Tired of Spam Texts on Your iPhone? Here’s How to Block Them for Good
We’ve all been there – bombarded with unwanted text messages from unknown numbers or bulk senders promoting products we don’t want or services we haven’t used in years. While it’s easy to block spam emails, iPhones haven’t always offered a simple solution for blocking those annoying text messages. However, with a few easy steps, you can reclaim your inbox and silence the relentless barrage of spam. This guide will walk you through the process of blocking spam texts on your iPhone, no matter which operating system you have.
Blocking Spam Texts on iOS 10 and Above
For iPhones running iOS 10 or later, blocking spam messages is a straightforward process:
- Open the Spam Text: Locate the spam text message within the Messages app.
- Tap the "i" Icon: In the upper right-hand corner of the message thread, you’ll see a small "i" icon. Tap on it.
- Tap the Sender’s Name: Under the Details heading, you’ll see the name of the sender. Tap on it.
- Select "Block this Caller": You’ll be presented with several options. Choose "Block this Caller".
- Confirm by Tapping "Block Contact": To finalize the process, tap "Block Contact".
That’s it! You have now successfully blocked that spam sender. You’ll no longer receive any messages from that particular number.
What if I want to Unblock Them Later?
No worries! If you ever want to reverse your decision and unblock a spam sender, follow these steps:
- Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Access Call Blocking & Identification: Select "Phone" followed by "Blocked".
- Edit & Unblock: Tap on "Edit" at the top-right corner of the screen. Then, locate the blocked number you want to unblock. There will be a red button to the left of each number. Tap on that button to unblock the sender.
Blocking Spam Texts on iOS 9
If you have an iPhone running iOS 9, blocking spam texts is slightly different:
- Open the Spam Text: Find the spam message within your Messages app.
- Tap "Details": Look for the "Details" button in the top-right corner of the message thread and tap on it.
- Choose Your Blocking Method: You now have two options:
- "Do Not Disturb": Selecting this will simply mute notifications from the sender. You will still receive their messages, but you won’t be alerted to them.
- "Block this Caller": If you want to completely stop receiving messages from the sender, choose this option.
- Confirm Blocking: If you chose "Block this Caller", you’ll need to tap on the "i" icon in the top-right corner of the screen, then scroll down and select "Block this Caller" to confirm.
Dealing with Persistent Spammers
While blocking individual senders is effective, some spammers will use multiple different numbers or sender IDs (like "DM-SPAM" or "BZ-SPAM") to get through. In such cases, you will need to block each number individually. Fortunately, the process is the same regardless of how many numbers are used.
Remember, spammers often use numbers that seem legitimate to trick you into thinking the message is from a real company. Always be cautious before clicking on any links or providing personal information in a text.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Apple has taken steps to combat spam effectively. In iOS 17, a new tool called "Contact Verification" is being introduced. This feature will flag messages from unknown senders that are marked as verified businesses by Apple. This verification will help users identify legit messages and combat misleading spam efforts.
Additional Tips
- Report Spam: If you receive a spam text message, report it. Reporting spam helps authorities track down the senders and reduce the prevalence of such messages.
- Check Your Privacy Settings: Regularly review your privacy settings on your iPhone and ensure that you are not sharing unnecessary personal information that could be used to target you with spam.
- Install a Third-Party App: If standard blocking methods aren’t enough, consider using a third-party app specifically designed to combat spam. There are several reputable anti-spam apps available on the App Store.
Conclusion
Getting rid of unwanted spam texts on your iPhone is simpler than you might think. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can reclaim control over your inbox and stop the nuisance of spam messages for good. Remember, it’s essential to stay vigilant and report spam whenever possible. And, with new features like Contact Verification on the horizon, the fight against spam is only going to get stronger.
