Block spam texts on your iPhone once and for all
Is your phone full of blocked numbers as a result of spam calls? These types of calls can range from nuisances to dangerous scams.
Being more discrete with your phone number can help reduce the number of unwanted calls. Tap or click here for tips on keeping your number private.
Spam can reach you in other forms, including text messages. While blocking stops calls from specific numbers, there are different ways to stop spam before it reaches your iPhone.
1. Block, filter and report messages on iPhone
The most basic and straightforward method to stop spam texts is to block the number. Here’s how to block a number in Messages:
- Tap the name or number at the top of a Messages conversation.
- Tap info.
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
You can filter messages from unknown senders, turning off iMessage notifications from numbers that aren’t in your contacts. These messages will be sent to the Unknown Senders tab in the Messages list. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Settings > Messages.
- Turn on Filter Unknown Senders.
If you get a message from an unknown number identified as spam or junk, you can report it to Apple. In the message, tap Report Junk, then Delete and Report Junk.
RELATED: 5 hidden ways Google Voice can make your life easier
2. Carrier tools
Your wireless carrier can help avoid spam messages. Some have advanced caller ID that lets you know when a possible spam text reaches you. Some carriers provide an app with more powerful tools to block unwanted calls and texts.
Phone scam alert: Couple conned out of $300K - Here's what criminals said
Between telemarketers and robocalls, it’s usually easy to tell when you are speaking to someone who wants to sell you the latest product or a long-winded recording. But while there are five surefire phrases you’re talking to a scammer on the phone, it can be very tricky.
If you pick up your phone and see this number, don't answer
Robocalls and spam phone calls will not disappear anytime soon, and unfortunately, there isn’t much that we can do about it. A recent study found that just under 4 billion Americans received such a call in only May this year.
Complete guide to robocalls: How to stop them once and for all
Robocalls are the most annoying modern tech drawback found on phones. In fact, when my team publishes an article on Komando.com about stopping robocalls, we know it’ll be one of our most-read articles of the week.
It’s not hard to see why. Robocalls interrupt us constantly, fool us into answering with numbers that look a little too familiar, and scam Americans out of millions of dollars every year.
Robocalls are about to get a lot worse - here's why
What’s your share of the over 58.5 billion robocalls received across the U.S. in 2019? Depending on where you live, you averaged 13-18 calls per month.
The sad news is those figures have continued to climb over the last few years, with the number of robocalls in 2019 almost 20% higher than the 47.8 billion received in 2018 and 48% over those in 2017. Tap or click to discover how some consumers are fighting back.
Scam calls on the rise! 95% of people have been targeted in past six months
If it seems like you’re getting more fake calls than ever, you probably are. When I tell you just how much scam phone calls have increased in the last few years, you’re going to be stunned. Thankfully, there are ways you can tell if a call is legitimate. Read and share this so you and your loved ones won’t become the next victim.