How to Block Text Messages on Your Android Phone
With the constant barrage of unwanted text messages, it’s no wonder that many of us want to know how to block text messages on our Android phones. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods you can use to block unwanted texts on your Android device.
Method 1: Block Text Messages Using Android’s built-in Feature
Android has a built-in feature that allows you to block text messages from specific numbers. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Messages (or Messaging app).
- Tap on Blocked numbers.
- Tap Add number.
- Enter the number you want to block, and click OK.
Method 2: Block Text Messages Using Third-Party Apps
There are many third-party apps that can help you block unwanted text messages. Some popular options include:
- Truecaller: This app uses a crowdsourced database of spam numbers and allows you to block individual numbers or entire networks.
- Call Blocker: This app allows you to block numbers and also includes features like call blocking and SMS blocking.
- Auto Answer & Block: This app allows you to block unwanted calls and texts, and also provides features like call recording and voicemail transcription.
Method 3: Block Text Messages Using Google’s Messages App
If you’re using Google’s Messages app, you can block numbers directly from the app. Here’s how:
- Open the Messages app.
- Go to Envelope icon (top-right corner) > Settings.
- Tap on Blocked numbers.
- Tap on Add number.
- Enter the number you want to block, and click OK.
How to Block Spam Text Messages
Spam text messages are a common problem for many of us. Here are some tips on how to block them:
- Report spam: Most phones and messaging apps allow you to report spam messages. Report them to help prevent them from reaching others.
- Block the number: If a number is spamming you multiple times, block it immediately.
- Use a spam detection app: Apps like Truecaller and Auto Answer & Block have built-in spam detection features that can help filter out unwanted messages.
- Use a lockbox: If you have a lockbox, you can set up a virtual mailbox to receive messages from known numbers, and ignore the rest.
How to Unblock a Number
Sometimes, we accidentally block a number or realize that we need to receive messages from a particular number. Here’s how to unblock a number:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Messages (or Messaging app).
- Tap on Blocked numbers.
- Find the number you want to unblock and tap the x icon to the right of it.
- Confirm that you want to unblock the number.
How to Block MMS Messages
MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) messages are multimedia messages that can include images, videos, and other files. To block MMS messages:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Messages (or Messaging app).
- Tap on Settings > MMS > Block MMS.
How to Block International Calls and Texts
If you receive international calls and texts and want to block them, most carriers allow you to do so. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Calls & messages.
- Tap on International settings (some carriers may call it "International calling" or "International SMS").
- Tap on Block international calls or Block international messages.
Conclusion
Blocking unwanted text messages is a simple process, and Android’s built-in features and third-party apps can help you achieve just that. From blocking individual numbers to blocking entire networks and MMS messages, we’ve covered the different ways to block unwanted texts. By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a more peaceful and spam-free texting experience.
Here is a summary of the key points covered in this article:
- Block text messages using Android’s built-in feature
- Block text messages using third-party apps
- Block text messages using Google’s Messages app
- How to block spam text messages
- How to unblock a number
- How to block MMS messages
- How to block international calls and texts