Many of the message management apps pre-installed on Android devices are capable of blocking unwanted communications, but this functionality may be limited by your carrier. If the default app you use for messages fails to block them, you can install a program capable of doing so or contact the operator.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Using Google Messenger
Step 1. Press the Messenger app on your Android device
Note that we're referring to Google's Messenger app, not Facebook's eponymous one. The app is available for all Android devices on the Google Play Store and is pre-installed on Nexus and Pixel phones.
If you are using a specific message management service for your carrier or phone, you may not be able to follow this method. Using Messenger is one of the easiest ways to block messages, so consider switching to this app if you often get unsolicited communications
Step 2. Press the conversation with the number you want to block
You can prevent the sender from sending you any messages.
Step 3. Press the ⋮ button in the upper right corner of the screen
A menu with some options will appear.
Step 4. Press "People & Options"
A new screen will appear with the conversation information.
Step 5. Press "Block phone number"
You will be asked to confirm the number block.
Step 6. Press "Block" to block messages from the number
In reality you will still receive the messages, but they will be archived immediately, without you receiving any notification.
Method 2 of 5: Using the Samsung Messages App
Step 1. Press the Messages app
This method refers to the Messages app pre-installed on Samsung Galaxy devices. If you use a different app to manage your SMS, you need to follow another method.
Step 2. Press the conversation with the number you want to block
The quickest way to block a number is to open an existing message.
Step 3. Press the ⋮ button in the upper right corner of the screen
A menu with some items will appear.
Step 4. Press "Block number"
The lock settings for that number will appear.
If your carrier is Verizon, there's a good chance these settings aren't there. Verizon disables this feature, in order to force users to request the paid blocking service on their number. In this case, try the method that uses third-party applications
Step 5. Enable "Block messages"
You will no longer receive SMS from that number.
Step 6. Add numbers manually
You can add numbers directly to the block list without opening a conversation:
- Go back to the list of conversations in the Messages app;
- Press "Settings";
- Press "Block messages", then "Blocked users list";
- Press the "+", then type the number you want to block.
Method 3 of 5: Using the HTC Messages App
Step 1. Press the Messages app
This method involves using the Messages app pre-installed on HTC devices. If you use a different app to manage your SMS, you need to follow another method.
Step 2. Press and hold the message you want to block
After a few moments, a menu will appear.
Step 3. Press "Block Contact"
The number will be added to the block list and you will no longer receive SMS from that number.
Method 4 of 5: Use an App that Blocks SMS
Step 1. Open the Google Play Store
You will find the icon in the app drawer or on one of the Home screens. Your device's app store will open.
Step 2. Search for "sms blocker"
You will find apps that can block messages. There are many different ones for Android devices. Some of the most used include:
- Clean Inbox SMS Blocker
- SMS blocker, call blocker
- SMS blocker
- Truemessenger
Step 3. Install the app you want to use
Each offers different features, although they all allow you to block text messages.
Step 4. Set the new app as the default SMS app (if prompted)
Many of the apps must be used as default message handling programs to be able to block incoming communications. This means that you will send and receive SMS using those apps and not the default mobile phone ones. The only exception is SMS Blocker.
Step 5. Open the block list
In some apps you can find it on the home page, while in others you have to open it. On Truemessenger, open the Spam Inbox page.
Step 6. Add a new number to the block list
Press the Add button (its name varies from app to app), then enter the number or select the contact to block.
Step 7. Block unknown numbers
Many SMS blocking applications allow you to block unknown numbers. This feature can be useful for avoiding unwanted advertising, but be careful, as it can prevent you from receiving important messages from numbers that you have not saved in your address book.
Method 5 of 5: Contact your Operator
Step 1. Visit your carrier's website
Unfortunately, in Italy the operators do not offer a selective blocking service of messages. Abroad, however, and in particular in the United States, many of the most popular operators offer tools via the Internet that allow messages and e-mails to be blocked. The options vary from one company to another.
- AT&T - You must purchase the "Smart Limits" service for your account. Once activated, you will be able to block messages and phone calls from specific numbers.
- Sprint - you need to log into the "My Sprint" website and enter the numbers to block in the "Limits and Permissions" section.
- T-Mobile - you need to enable the "Family Allowances" service on your account. Thanks to it you can block up to ten different phone numbers.
- Verizon - you need to add the "Block Calls & Messages" service to your account. Thanks to it, you can block specific numbers for 90 days.
Step 2. Call your carrier's customer service
If you are being harassed, your operator will likely offer to block a number for free. Contact customer service and explain that you would like to prevent a number from contacting you. To be authorized to make this request, you must be the owner of the number.
