Blocking texts 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.

Источник

How to Block Texts on Android?

Text messaging is one of the great modern ways of communicating but it has its con like every other technology. Sometimes you might need to block someone from sending you texts on your Android phone and we will be showing you how to do that in this article. Make sure to follow the guide relevant to your device.

Blocking Texts on Android

There are different messaging applications for different mobile phones and we will try to show the methods for some of the most popular ones. Also, in the end, we will show a workaround for those applications that don’t contain a blocking feature.

For Samsung:

1. Open the Messaging app and click on the conversation with the person you want to block.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner. Selecting the menu button in the top right corner
3. Select the “Block Number” option. Selecting Block Number option
4. You can choose to delete the conversation, click on “OK” after selecting.
5. This will now prevent them from being able to message you.

For Huawei:

There are two ways you can achieve this task, either through the messaging app or through the Contacts App. Both methods are listed below.

Источник

How to block text messages on iOS and Android

Whether it’s a constant stream of spam messages or that persistent ex who won’t take “no” for an answer, blocking messages is something you need to learn how to do. Whether you use iOS or Android, the process is probably quicker and more painless than you realize.

No matter what kind of phone you have, if you’re wondering how to block text messages — and even unwanted phone calls — it’s easy, and we’ll show you how.

Blocking texts in iOS

Block texts from known contacts and phone numbers

Blocking texts in iOS is easy. On your iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone whatever, here’s what to do: For messages specifically, tap the message from the contact you want to block, then tap on their name, which will reveal the Audio, Facetime, and Info options. Tap on the Info option, then tap on the arrow to the right of the phone icon next to their name. Scroll down and select Block This Caller.

Another way is to go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts and tap Add New to add a new blocked contact. Using either method, you’ll block not only messages, but also phone calls and FaceTime calls. This saves you from having to go to the Phone and FaceTime apps and settings to block the same person.

Block texts from numbers that appear as unknown or private

Unfortunately, you can’t outright block unknown and private numbers in the same way you can block known contacts. You can, however, filter and separate them from the people you know. Go to Settings > Messages and toggle on the Filter Unknown Senders option. This will create a new tab in your Messages app called Unknown Senders, and you won’t get notifications for these. It may not be ideal, but it’s a decent compromise.

Report spam iMessages

Another thing you can do is report spam and junk iMessages. When you get an iMessage from someone you don’t know, there will be a Report Junk link. Tap the link to forward the sender’s information and message to Apple. The company should deal with the contact and eventually render the person or bot unable to message you again.

You can also email Apple at “imessage.spam@apple.com.” Keep in mind that you’ll need a screenshot of the message, as well as the email address or phone number that sent the iMessage, and the date and time you received it.

Apple doesn’t deal with SMS and MMS messages, but you can always report them to your carrier. AT&T, for example, suggests sending the spam message to 7726 (SPAM). Afterward, the carrier will look into the message.

Blocking texts in Android

On a Google phone

There are two ways to go about blocking messages on a Google phone, such as the Pixel 5 or Pixel 4. The first is to open the Messages app, then open or start a conversation with one of your contacts. Tap More — represented by three vertical dots — select Details, and tap Block & Report Spam. You can also open the Messages app, touch and hold the conversation you want to block, and tap the Block icon when the option appears in the top-right corner.

On a Samsung phone

Similar to a Google phone, Samsung phones such as the Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy S21, or Galaxy S21 Ultra have two ways to block messages. One method involves opening Messages, then choosing the conversation that contains the contact you want to block. From there, tap the More icon, or the three stacked dots at the top right of your screen, select Block Number — on some phones you can just tap Block Number at the top of the screen — and toggle to check Delete Conversation if you like. Then, tap OK.

Or head to Messages, tap the three stacked dots menu at the top right of your screen, then choose Settings. Tap Block Numbers and Messages, then select Block Numbers, where you can manually enter the contact’s number and tap the + sign, or choose from your inbox or contacts list. When you’ve entered all the numbers you want to block, tap the back arrow.

On an LG phone

Got an LG Wing? Good for you! Still rocking the LG Velvet? No problem! LG’s blocking process is fairly quick and straightforward. Start by opening LG’s messaging app and tapping the SMS or MMS message you want to block. Then, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, then tap Block Number to confirm your choice. The number should now be blocked.

On an HTC phone

Much like LG’s blocking process, HTC’s way of blocking unwanted messages is quick and easy. Open Messages, then tap and hold the desired text conversation until the Message Options appears. Then, tap Block Contact.

Using your carrier

Many mobile carriers provide services and additional settings to help their customers block messages from specific numbers, like those from telemarketers. T-Mobile has Message Blocking, Verizon has Block Calls & Messages, and AT&T has Secure Family.

Block texts with apps

There are dozens of apps in Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store that provide you with more ways of blocking numbers and messages. We recommend checking these ones out if you decide to go with that option, but be aware of the potential privacy issues inherent with sharing your contacts.

Should I Answer? (free)

Should I Answer? is one of the best choices if you’re looking for a call-blocking app. It includes an active forum that reviews and rates various phone numbers, as well as sharing other information, which makes it easy to tell if a phone number is legitimate, a bot, telemarketer, or a scam. It’s easy to block numbers online or off, and there’s an option to block any or all numbers outside of your contacts list. Yes, this text-blocking software accesses your contacts. However, the developer promises your contacts remain private without shares or uploads, and contacts are only accessed to check against incoming phone calls. Sadly, this app isn’t compatible with iPhones.

Hiya Caller ID and Block (free)

This call-blocking app works off a massive database with millions of phone numbers to identify and flag telemarketers, robocalls, fraudsters, and debt collectors. This app lets you make a list to block numbers or reverse-search numbers from your phone calls log. Hiya’s downside is that it accesses your contacts and puts them into their database in an encrypted format. The company guarantees they will never sell your contacts and can only access them to form white lists and match information. Still take a look at the privacy policy to be on the safe side. Hiya was developed by the same folks behind Mr. Number, another widely used app.

Truecaller (free)

Truecaller, the next in line from the well-regarded Truemessenger app, works in much the same way as its predecessor by alerting you to a spam call or message. As soon as the app detects spam, it will block the senders so they can’t call and text you anymore. The app’s mighty Caller ID system identifies any unknown numbers that harass you. Over 250 million people use this app, so you know it’s got to be good, especially since they can share contact data for the spam callers. Even though your phone book will be accessed so Tuecaller can block spam, the company reassured us that user privacy will not be compromised.

“In accordance with Google Play Store and Apple App Store policies, Truecaller does not upload user contacts or make them shareable/searchable to others,” Hitesh Raj Bhagat, Director of Corporate Communications, told us. While the app accesses your phone book for its Caller ID tool, it won’t take or use any of the information you have stored there.

You don’t have to take our word for it: check out the privacy policy (or the easy-to-skim abridged version) for yourself to make sure you feel comfortable using this app.

Источник