Stop spam texts with some help from your favorite messaging app

Spam is everywhere: junk mail, email, and now, the relentless barrage of SMS and other messaging spam. Fortunately, modern smartphones and messaging apps offer built-in tools to combat this digital deluge. With a little effort, you can keep your conversations clean.

Before relying on technology, proactive measures are key. Protect your mobile number; avoid including it on forms or in public communications, and keep it off your social media profiles.

iOS Messages: Blocking and Filtering Spam

The iOS Messages app (for SMS and iMessage) allows blocking specific numbers. In any conversation, tap the name/number at the top, select "Info," then "Block this Caller." Blocked messages won't appear, and the sender won't be notified. Manage blocked numbers via iOS Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts.

iMessage users can also enable automatic spam filtering: iOS Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders. This creates a "Filters" tab in Messages, letting you view messages from known senders, unknown senders, or all messages. Regularly check the unknown senders folder to avoid missing legitimate messages.

Report junk messages by swiping left on a conversation, tapping the delete button, and selecting "Delete and Report Junk." While this doesn't immediately stop the sender, it provides their information to Apple and your carrier, potentially contributing to blacklisting repeat offenders.

Android Messages: Spam Protection and Reporting

Google Messages (for SMS and RCS) includes built-in spam protection (disabled by default). Enable it by opening Messages, tapping your profile picture (top right), going to "Messages settings," and selecting "Spam protection."

View filtered messages via your profile picture > "Spam and blocked." You can manage blocked numbers here (three dots > "Blocked numbers"). If a message is flagged as "suspected spam," tap "Report spam." For unflagged spam, press and hold the message, tap the block icon (crossed-out circle), and confirm to block the number and report it to Google.

WhatsApp: Blocking and Reporting Spam

WhatsApp (Android/iOS) offers simple spam management. Press and hold a message, then select "Block" (iOS) or (three dots > "Block") on Android. Both platforms allow reporting the sender to WhatsApp. Manage blocked contacts via Settings > Privacy > Blocked (iOS) or (three dots > Settings > Privacy > Blocked contacts) on Android. Note: WhatsApp doesn't proactively filter spam; manual management is required.

Facebook Messenger: Filtering and Managing Unwanted Messages

Facebook Messenger (Android/iOS) attempts spam filtering. Check "Message requests" (three horizontal lines > "Message requests") for messages from non-friends or suspected spam. Verify the identity of suspicious messages from known contacts. Within a conversation, you can "Restrict," "Block," or "Report" the sender.

Other Messaging Apps

Most messaging apps offer blocking and reporting options, even without built-in spam filters. Instagram uses a "Requests" section for messages from non-followers. Signal flags messages from non-contacts as requests, allowing you to accept or block. Blocking in Signal is done via the sender's name/number in the conversation.

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