How to Block Texts on iPhone: Built-in Features and Third-Party Apps

Introduction

Do you ever receive unwanted text messages that just won’t stop? Whether it’s harassing messages or endless spam, it can be incredibly frustrating to constantly receive messages you don’t want. Luckily, if you have an iPhone, you have several ways to block texts from specific numbers or unknown senders.

In this article, we’ll explore the different methods for blocking texts on iPhone and help you determine which one is right for you.

Explore the Built-in Blocking Feature on iPhone

The easiest and most common way to block texts on iPhone is to use the built-in blocking feature. Here’s how to activate it:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Find the message from the number you want to block.
3. Press and hold on the message until a menu pops up.
4. Tap on “More” in the menu.
5. Select the circle next to the message(s) you want to block.
6. Tap on the arrow in the bottom left corner of the screen.
7. Tap on “Block this Caller.”

That’s it! You’ve successfully blocked the sender and will no longer receive any messages from them.

Managing Blocked Numbers

It’s important to note that blocking a number only applies to the phone number and not other methods of communication like email or social media. To manage blocked numbers, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Phone.”
3. Tap on “Blocked Contacts.”
4. You’ll see a list of all the contacts you’ve blocked. You can add or remove contacts by tapping “Add New…” or swiping left on a contact and tapping “Unblock.”

Using the Feature Effectively

While the built-in blocking feature is easy to use, it’s important to use it effectively. Here are some tips:

• If you want to block all unknown callers, turn on the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature in your phone settings.
• Consider blocking only after you’ve received multiple unwanted messages from the same sender.
• Be aware that the sender will still be able to leave voicemails, but you won’t receive notifications for them.

Use Third-party Apps to Block Texts on iPhone

If you’re looking for more advanced features or better user-friendliness, you might consider using a third-party app to block texts on iPhone. Here are some popular options:

Call Blocker

Call Blocker is a highly-rated app that allows you to block calls and texts from specific numbers or area codes. You can also choose to block calls and texts from unknown numbers and create a whitelist of certain numbers that are always allowed to call or text you.

Mr. Number

Mr. Number is another popular app that offers call and text blocking. One of its unique features is the ability to tell you who’s calling or texting even if you don’t have the number saved in your contacts. You can also choose to block entire area codes or block calls based on keywords in the caller’s name or number.

Which app is right for you?

Ultimately, the best third-party app for you depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for advanced features and customization options, Call Blocker might be the way to go. If you want an app that’s easy to use and can quickly identify unknown callers, Mr. Number might be a better choice.

Set Up Do Not Disturb

Another way to block unwanted texts is to use the Do Not Disturb feature on your iPhone. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on “Do Not Disturb.”
3. Toggle on “Do Not Disturb.”
4. Choose when you want the feature to turn on (manual, scheduled, or when driving).
5. Under “Silence,” select “Always.”
6. Scroll down and select “Allow Calls From.”
7. Choose “Favorites,” “All Contacts,” or “No One,” depending on your preference.

With Do Not Disturb turned on, you won’t receive any notifications for calls or texts, except from the contacts you’ve allowed.

Using Do Not Disturb Effectively

Here are some additional tips for using Do Not Disturb effectively:

• Consider scheduling when Do Not Disturb turns on and off, so you don’t have to manually turn it on and off every day.
• Remember that if someone calls you twice within three minutes, the call will come through even if you have Do Not Disturb on.
• You can customize which contacts are allowed to call you by selecting “Custom” under “Allow Calls From” and choosing specific contacts.

Consider using a Carrier’s Blocking Feature

Some carriers offer their own blocking features that you can use to block texts and calls. Here’s how to access it through your customer account online:

1. Log in to your account on your carrier’s website.
2. Select “My Profile” or “Profile Settings.”
3. Find “Block or Allow” settings and select it.
4. Choose “Block numbers” and follow the instructions to add numbers to the block list.

While it’s worth checking if your carrier offers a blocking feature, keep in mind that it may be less user-friendly than the built-in feature or third-party apps.

Handle a Persistent Spammer

Dealing with a persistent spammer can be frustrating, but there are some strategies you can use to handle them:

Types of Spam Texts

First, it’s important to identify the type of spam you’re receiving. Here are some common types of spam texts:

• Phishing scams that try to steal your personal information
• Ads for products or services
• Messages that try to get you to download malware or other malicious software

Strategies for Dealing with Persistent Spammers

Once you know what type of spam you’re dealing with, you can use these strategies:

• Block the sender using one of the methods outlined in this article.
• Report the spam to your carrier or the FTC.
• Don’t respond to the message or click on any links, as this will likely only encourage more spam.

Pros and Cons of Blocking Texts

Blocking texts can be a highly effective way to stop unwanted messages, but there are also some potential drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Benefits of Blocking Texts

• Stop receiving unwanted messages
• Protect your personal information from phishing scams
• Reduce distractions and interruptions from your phone

Drawbacks of Blocking Texts

• Sometimes, the sender might have a legitimate reason for contacting you, and blocking them could cause communication breakdowns.
• Blocking texts doesn’t necessarily prevent the sender from contacting you through other means, like email or social media.

Conclusion

There are several methods for blocking texts on iPhone, including the built-in feature, third-party apps, carrier blocking, and Do Not Disturb. Each method has its own pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your needs. With a little experimentation and some persistence, you can effectively block unwanted texts and enjoy a more peaceful, focused mobile experience.