Use this trick to stop spam texts on your Android phone

June 21, 2023

By Kim Komando

Spam messages are no longer confined to your email inbox. They can now show up on your phone as text messages. Spam messages can range from harmless and annoying to invasive and dangerous.

Carriers and smartphone developers offer built-in tools to combat spam. You can block calls and filter numbers from unknown senders if you have an iPhone. You can even report spam messages as junk. Tap or click here to learn more.

Android fans also have recourse against spam. The Google Messages app includes spam text blocking and the ability to report these messages. Keep reading to find out how to stop annoying spam texts.

Google’s built-in tools

You have a couple of options to deal with spam when it comes to Google Messages. You can block a number from messaging you or report it and block it simultaneously.

To block messages from any number:

• Open the Messages app.
• Touch and hold the conversation you want to block on the Home screen.
• Tap Block > OK.

To report and block a conversation:

• Open the Messages app.
• Touch and hold the conversation you want to report.
• Tap Block > Report spam > OK.

You can also block and report a conversation from within the message:

• Open the conversation in your Messages app and tap the three dots for more options.
• Tap Details > Block & report spam > OK.

RELATED: 10 handy iPhone and Android tricks that make your life easier

Forward the message to 7726

The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) created a spam reporting service for AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint customers, among other carriers. All you have to do is forward the message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad:

• Open the conversation in your Messages app and long-press the phone number at the top of your screen and tap Copy.
• Now long-press the spam message itself and tap Forward.
• Type 7726 into the recipient field and send the message.
• You’ll receive an automated message from 7726. Reply to this by pasting the phone number you copied earlier.
• Send the message and you’ll get another reply thanking you for reporting the number.

Keep reading

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New spam text can’t be blocked – Here’s how to protect yourself