In Easy Steps Articles

February 3, 2023

How to Block Messages on your iPhone (iOS 16)

Tired of getting bombarded with spam text messages from numbers you don’t recognise? Or maybe you’d like to block someone you do know like an ex. Thankfully, you can block unwanted text messages in the Messages app on your iPhone in a few simple steps. No more junk, no more messages you don’t want to see. Let’s see how to do it.

Key takeaways:

  • To block messages from a contact, open the Messages app, tap the person you want to block, tap info, then tap Block this Caller.
  • To block spam messages from unknown contacts, open Settings, tap Messages, go to Message Filtering, and turn on Filter Unknown Senders

How to block messages from contacts

  1. Open the Messages app
  2. Tap the name or number of the person you want to block
  3. Tap the info button
  4. Tap Block this Caller
  5. Confirm by tapping Block Contact on the pop-up that appears

How to filter messages from unknown senders

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Messages
  3. Go to Message Filtering, turn on Filter Unknown Senders

Once you turn this setting on, you can still messages from people who aren’t in your contact list. To do that, go to Filters>Unknown Senders. However, you won’t be able to open any links in a message from an unknown sender until you either reply or add them to your contacts.

What happens when you block a number and they text you?

If a blocked number attempts to text you, the message will not go through. If they are using an iPhone, then they may not receive the “delivered” notification in their Messages app, and the chat bubble will change from blue (iMessage) to green (SMS). There will be no indication of the attempted contact on your end.

Can you block texts without the person knowing?

Don’t worry if the recipient is aware that you have blocked them. When they try to text you, the message will not come through and they won’t receive any notification to confirm that you have blocked their number.

How to unblock a number on your iPhone

Maybe you’ve changed your mind? No problem. Unblocking a number is just as easy:

1. Open the Settings app

2. Tap messages

3. Tap to Blocked Contacts

4. Swipe left on the contact you want to remove from the list, and tap Unblock

Reporting spam text messages on your iPhone

To report junk messages on an iPhone, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone
  2. Find the spam message that you want to report as spam or junk.
  3. Press and hold the message until a pop-up menu appears.
  4. Tap More in the pop-up menu.
  5. Select the messages that you want to report as spam or junk.
  6. Tap the Report Junk button.
  7. Confirm that you want to report the messages as junk.

This will send the messages to Apple as spam, and they will take action against the sender if they are found to be sending spam. Additionally, the message will be deleted from your device and moved to the “Junk” folder in the Mail app.

Learn to use your iPhone like a pro

The iPhone is an incredible device that can help seniors stay connected and engaged with the world around them, but it can also be overwhelming and confusing for those who are not familiar with it. In Easy Steps has created a user-friendly guide specifically for seniors to help them quickly and easily get to grips with their iPhones.

This guide covers all models of iPhone using iOS 16 and explores everything from basic setup and navigation to more advanced features such as using apps and taking photos. With iPhone for Seniors, seniors can confidently and independently use their iPhone to stay in touch with loved ones, access news and information, and even manage their health and wellness. Say goodbye to confusion and frustration and hello to convenience and enjoyment with iPhone for Seniors by In Easy Steps!

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By Kieran IES

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