How to block a text message on iOS and Android

Everyone needs to block a text message from time to time, whether it’s spam or just an annoying message.

After all, Americans received 19.2 billion spam texts in January of 2024 alone. 

Thankfully, you can block unwanted texts to make sure the person sending them can’t contact you again.

In this article, we’ll break down the steps you can take to block text messages on iOS and Android. You’ll also learn how to block texts your business is getting and how to make sure your customers never block you.

Ways to block a text message as an individual

Unwanted texts are not just annoying. They can be dangerous, too. Here’s how to keep things like spam and other irritating texts away from your inbox, whether you have an Android or an iPhone.

How to block texts on iOS

Blocking unwanted texts is easy through the Messages app. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Open up the conversation containing the text you want to block.
2. Choose the phone number or contact name at the top of the conversation box.
3. Tap “info” on the right side under the name of the contact. 
4. You’ll see a few options. Find and click the one labeled “Block this Caller.”

You can see all the numbers you’ve blocked at any time by going to the Settings app on your phone and looking under Messages, then Blocked Contacts.

Blocking text messages on Android

The process for blocking messages on Android is (thankfully) very similar. Let’s break down the steps for blocking a text on the Messages app:

1. From the text conversation screen, click on the contact or number above the conversation.
2. Select the three dots at the top right of the screen, where you’ll see the “Block numbers” option.

3. Click “Block” on the popup.

To see lists of your blocked contacts, just head to the Contacts app, click “Fix & manage,” and select “Blocked numbers.”

How to block a text message as a business

If you have the ability to receive texts as a business, you’re inevitably going to get a few that you don’t want. 

You have a few options for blocking unwanted texts:

• If you’re using a texting app–whether it’s SimpleTexting or an alternative–you can easily unsubscribe contacts from your lists to stop receiving texts from them.
• Report spam numbers to your phone service provider after blocking them via one of the above methods. 
• Try out a third-party app to block unwanted texts and calls. Truecaller is among the best in the business. 

How to keep customers from blocking your texts

Obviously, it’s nice to know how to block texts you don’t want to receive, but you don’t want your customers blocking your texts. 

So, how do you make sure they don’t? Here are a few best practices. 

• Follow all compliance guidelines laid out for text message marketing. That means getting express consent from every subscriber before texting them, identifying your brand in your texts, and honoring every opt-out request (among other things).
• Don’t text too often. If you’re not sure how often you should be texting your subscribers, here’s a send cadence guideline you can follow.
• Stick to regular business hours to text your clients. Scheduling your texts can make this easier. 
• Not sure what your subscribers want to receive from you? Ask. Send out a survey or Data Collection series to get to know your customers and tailor your texts to their needs. 
• Personalize your texts. Recent data suggests that 78% of consumers claim that they’re more likely to repurchase from a brand after receiving personalized messages. Use customer details like names, locations, and areas or products of interest to send relevant content to each subscriber.

The wrap on blocking texts 

Your text inbox is sacred. You only give out your number to people you trust, so receiving text scams or spammy messages can feel like a serious breach of trust. 

Thankfully, you can stop unwanted texts at the source using the tips and tricks we’ve laid out here.

Want a smoother, safer way to run your SMS strategy? Try out SimpleTexting for 14 days, completely free.