How to Block Text Messages in the US

Unwanted messages can be both an annoyance and a potential cost, particularly if you have a limited data plan. It's wise to tackle the issue right away, instead of waiting for the bill to come in! Today, Mytour will show you how to block those bothersome messages. You can block them through your carrier or with third-party apps. Additionally, there's a hotline for reporting spam messages.

Visit the website or mobile app of your carrier. Most carriers offer the option to block messages or calls directly on their website or mobile app. Here are some carrier websites:

• T-Mobile: Go to https://account.t-mobile.com or open the My T-Mobile app.
• Verizon: Visit https://www.verizonwireless.com/my-verizon/ or open the Verizon Smart Family app.
• Sprint: Go to https://www.sprint.com/
• AT&T: Open the AT&T Call Protect app.
  • AT&T Call Protect is available on Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone).

Log in as the primary account holder. Enter the username and password associated with the account you've registered with your mobile service provider. If you're using a group or family plan, log in with the username and password of the primary account holder.

Find the option to block text messages. Each carrier's website or mobile app layout may differ. Below are some ways to access the text message blocking feature from different carriers.

• T-Mobile: Visit http://t-mo.co/profileblocking and click on Message Blocking.
• Verizon: Click on Plan and select Block. Then, click on Block calls & messages.
• Sprint: Click on the My preferences tab, choose Limits and Permissions, then click on Block text.
• AT&T: Tap on Block.

Select the device to manage. If your account is used on multiple phones, you'll need to select the phone number that is receiving the unwanted messages.

• Your carrier may require you to add an additional feature to your account to block text messages.

Choose the blocking feature. Many carriers offer different options for blocking numbers. You can block all messages, block incoming or outgoing messages, block picture messages, or block specific numbers.

Click or tap the option to add a number to the block list. Depending on your carrier's app or website, this button may be labeled Block Number, Add, or a plus sign (+).

Enter the phone number you wish to block. This number will no longer be able to send you messages. The person will not be notified once they are blocked by you.

• You can also select a number from your contacts or call history.

Click or tap on Save (Save). This number will be added to the blocked contact list. They will no longer be able to send you messages.

Call your carrier's technical support hotline. If you need further assistance in blocking a number, you can contact your carrier's technical support through the following hotlines:

• AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
• Sprint: 1-888-211-4727
• T-Mobile: 1-877-453-1304
• Verizon: 1-800-922-0204

Open the Messages app. The app has a green icon with a speech bubble. Tap on this icon to open the Messages app.

Tap on the message from the user you wish to block. If you've received unwanted messages, they will be listed in your inbox.

Tap on the user's phone number. Detailed information about the phone number will appear.

Scroll down and tap on Block this Caller (Block this Caller). This user will no longer be able to message, call, or contact you via FaceTime.

• Alternatively, open the Settings app. This method lets you block messages from contacts in your address book, rather than from message history. In Settings, scroll down and select 'Phone' then tap on 'Blocked'. Choose 'Add New' and search for the person you want to block from your contact list, then select them.

Open your message list. This app typically has a speech bubble icon. Tap on it to view your message list.

Tap the button with the ⋮ icon. This button, with three dots, is located at the top right corner. A menu will appear.

Tap on Blocked Contacts or a similar option. This will display the list of contacts you've blocked.

• Menu options may vary depending on the phone model and carrier.
• On Samsung Galaxy, you may need to select Settings after tapping the three-dot icon.

Enter the phone number you want to block. This number will no longer be able to send you messages. They will also not be notified that they've been blocked.

• Alternatively, you can block messages by tapping the conversation, selecting the three-dot icon (⋮). Then, tap Details and select Block & Report Spam.
• To unblock, go back to the "Blocked Contacts" option in the menu and tap the x next to any contact you want to unblock.

Open your message list. This app typically has a speech bubble icon. Tap it to view your message list.

Tap on Settings. This is the last option in the menu that appears after tapping the three-dot icon.

• Menu options may vary depending on the carrier and Samsung Galaxy model.

Tap on Block numbers and messages to block phone numbers and messages. This option is found in the Settings menu.

Tap on Block numbers (Block phone numbers). This is the first option at the top of the screen.

Enter the phone number you want to block. This number will be blocked and unable to send messages to you. The person will not be notified that they have been blocked.

Open the App Store or Google Play Store. On iPhone, tap the blue App Store icon with the capital "A". If using Android, tap the Google Play Store icon, a multicolored triangle.

• Warning: Many third-party messaging blocking apps may collect user data for resale or marketing purposes.

Tap the Search or Tìm kiếm (iPhone only). If you’re using an iPhone, tap the search tab located at the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Type Hiya in the search bar. On Android, the search bar is located in the green box at the top of the screen. On iPhone, the search bar will be positioned in the middle of the screen. A list of apps matching your search will appear.

• Hiya is one of many apps that block messages. Other similar apps include SMS Blocker, Blacklist, Call Blocker, and Text Blocker.

Tap GET or Install next to the Hiya name. The app icon is a mix of blue, purple, and pink with a phone image. Hiya will begin installing.

Open Hiya. Launch Hiya by tapping the Hiya icon on your home screen or in the app menu. Alternatively, tap Open directly from the Google Play Store or App Store.

Check the box and tap Get Started (Start). This confirms your acceptance of the terms of service and data policies, and then tap Get Started.

• You may be asked to grant Hiya certain permissions. If you’re prompted to make Hiya your default calling app, allow it to make calls and access contacts by tapping Allow.

Tap the Block List tab. This is the second tab located at the bottom of the screen, underneath the circle with a line through it.

Tap Enter a number option. This option appears at the top of the list.

• You can also choose from options like Recent calls or texts or Choose from contacts to select a number from recent messages or contacts.

Enter the phone number you wish to block. This number will be blocked, preventing them from sending you any messages. The person will remain unaware that they've been blocked.

Tap the Block button located at the bottom-right of the menu, centered on the screen. This will block the number.

Reply to spam messages with the word "STOP". "STOP" is the most common response to marketing messages. If you're receiving unwanted advertisements from services you never subscribed to, try this method. While it's not guaranteed to work, it's quick and simple. If it does work, you’ll save time and won’t need to ask your carrier to block the number.

• If you have an auto-signature feature that adds text to your messages, make sure to remove or disable it before sending.

Don’t reply to unfamiliar ads. Some marketing messages are automatically programmed to be sent to random numbers. In such cases, responding (even with the word "STOP") could backfire. Your reply informs the system that your number is active, and you might continue receiving these messages. If you get spam from unknown sources, simply ignore it. If the ads keep coming, consider trying another method.

Report spam messages. Most US carriers allow users to report spam messages for free. To report spam, copy the message and send it to 7726. This spam-reporting service is operated by the GSM Association, a trade group for major mobile carriers. By reporting spam, you're helping reduce the nuisance for yourself and other mobile users.

• The spam-reporting number differs by country. In France, it’s 33700. In India, it's 1909. In Vietnam, you can call or text 5656 (free).