Blocked text on android

How To Block Texts on an Android Device

There’s no doubt that texting is one of the most popular forms of communication these days. A text from your best friend in the middle of a busy day is a welcome reprieve.

On the other hand, text messages from people you don’t want to hear from can range from annoying to incredibly frustrating. The same applies to persistent spam text with countless offers and promotions you don’t need.

Fortunately, Android users have several efficient options to block texts they don’t wish to receive. Most devices come with some built-in blocking features, but third-party apps are there to pick up the slack when necessary.

How to Block All Texts on an Android Device

All Android smartphones come with a built-in default text messaging app. It’s connected to your carrier, and you can use it to send text or multimedia messages.

You don’t have to be connected to cellular data or Wi-Fi to send text messages, making the app a helpful service when you’re out of data or can’t find a Wi-Fi signal.

However, some people don’t like receiving any text messages and want to ensure they won’t be disturbed online or offline.

So, is there a way to block all text messages altogether? You might have the idea to uninstall the text messaging app to stop receiving texts, but unfortunately, that’s not possible.

The built-in texting app cannot be deleted nor disabled. There are two workaround solutions, though.

First, you can disable text message notifications. As long as you never check the app to see the actual messages, you won’t be aware of them.

The steps to stop receiving text notifications might slightly vary depending on which Android device you’re using, but they’ll go something like this:

1. Open the Messaging app on your Android device.
   
2. Select the Settings option from the main menu.
   
3. Go to “More Settings” and tap on “Push Messages.”
   
4. Toggle the switch to “Off.”

Again, this won’t block any contacts or messages but will keep you from seeing the notifications for them.

The second workaround and more effective solution are to block each contact individually.

How to Block a Specific Number From Texting

These days, blocking someone is not an uncommon practice. We block people on social media when we disapprove of their behavior, and the same applies to text messaging.

If you keep receiving unwanted messages from a specific contact, you can easily block their number. Again, Android software varies somewhat depending on the manufacturer, but it’s overall quite similar.

Samsung smartphones are one of the most popular Android devices, so we’ll use their interface as an example here. There are two methods to block a phone number from texting you on a Samsung.

Method 1

You might call this a “preemptive strike” because you can block a number in anticipation of a text message you’d rather not receive.

1. Open the Messaging app on your phone and go to Settings.
   
2. Select “Block numbers and messages.”
   
3. Choose “Block numbers” and enter the number you want to block permanently.
   
4. Tap on the “+” symbol, and the number will automatically go on the list of blocked numbers.
   

Method 2

The other method is a more convenient route if you want to block an existing contact with whom you’ve previously exchanged messages. Here’s how to do that:

1. Launch the Messaging app and tap on the conversation with a specific contact.
   
2. When the conversation opens, tap on the menu button at the top of the screen.
   
3. Select “Block Contact” from the list of options.
   

Both methods will prevent the person from texting and calling. If they try to send a message, it will appear as not delivered on their end.

If the person you want to block is in your contacts, but you haven’t messaged with them before, you can go to your contacts app and block them directly from there.

How to Block Texts From Email Addresses on an Android

Blocking someone from texting you is a straightforward albeit often uncomfortable action. However, once a number is blocked, they can’t bother you anymore.

For many people, dealing with spam text messages is a considerably bigger problem. When the spam text displays a phone number, the problem is less complicated, as you can block promptly block them.

Unfortunately, some spammers use email addresses instead of phone numbers, and the same solution won’t apply. If spam text messages disrupt you all day and night, you can install a third-party app that addresses this issue.

Android users have many options. You can go to Google Play and search for a “spam blocker,” and you’ll see many free alternatives.

How to Block Texts From Unknown Numbers on an Android

Have you ever received a vague or strange message from an unknown number? You can choose to engage, but keep in mind that someone might be phishing and trying to get you to click on a suspicious link or something similar.

If you suddenly receive a text that you’re suspicious of, you can block them. When you receive a message from a new number on most Android phones, you’ll automatically get to choose between adding the number to contacts or blocking them instantly.

One tap on the “Block sender” button will suffice. If you’re unsure whether to block them immediately, you can save them as contact first and block them later.

Additional FAQs

Can I block texts with a certain word on an Android?

Some Android devices have this feature, and others don’t. Typically, this feature is available in the exact location where you block specific numbers and contacts.

If your Android phone allows you to block specific phrases, that can filter many spam messages. Users can create phrases such as “You have won” or “One time offer,” or anything similar to filter out unwanted messages.

Can I block texts through my carrier?

Most major carriers have provided this service to their users. If you receive too many spam messages or want to block specific numbers, you can reach out to your carrier and check your options.

Many parents choose to do so when they purchase a smartphone for their children. For example, Verizon allows users to block calls and messages, and even emails and domains.

T-Mobile goes a step further and allows users to block all chargeable text messages. AT&T has a mobile security app that protects users from spammy emails and text messages.

How can I block texts on other text messaging apps on Android?

If you use an internet-based text messaging app such as WhatsApp, blocking a person’s number in contacts won’t be enough. They will still message you on other apps, so you’ll have to block that person on every app manually. Fortunately, most text messaging apps provide this option. In WhatsApp, blocking a number works this way:

1. Select a person from Contacts or Conversations.

2. Tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen.

3. Select “View contact.”

4. Scroll down and select “Block.”

These steps will differ in minor ways on other apps such as Signal or Telegram.

Keeping the Undesirable Texts Away

When someone you’d rather not talk to keeps texting you, blocking them is a practical solution. Android users can rely on the built-in blocking feature, which will work efficiently. The blocked number won’t be able to text or call you anymore.

The situation gets a little more complicated with spam messages and email texts that can be persistent and downright annoying. Some Android devices have spam protection, which is excellent, but you can also reach out to your carrier and see how they can protect you from all the spam. Finally, a third-party Android app can solve all the issues in one strike, but that does mean having enough storage on your device.

Have you ever blocked anyone? How do you deal with spam texts? Let us know in the comments section below.

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How To Block Text Messages On Android

You can easily block text messages from any number you want, using more than just one method. If you believe you are okay with receiving few texts every day, then think again, because you are also paying for them unless you have an unlimited SMS plan.

In this tutorial, we will show you how you can block texts from different numbers using different methods. Not all of the methods will work for you, but if you need help with any method let us know in the comments below. For general number/call blocking read this tutorial. If you own an iPhone, head to our other articles which explains how to block SMS on iPhone.

Method #1: Use Android’s Messaging App to Block Texts

If your phone is running Android Kitkat or above, then your default messaging app must have a spam filter. This is the easiest and fastest way of blocking text messages without any hassle of checking out third-party apps or services.

The process is quite simple, just tap and hold the text message of the sender and after a short delay you will be given the option to either delete the message or add to spam. You will be able to see the both options in a menu or icons of the options will be shown above the screen (depending on your device). Just tap on “Add to Spam” and confirm the prompt to blacklist the number of the sender, so you will never receive messages from them again.

However, if you would need more control and blocking power, then there are more built-in options as well.

To access these options, tap on the menu at the top right corner of the screen (its the three vertical dots) and from there tap on Settings.

In Settings, scroll down and tap on “Spam filter”, make sure the button on the top right corner of the screen is “green” to ensure the feature is “On”. There you will see three different options that will provide more control.

Add to spam numbers

This option will let you add numbers manually or from contacts and logs to block all texts from the specific numbers.

Add to spam phrases

This option will let you specify “Words” that when used in a text will automatically mark it as spam. This is quite handy as spammers usually use common keywords which you can specify to block them. This option might also work good against spammers who use alphanumeric numbers to prevent being marked as spam.

Caution: Be very carefully while adding words to be blocked, as all the messages will be blocked which contain that specific word. If you will block a common word, then most probably important texts from other people will also be marked as spam.

Block Unknown Senders

When this option is checked, you will only receive messages from people who are in your contact list. This is a simple but very risky option as you might miss many important texts from people who you know, but are not in your contact list.

Just use all the above mentioned options to control who can send you a text and who can’t.

Method #2: Use a Dedicated Third-Party App

If the Android’s built-in text blocking service doesn’t work for you, then don’t worry, Google Play Store is loaded with SMS blocking apps. You can easily find an SMS blocking app that fulfills your needs perfectly.

In this tutorial, we are going to use the app SMS Blocker Clean Inbox. The main reason why we have selected this app is because it is very simple to use and comes with all required features to block texts. The app also has a quite good rating on Google Play store scoring 4.5/5, and comes with both Free (Ad supported) and Paid versions. Although Free version works completely fine for blocking Text, but if you are not fan of ads or looking for some extra features, then you can always opt for the paid version.

Note: This is a messaging app and it will replace your default messaging app if you are running Android Kitkat or Above. With the introduction of Kitkat, only a single messaging app is allowed to run at a time. If you will use this app, then your default messaging app will not work. However, you can always open default messaging app and from the prompt tap on “OK” to set it as Default again.

To get started, launch the app and from the prompt tap on “Yes” to make the app as the default app for messaging. Now, you will see all your current messages in the SMS Blocker app just like it was in your default messaging app.

To add numbers to block list, tap on the Menu at the top left corner of the screen and from there tap on “Block list”. In the Block list, there will be three different ways to control text blocking, Sender, Series and Word. You can navigate between options by tapping on them or swiping left or right.

Sender

This option will let you add numbers that you need to add to block list, so they won’t be able to text you. You can just tap on “+” icon and choose the input method to add the number to block list.

Series

With this option you can add specific digits or words, that are common in the name or number of the sender. Like you can add “1800” to block list and whenever a number with “1800” in it will text, it will be blocked. You can specify whether the word or number is at the end or start by adding * (start) respectively. For example, if you would like to block numbers that start with “1800”, then you can add “1800*” to block list to block all numbers that start with “1800”.

Just tap on “+” icon and on the next page enter the “word” or “number”.

This will let you add a specific word, and all text containing that specific word will be blocked. Just like “Add to spam phrases” option mentioned in the above method, you will have to be very careful about adding words as you might end up blocking important messages.

You can tap on “+” icon and on the next page add specific words.

You also have the option to add numbers to “Allow List”, so even if the above mentioned options suspect that the message from the specific number should be blocked, it will not be blocked. This will make sure that the blocking options don’t block any important texts by mistake.

Tap on Menu and from there tap on “Allow list”. The interface is same as “Block list”, you can add number and phrases just like you added in “Block list”, however, these will be “Allowed” instead of “Blocked.

All the blocked messages will be kept safe and you can view any time you like. Just tap on Menu and from there tap on “Blocked messages” to see all the blocked messages.

There is a limit on the total number of messages that can be stored; you can lift the limit by going to the menu and clicking on “Settings” and in there turning off “Delete old messages”.

Method #3: On Nexus/Pure Google Phones, it works differently

On many “pure” Android phones like the Nexus line, things have moved around a bit.

Block from a registered contact

• Open contact
• Edit contact
• Press “menu” icon (3 vertical dots on the upper right)
• Set “All calls to voicemail”

Block from Google Hangout

• Open Hangout/Messenger
• Open the SMS thread from the contact you want to block
• Press “menu” icon (3 vertical dots on the upper right)
• Select “People & Options”
• Select Block

Verizon users: no blocking on the phone

Unfortunately, Verizon users won’t be able to block unwanted SMS on the phone. Verizon typically asks phones OEMs to remove the “Block contact” or “Block number” from the application.

That’s because Verizon has a service which people can use to block unwanted SMS. To block SMS from specific numbers, you need to log into the My Verizon section on their website. From there, it’s possible to block 5 numbers for 90-days, for free.

It’s part of the Family Safeguard and Control features. Beyond 5 numbers, you need to pay $4.99 (at the time of publishing) to block up to 20 numbers for an unlimited duration. For other carriers, see our generic paragraph below:

Method #4: Contact Your Carrier

If both above mentioned methods don’t work for you, then you can also contact your carrier to make them block specific number. This might not be the easiest method, but still, if nothing works then this is an option too.

Your Carrier can easily create a block list, where they will add all the numbers from which you don’t want to receive any Text. However, they might charge you for this service, so do your research properly.

You can just go to the website of your carrier and log in, if you search a bit you will surely find a page where you can block numbers. If you can’t find any page, then just call the help center and they will add the numbers to block list for you.

What Happens From The Sender’s Point of View?

Many people legitimately ask what things look like from the sender’s point of view? Implementations can vary, but it is possible that nothing special will happen, which means that the sender doesn’t know that he/she has been blocked.

Sometimes, they may not see a “message sent” confirmation in their SMS app, which could mean that the recipient has changed numbers, or that for some other reason, the send failed. We have never seen a “you’ve been blocked” message, although it’s technically not impossible that a carrier would create one. It just seems like a bad practice to do so. Example:

Filed in Cellphones . Read more about Android, Sms and Text Message.

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