Many text messaging apps built into Android devices have a short message blocker feature. However, this feature may be limited by the cellular service provider. If your phone's default/main messaging app can't block short messages, you can install an app that can block it or contact your cellular service provider.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Using Google Messenger
Step 1. Open Messenger on the Android device
This app is marked by a blue circle icon with a white speech bubble in the top right corner.
- Do not let you mistake this application with Facebook Messenger whose icon looks similar.
- Google Messenger is available for any Android device from the Google Play Store, and is included as a default app on Nexus and Pixel phones.
- If you use the default messaging service of your cellular service provider or phone manufacturer, this method may not work. Using Google Messenger is one of the easiest ways to block text messages, so you may need to switch to this program if you want to block a lot of text messages.
Step 2. Touch the chat with the number you want to block
You can block the sender's number from any conversation.
Step 3. Touch the button
It's in the upper-right corner of the screen and displays a drop-down menu.
Step 4. Touch People & options
A new page with conversation details will be displayed.
Step 5. Touch Block [phone number]
You will be asked to confirm your number blocking option.
Step 6. Touch Block
After that, messages from that number will be blocked.
You will not get notifications about messages received from blocked numbers. In addition, the messages will be archived immediately
Method 2 of 5: Using Samsung Messages
Step 1. Open Messages
This app is a patent messaging app on Samsung devices.
Step 2. Touch More
It's in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Step 3. Touch Settings
This option is at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
Step 4. Touch Block messages
It's at the bottom of the menu.
Step 5. Touch Block list
This option is the first option.
If you don't see this option, it's possible that your cellular service provider has disabled it. Contact your cellular service provider or try the Mr. method. Numbers below
Step 6. Enter the number you want to block
- Touch " Inbox ” to select and block people who have messaged you but are still showing in your inbox.
- If you want to block text messages from someone in your contacts list, tap “ Contacts ” and select each person you want to block.
Step 7. Touch +
Now, you will not get short message notifications from the selected numbers. Messages from them will also not appear in the inbox.
- Touch " -" next to the number on " Block list ” to unblock.
- Touch " Blocked messages ” in the " Block messages " menu to view messages from blocked senders.
Method 3 of 5: Using HTC Messages
Step 1. Open Messages
This method refers to the messaging application that is installed by default on HTC phones. If you are using a different messaging app, this method may not work.
Step 2. Touch and hold the message you want to block
After holding the message/conversation with your finger for a while, a new menu will be displayed.
Step 3. Touch Block Contact
After that, the contact in question will be added to the block list and you will not receive SMS from that contact/number.
Method 4 of 5: Using an SMS Blocker App
Step 1. Touch the Google Play Store app icon
This icon appears in the app drawer or on one of the device's home screens. After that, the Google Play Store app will be opened.
Step 2. Type in the search keyword "sms block
" After typing, the SMS blocker application will be searched. There are many different SMS blocker apps for Android devices. Some of the more popular options include:
- Clean Inbox SMS Blocker
- Block calls and block SMS
- Text Blocker
- Truemessenger
Step 3. Install the application you want to use
Each app offers a different set of features, but all of them allow you to block text messages.
Step 4. Set the new app as the primary messaging app (if prompted)
Some apps need to be set as the primary messaging app in order to block incoming messages. This means, you will receive and send messages through the app, and not the old messaging app. However, there are exceptions for the Text Blocker application.
Step 5. Open the block list
This list may be the main page that opens when the application is run. You may also need to open it manually. In the Truemessenger app, go to the “Spam Inbox” page.
Step 6. Add the number to the block list
Touch the “Add” button (the label of the button depends on the application) and enter the number or select the contact you want to block.
Step 7. Block unknown numbers
Many SMS blocker apps allow you to block unknown numbers. This can be a useful feature to avoid spam messages. However, be aware that this feature can block important messages from people that may not be saved in your contact list.
Method 5 of 5: Contacting the Cellular Service Provider
Step 1. Visit the cellular service provider's website
Most cellular service providers have web tools that allow you to block text messages and emails. This option differs from one service provider to another. In Indonesia itself, you usually don't need to contact a cellular service provider to block a number because the SMS or call blocking feature can be accessed for free on mobile phones. However, if you live overseas (e.g. the United States), you may need to contact your cellular service provider to block the number:
- AT&T – You need to purchase “Smart Limits” service for your account. Once activated, you can block text messages and calls from certain numbers.
- Sprint – You need to go to the "My Sprint" website and enter the number you want to block in the "Limits and Permissions" section.
- T-Mobile – Activate the "Family Allowances" feature on your account. Once the feature is activated, you can block messages from (maximum) 10 different phone numbers.
- Verizon – You need to add the "Block Calls & Messages" feature to your account. After activating the service, you can block certain numbers for 90 days for each number.
Step 2. Contact the mobile operator's customer service
If you experience violence, you can usually ask your mobile operator to block the perpetrator's number for free. Contact the operator's customer service and explain that you want to block certain numbers. For blocking to take place, you must be the owner/holder of the number (or at least get permission from the owner of the number).
