I recently received a very important text message from this trusted agent called Mike about “SG ONLINE BETTING” – soccer, casino, slots, horse racing! $0 deposit! 10-30% bonus rebate! Sounds lush doesn’t it? In fact, Mike was not only the trusted agent that contacted me. There was also a Jane, a John, a Winston… ok I am kidding. Mike was the only polite trusted agent that gave me his name, the others just left their whatsapp numbers – how rude right? One even started the message with “(TOO MANY SCAMMERS) Now you don’t worry”, which really put my mind at ease.
Needless to say, I did not open any of these text messages.
But here is the thing about text messages. Since (short) text messages, or SMS, is so well-known and can be used to quickly deliver a message without doing much work, advertising companies are also using it to promote their products, offering information, etc. Not only that, some people you’ve only met once could spam you with annoying texts.
Luckily, Apple has implemented more security features for their users, which allows them to have more control over their privacy and block specific phone numbers from sending text messages (regular SMS) and iMessages.
And if you are an android user, don’t worry, I did not forget about y’all. Next week’s article will tell you how to block SMS on Android.
So how do you block text messages on iPhone?
Block Caller(s) from your iPhone Contacts
The built-in Block feature in the iPhone contacts allows you block a phone number from calling, sending text messages, or even facetiming you. The process is really simple and it can be found right on your iPhone without downloading third-party applications or connecting the device to a computer.
1. Go to your stock Phone app
2. Tap on the Contacts menu
3. Pick a person you wish to block
4. The last option on their page should say “Block this Caller”
5. You will be prompted with a confirmation popup and then choose Block Contact
By pressing the Block Contact button, you will not receive phone calls, messages, or Facebook from people on the block list.
Keep in mind that the contract will not disappear, but continue to display on under your Contacts list. This way you can come back and unblock the phone number using the same process.
Block Unwanted or Spam Text Messages from Unknown on iPhone
The above method works really well for people in your Contacts list. However, it doesn’t have any effects on those spammers or advertising agencies who try to send different promotions and offers for their products to your number.
We refer these guys as “spammers” or “unknown”, and they can also be blocked from your iPhone too.
1. Go to the Messages app
2. Tap on the message from the spammer
3. Choose details on the top right hand corner
4. There will be phone icon and a letter “i” icon across from the number. Tap on the “i” icon
5. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and then tap on Block this Caller
6. Again, once you press on Block this Caller, the phone number that you just blocked won’t be able to make phone calls, send text messages, or Facetime you.
