUI)

1. Open Messages and tap the three-dot menu.
2. Sign in Settings > Filter rules.
3. Accede to Message filter rules and add numbers to block, or set up keyword filters.

On Realme, OPPO and OnePlus (ColorOS, Realme UI, OxygenOS)

1. Go to Messages and open the three-dot menu.
2. Choose Establish rules o Block messages.
3. Block specific numbers, or set rules to block SMS based on region, prefixes, or all unknown numbers.

Live, Motorola, Pixel, Nokia (Android Stock or Google apps)

The process is identical to that of pure Android, as most people use the official Google SMS app. Simply select the conversation, tap the menu, and choose Block.

Advanced filtering and blocking options on Android

• Filter SMS from unknown senders: You can enable the option to automatically redirect messages from unsaved numbers to the spam or blocked folder (Available in recent versions of the Google Messages app).
• Filter messages by keywords: On some systems, such as Huawei's EMUI, you can create rules to block SMS messages that contain certain suspicious words or phrases.
• Block all messages from a region or country: There are layers of customization that allow you to filter and block messages coming from numbers with certain country codes.
• Notifications customization: Choose sounds, vibrations, or turn off alerts only for specific contacts if you don't want to block them.

Block SMS on iPhone

Although this tutorial focuses on Android, it's also helpful to know how to handle these situations if you have a secondary iPhone, for family members or to share information:

• Open the app Messages.
• Tap the conversation of the sender you want to block.
• Click the information icon.
• Choose “Block this contact”.
• To filter all messages from strangers, go to Settings > Messages > Filter unknown calls.

On iOS, blocked messages don't appear in your inbox, and you can report spam directly to Apple if you wish.

Block text messages in bulk or intelligently: Specialized apps

Android's native system is effective, but if you're looking for more control, flexibility, or customization, there are apps for blocking and managing SMS messages . Many work using blacklists, smart filtering, blocking unknown senders, or keyword filters.

• Truecaller: Allows you to block unwanted SMS and calls, create blacklists, and report suspicious numbers. Provides real-time identification for calls and messages.
• Call control: Based on a large user community, it is able to automatically block known spam senders and customize block lists.
• Blacklist: Create blacklists for numbers, with the option to add exceptions and schedule blocking times.
• Messenger for SMS: Integrates SMS management, advanced blocking, spam filters and numerous visual customization options.
• Chomping SMS y Textra: Apps focused on advanced SMS management, allowing you to block messages, customize themes, and manage group chats.
• Key Messages: Filter messages by keywords, sender, region or prefix, and automatically block suspicious SMS.
• Robotkiller y Hiya Protect: Specialized in blocking scams and spam in both calls and messages.

Some apps offer additional features such as intelligent filters powered by machine learning, malware protection, or the ability to create custom whitelists and exceptions. It's essential to download only trusted and reputable apps, as some third-party apps can access personal data.

How to report spam or harassment messages

• When blocking a number, the option usually appears “Report as spam” or “Report.” Always do this if the message is fraudulent, unsolicited advertising, or constitutes harassment.
• Some operators allow you to forward the message to the number 7726 (SPAM) to report suspicious senders.
• If you receive threats, repeated harassment, or fraud, consider gathering evidence and reporting it to the authorities or data protection agencies.
• You can sign up for services such as Robinson List to avoid advertising messages from participating companies.

Security tips and anti-spam best practices

• don't answer Never respond to suspicious text messages. Responding validates your number to the sender.
• Don't click on links Don't download files from unknown SMS messages. Many phishing or malware attacks disguise themselves as legitimate messages.
• Avoid giving your mobile number on dubious online forms, sweepstakes, or unreliable websites.
• Set up automatic filters or advanced blocks if you receive repeated spam.
• Consider installing security apps to protect you against malware and SMS attacks.
• Be wary of messages with offers, prizes, or threats of account blocking.

Partial blocking: Do Not Disturb mode

If you don't want to completely block SMS messages but do want to reduce the level of interruptions, your phone's Do Not Disturb mode is an excellent alternative. This feature silences message notifications (as well as calls and other apps) during specific times or situations, which can be configured in your Android settings. You can customize exceptions or schedule times. It's useful, but remember that messages still arrive; you just won't be notified.

View, manage, and edit your block list

• Access the menu spam and blocked from the Messages app to see all blocked numbers.
• From the same panel you can unlock contacts if you wish (useful if you blocked a number by mistake).
• Some apps also show a black list where you can manually add or remove numbers.

What happens when you block someone?

• The blocked number cannot send you messages or call you.
• Calls often go to voicemail or appear as rejected.
• When blocking in the native app, the blocking does not affect other apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram.
• You can still receive messages if the sender uses a different number or channel. In that case, repeat the process.

What to do if spam messages persist?

• Make sure your system and messaging apps are up to date, as recent versions improve filtering.
• Switch messaging apps if the default one doesn't block effectively.
• Use apps with collaborative databases to improve blocking accuracy.
• Consider reporting the issue to your mobile operator if the messages are repetitive and you are unable to stop them yourself.
• Contact the Spanish Data Protection Agency or the competent authority in your country if you need legal assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blocking Text Messages on Android

• Does blocking a number delete previous messages? No, it only blocks future messages.
• Can I block all SMS from unknown numbers? Yes, most apps allow you to automatically filter messages from unsaved numbers.
• Does the block apply to all apps? No, you must do it individually on apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messenger.
• Can I be notified if a blocked number tries to contact me? Generally, no. Messages and calls are completely silenced.
• Can I block messages only during certain time slots? Some apps allow you to schedule locking at custom times.
• What do I do if I accidentally blocked an important contact? Access your spam folder or block list and easily unblock it from there.

Common scams and tips for identifying dangerous SMS

• Promises of prizes, raffles, or money transfers.
• Alerts from banks or companies requesting personal information.
• Messages about shipping, delivery, or urgent procedures.
• Requests to confirm or update passwords, PINs, and banking details.
• Job offers, easy loans, or credit report cleanup.
• Shortened or strange links that lead to websites that can infect your phone.

Why are you receiving spam messages?

• Your number could have been exposed in a data breach involving companies or services.
• You've participated in unsafe sweepstakes, websites, or promotions, leaving your phone exposed.
• You responded to or interacted with suspicious messages, validating your number against scammers.
• Your number has been sold or shared with third parties without your consent.
• Robots that generate random numbers and send mass SMS.

How to protect yourself from spam and dangerous SMS on Android

• Avoid sharing your phone number unless strictly necessary and on trusted sites.
• Do not reply to or forward suspicious messages.
• Activate automatic filters, blacklists, and advanced rules in your messaging app.
• Report all attempts at fraud, harassment, or repeated spam.
• Use antivirus and security apps if you receive unusual links or files.
• Always update your mobile's operating system and main applications.

Learning how to block text messages on Android not only improves your peace of mind, but it's also a key step in protecting your privacy and digital security. Combining built-in methods, specialized apps, and common sense when dealing with unknown messages will allow you to enjoy a cleaner, more private, and safer experience. Stay informed, review your phone's settings, and configure all possible filters to anticipate any threats or annoyances.