Unwanted text messages can be annoying and can cost you money, especially when your cellular service plan doesn't provide unlimited text messages. Deal with the problem early on before you get your monthly bill! This wikiHow teaches you how to block unwanted text messages. You can block unwanted messages through your phone, cellular service, or third-party apps. In fact, you can also use a special number to report spam messages.
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Method 1 of 6: Blocking Text Messages Through Cellular Service Providers
Step 1. Visit the web page or mobile app of the mobile service you are using
Most carriers or cellular service providers offer the option to block text messages or calls through their website or mobile app. Visit the following websites according to the mobile service you are using:
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Indosat Ooredoo:
indosatooredoo.com/id/personal/myim3 or open the MyIM3 application.
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Telkomsel:
my.telkomsel.com/ or open the MyTelkomsel app
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XL Axiata:
www.xl.co.id/id or open the MyXL app
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3:
Visit the bima+ page at
The bima+ application can also be downloaded via the Google Play Store on Android devices or the App Store on iPhone
Step 2. Log in as the primary account holder
Type in the username and password associated with the mobile service account. If you're on a family or group plan, log in using the primary account holder's username and password.
Step 3. Look for the option to block short messages
The layout or appearance of each website or app will be different. Follow these steps to look for SMS blocking options.
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Indosat Ooredoo:
Visit https://indosatooredoo.com/portal/id/bspintar, activate the Smart SMS feature, access the feature, and select the option to block SMS from unwanted numbers.
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Telkomsel:
Visit https://www.telkomsel.com/en/vas/sms-pro and follow the steps to activate SMS Pro.
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XL Axiata:
Visit https://www.xl.co.id/id/bantuan and search for appropriate topics or contact XL customer service via Facebook/Twitter.
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3:
Visit https://3care.tri.co.id/searcharticle/Kartu%20Tri and select the appropriate topic or submit a complaint directly to the operator.
Step 4. Select the number for which you want to apply message blocking
If your account has more than one number or device, you will need to select the appropriate number.
Your cellular service provider may require you to add other features to your account in order to block text messages
Step 5. Select the blocking option
Cellular service providers usually offer several different number blocking options. You can block all messages, incoming or outgoing messages, picture messages, or even certain numbers.
Step 6. Click or touch the option to add the number to the block list
This button or option may be labeled “ Block Number ” (“Block Number”), “ Add ” (“Add”), or the plus symbol (“+”), depending on the website or application used.
Step 7. Enter the phone number you want to block
Users of that number will not be able to send you short messages. However, the user will not be notified that the number has been blocked.
You may also be able to select a number from the contact list or call log
Step 8. Click or tap Save (“Save” or “OK”)
The number will be added to the list of blocked contacts. The user of that number cannot send you messages.
Step 9. Call the mobile service provider's technical support number
If you need further assistance with the number blocking process, the operator of the technical support number can provide assistance. Call the following numbers according to the cellular service you are using:
- Indosat Ooredoo: 021-3000-3000 or 185 (for Indosat users)
- Telkomsel: 0807-1-811-811 or 188 (only for Telkomsel users)
- XL Axiata: 021-579-59817 or 817 (only for XL users)
- 3: 0896-44000-123 or 132 (for prepaid number 3)
Method 2 of 6: Blocking Text Messages on iPhone
Step 1. Open the messaging app (Messages)
This app is marked by a green speech bubble icon. Touch the icon to open the Messages app.
Step 2. Touch the message of the user you want to block
If you've recently received frequent unwanted text messages, they will appear in your incoming message list.
Step 3. Click the user's photo above the phone number
Touch the photo once. After that, a small menu will load on the screen.
This menu is a GUI (graphical user interface) at the top of the screen
Step 4. Click "Info" after the small menu is displayed
Step 5. Touch the user's phone number
Number details will be displayed.
Step 6. Scroll down and select Block this Caller
Users will be blocked from being able to send short messages, as well as phone calls to your number. In addition, users can't contact you via FaceTime.
Alternatively, run the settings menu (“Settings”). With this method, you can block short messages from senders who are in your contacts list, but not in the message history. In the settings menu or “Settings”, swipe the screen and select “Phone “, then touch “Blocked “. Select "Add New". After that, find the user you want to block from the contact list. Select the user, and he will be blocked afterwards
Method 3 of 6: Blocking Text Messages on Android Phones
Step 1. Open the inbox on the messaging app
These apps are usually marked by a speech bubble icon. Touch the icon to open the inbox.
Step 2. Select
It's the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. A menu will appear below the icon.
Step 3. Tap on Blocked Contacts or similar option
A list of contacts that you blocked will be displayed.
- The options in the menu may differ from one phone model to another (or from one cellular service provider to another).
- If you are using a Samsung Galaxy device, touch “ Settings ” after touching the three dots icon.
Step 4. Touch Add Number
With this option, you can enter the number you want to block.
Step 5. Enter the phone number you want to block
The user of the number will be blocked from being able to send you short messages. However, the user will not be notified that he or she has been blocked.
- Alternatively, you can block messages by tapping the chat, then selecting the three dots (“⋮”) icon. After that, touch " Details " and " Block & Report Spam ”.
- To unblock a contact, go back to the “Blocked Contacts” option on the menu and touch the “ x ” next to the number you want to unblock.
Method 4 of 6: Blocking Text Messages on Samsung Galaxy Devices
Step 1. Open the inbox on the messaging app
These apps are usually marked by a speech bubble icon. Touch the icon to open the device's inbox.
Step 2. Select Settings
This option is the last option on the menu that loads when you touch the three-dot icon.
Menu options may differ on other cellular service providers or older Samsung Galaxy phone models
Step 3. Tap Block numbers and messages
This option is in the “Settings” menu.
Step 4. Touch Block numbers
This option is the first option at the top of the screen.
Step 5. Enter the number you want to block
The number will be blocked so the user cannot send you short messages. In addition, the user will not be notified that he has been blocked.
Step 6. Touch +
The number will be added to the list of blocked numbers.
- The exact steps for this method will differ depending on the version of the Android operating system you are running. Your phone may not have this option. If it's not available, look for an SMS blocker app (read the next method).
- Alternatively, you can open the unwanted message, touch the three dots (“⋮”) icon, select “ Block number, and touch the option “ Ok ”.
Method 5 of 6: Using Third Party Apps
Step 1. Open the App Store or Google Play Store
If you're using an iPhone, tap the App Store icon. This icon looks like a big blue “A”. If you're using an Android device, tap the Google Play Store icon. The icon looks like a colorful triangle.
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Warning:
Some third-party applications that can block text messages may collect user data for sale or use for marketing purposes.
Step 2. Touch the Search tab (on iPhone only)
If you're using an iPhone, tap the “Search” tab in the lower-right corner of the screen.
Step 3. Type Hiya into the search bar
On Android devices, the search bar displays as a blue banner at the top of the screen. On iPhone, the search bar is in the center of the screen. A list of applications that match the search entry will be displayed.
Hiya is one application that can block short messages. Other apps include SMS Blocker, Blacklist, Call Blocker, and Text Blocker.
Step 4. Touch GET or Install next to the Hiya header.
The app has a white icon with a blue, purple, and pink phone on it. Hiya will be installed to the device afterwards.
Step 5. Open Hiya
You can open it by touching the Hiya icon on the home screen or application menu. You can also touch the “ Open ” in the Google Play Store or App Store window.
Step 6. Touch the checkbox and select Get Started
By checking this option, you agree to the terms of service and data policy. After that, touch Get Started ”.
You may be asked to give Hiya some permissions. If you are asked to allow Hiya to be the main phone app, make phone calls, and access the contact list, touch “ Allow ”.
Step 7. Touch Block List
This option is the second tab shown at the bottom of the screen. You can see it under the striped circle icon.
Step 8. Touch Enter a number
This option is the first option on the list.
Alternatively, you can choose " Recent calls or text ", or " Choose from contacts ” to select a number from the most recent text message or last contacted contact.
Step 9. Enter the mobile number you want to block
The number will be blocked and the user will not be able to send you messages. However, the user will not be notified that he or she has been blocked.
Step 10. Touch Block
It's in the lower-right corner of the menu, in the middle of the screen. The number you entered will be blocked after that.
Method 6 of 6: Managing Spam
Step 1. Reply to spam or annoying messages with the word "STOP"
The word "STOP" is a reply that is generally used to stop marketing short messages. If you receive unwanted text messages from a service you are subscribed to, try this method. While it's not guaranteed to work, this method is a quick and easy step to try. There's no harm in trying it! If it works, you certainly don't have to bother calling customer service from your cellular service provider to block the number.
If you enable auto-adding of a signature to messages you're writing, don't forget to remove the signature or turn off the feature before sending the message
Step 2. Don't send back messages for ads you don't recognize
Some messages containing advertisements are sent automatically through programs designed to send advertisements to random phone numbers. For messages like this, you can actually make matters worse by replying to the message (even with the word "STOP"). The reply you send is actually telling the program that your number is owned or used by a human so that the program will continue to send ads to your number. If you get a spam message from an unknown source, ignore the message. If you still get such a message, try one of the other methods.
Step 3. Report spam
In Indonesia, you can report spam for free to the Indonesian Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (BRTI). To report spam, visit https://services.kominfo.go.id/ and click the "COMPLAINTS BRTI" menu, then enter your identity, select a complaint from the column provided, and type in your complaint. Click the “START CHAT” button and attach a screenshot or proof of the annoying message. BRTI is an agency under the auspices of the Ministry of Communication and Information of the Republic of Indonesia. By reporting spam or annoying messages, you help reduce distractions for yourself and other phone users.
