Silence the Noise: A Comprehensive Guide to Blocking Unwanted Messages on Your Cell Phone

In today’s hyper-connected world, our cell phones are indispensable tools, but they can also be a source of frustration. Unwanted messages, whether from persistent telemarketers, spam bots, or even individuals you’d rather not hear from, can quickly become overwhelming. Thankfully, both Android and iOS operating systems offer robust tools to help you regain control over your inbox. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to block unwanted messages, ensuring a more peaceful and productive mobile experience.

Understanding the Different Types of Unwanted Messages

Before we dive into blocking methods, it’s crucial to understand the different types of unwanted messages you might encounter:

• Spam SMS/MMS: These are often unsolicited commercial messages, often promoting products, services, or even scams. They’re usually sent in bulk to numerous recipients.
• Robo-SMS: These are automated text messages, often with pre-recorded messages or links, used for marketing or informational purposes but can become intrusive.
• Unwanted Messages from Unknown Numbers: Messages from senders not in your contacts list can be from legitimate sources or, more commonly, spam.
• Messages from Specific Contacts: You might want to block specific individuals who are sending unwanted text messages.
• Group Messages: Sometimes, you might want to remove yourself or mute notifications from a group chat that has become bothersome.

Blocking Unwanted Messages on Android

Android provides several methods for blocking unwanted messages, allowing you to tailor your approach based on the specific situation. Here’s a breakdown of the most common techniques:

1. Blocking a Number Directly from the Messages App

This is the most straightforward way to block a sender. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Messages App: Locate and open the default Messages application on your Android device. This is usually represented by a speech bubble icon.
2. Select the Conversation: Find the conversation thread from the number you want to block. Tap on it to open the chat window.
3. Access the Options Menu: At the top right corner of the screen, you’ll usually find a three-dot menu icon (sometimes a single vertical line or a gear icon). Tap on it to open the menu.
4. Choose the Block Option: From the menu, you’ll see an option like ‘Block’, ‘Block Number’, or ‘Block contact’. Select the appropriate option.
5. Confirm the Block: A confirmation prompt might appear, asking you to confirm your decision to block the number. Select ‘OK’ or ‘Block’. The number is now blocked, and you will no longer receive messages or calls from it.

Important Note: When you block a number, you will not receive any notification or visual indicators on messages or call from the blocked number. All the messages and calls will be blocked silently. It is recommended to review your blocked list occasionally if you have blocked anyone by mistake.

2. Blocking a Number from the Contact List

If you’ve saved the unwanted sender in your contact list, you can also block them from the Contacts app. Here’s how:

1. Open the Contacts App: Locate and open the Contacts application on your phone.
2. Find the Contact: Search for or scroll to the contact you want to block. Tap on their name to open their contact details.
3. Access the Options Menu: Similar to the Messages app, you’ll find a three-dot menu icon or a single line or gear icon, usually in the upper right corner of the screen. Tap on it to open the menu.
4. Select the Block Option: In the menu, choose the option to ‘Block’ or ‘Block contact’.
5. Confirm the Block: Confirm your decision to block the contact by tapping ‘OK’ or ‘Block’.

3. Blocking Unknown Numbers Using Filters

Android doesn’t offer a built-in setting to block all unknown numbers at once. However, some carrier and third-party apps offer a function of filter or block any number which is not in your contact list. You can use it to reduce messages from unwanted unknown numbers. If you are using third-party message apps like ‘Google messages’ or ‘Truecaller’ then you will have that facility. Here’s how you can use third-party apps filters:

1. Install a Third-Party App: Go to the Google Play Store and download a reputable third-party app like ‘Google Messages’ or ‘Truecaller’.
2. Set as Default Messaging App: When you open any third-party app for the first time, you need to set the app as your default message app and that application will override your device’s default messaging app.
3. Access Settings and Block: Open the third-party app and go to the app setting. There you will see an option to block or filter unknown numbers or numbers that are not in your contacts list.

Note: Be cautious when using third-party apps. Always choose reputable and well-reviewed applications.

4. Using Carrier-Specific Apps or Features

Many mobile carriers provide their own apps or services that allow you to manage unwanted calls and messages. Check with your carrier for information on these services, which often offer spam filtering capabilities. They often use spam databases which are updated frequently and allow you to reduce the number of spam messages. You can search for the app provided by your mobile carrier in google playstore. You can usually enable spam blocking or message filtering options in the app or the account setting for your number.

5. Reporting Spam Messages

When you receive a suspicious message, you can also help the community by reporting it as spam. Most messaging apps offer this functionality:

1. Open the Messages App: Locate and open the default Messages application on your Android device.
2. Select the Conversation: Find the conversation thread of the number that you want to report as spam.
3. Access the Options Menu: At the top right corner of the screen, you’ll usually find a three-dot menu icon. Tap on it to open the menu.
4. Choose the Report Option: From the menu, select ‘Report spam’ option.
5. Confirm the Report: A confirmation prompt might appear, asking you to confirm your decision to report the number as spam. Select ‘OK’ or ‘Report’.

By reporting spam, you are contributing to the collective effort to identify and filter out unsolicited messages and calls.

Blocking Unwanted Messages on iOS (iPhone)

Apple’s iOS also offers several effective methods to block unwanted text messages. Here’s how to use them:

1. Blocking a Number Directly from the Messages App

The process is very similar to Android:

1. Open the Messages App: Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Select the Conversation: Tap on the conversation thread of the number you want to block.
3. Tap on the Contact Icon: At the top of the conversation, you’ll see the contact’s name or number. Tap on it.
4. Tap ‘Info’: From the pop-up window, select ‘Info’.
5. Scroll Down and Block: Scroll down and select ‘Block this Caller’.
6. Confirm the Block: Confirm by selecting ‘Block Contact’

2. Blocking a Number from the Contacts App

You can also block from within your contact list:

1. Open the Contacts App: Find and open the Contacts app on your iPhone.
2. Find the Contact: Search for or scroll to the contact you want to block. Tap on their name to open their contact details.
3. Scroll Down and Block: Scroll down and select ‘Block this Caller’.
4. Confirm the Block: Confirm by selecting ‘Block Contact’

3. Filtering Unknown Senders

iOS allows you to filter messages from unknown senders, directing them to a separate tab, which helps reduce distractions from potentially unwanted messages:

1. Open Settings App: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Select Messages: Find the Messages section in the list and tap on it.
3. Enable ‘Filter Unknown Senders’: Scroll down to the ‘Message Filtering’ section and toggle the switch for ‘Filter Unknown Senders’ to ON.

With this enabled, messages from numbers not in your contacts will be moved to a separate ‘Unknown Senders’ tab. You’ll still receive the messages; however they will not show as notifications.

4. Reporting Junk Messages

You can report junk SMS messages in iOS, helping Apple identify and prevent spam. When an unsolicited message is received the iPhone prompts you to report it as junk if it is from a number not in your contact list. It will also move the message to the ‘Unknown Senders’ tab.

5. Silence Unknown Callers

While not directly blocking text messages, this feature helps reduce distractions from unwanted numbers in general:

1. Open Settings App: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Select Phone: Find the Phone section in the list and tap on it.
3. Select ‘Silence Unknown Callers’: Select ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ under the section ‘CALLS’.
4. Enable ‘Silence Unknown Callers’: Turn on the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ by toggling the switch.

With this enabled, calls from numbers not in your contacts will go directly to voicemail and not make your phone ring.

6. Using Carrier-Provided Apps or Features

Similar to Android, your mobile carrier may offer services or apps that provide additional spam blocking and filtering features. Check with your carrier for details.

Managing Blocked Numbers on Android and iOS

It’s good practice to occasionally review your blocked list. You can also unblock numbers if you have blocked them by mistake.

Android

1. Open the Messages App: Open your device’s default messages app.
2. Access Settings: Click on three dot menu on the top right corner. You’ll find an option called ‘Setting’. Click on it.
3. Select ‘Blocked numbers’: In the setting menu, you’ll find ‘Blocked numbers’ option.
4. View and Manage: Here you will be able to view all the blocked numbers, and you can remove anyone from the blocked list by click on the ‘cross’ icon.

iOS

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
2. Select Messages/Phone: Find either Messages or Phone, depending on whether you want to see blocked messages or call numbers, then tap on it.
3. Tap on ‘Blocked Contacts’: In the list that appears, tap on ‘Blocked Contacts’.
4. View and Manage: Here, you’ll see the list of blocked numbers. You can swipe left on a blocked number and select ‘Unblock’ to remove it from the list.

Tips for Reducing Unwanted Messages

Here are some extra tips to help you minimize unwanted messages:

• Avoid giving out your phone number unnecessarily: Be cautious about where you share your number online or in forms.
• Don’t reply to suspicious messages: Replying often confirms your number is active and can lead to more spam.
• Be wary of links: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages. They can lead to phishing websites or malware.
• Report suspicious messages: Reporting spam helps both your device and your mobile carrier to identify the spam and filter it out.
• Use a robust caller ID app: Third-party apps like Truecaller can help you identify and block unwanted messages and calls.
• Keep your phone software updated: Updates often include improvements to spam filtering.

Conclusion

Unwanted messages are a nuisance, but they don’t have to rule your mobile life. By using the tools and techniques outlined in this guide, you can effectively block unwanted senders, filter spam, and regain control over your messaging inbox. Regularly review your blocked lists and remain vigilant against suspicious activity to ensure a smoother, more enjoyable mobile experience.

Remember, staying informed and taking action are key to keeping your cell phone communication as pleasant and efficient as possible.