How to Block Android Text Messages: 7 Steps - wikiHow

One common practice from scammers is to send spam texts to random people. If you don’t have an unlimited texting plan, this can end up costing you a significant amount of money. Not to mention that spam texts are annoying. That's why it's a good idea to have a text blocking app to keep this from happening. Follow this guide to block SMS spam on Android phones.
STEPS
METHOD 1 OF 2: USING AN APP

1

DOWNLOAD AN SMS BLOCKING APP. Open the Play Store on your Android device and search for “sms block”. There will be a large variety of choices, both free and paid. Read the app descriptions and reviews to find the app that is right for you. Most of these apps follow the same basic premise.

2

BLOCK UNKNOWN NUMBERS. Most SMS blocking apps will allow you to block any texts received from unknown numbers. This option may be found under the Settings menu.
This option will block texts from any number that is not in your contact list. Be aware that you may be blocking legitimate text messages using this method. Most SMS blocking apps have logs of the texts that were blocked so that you can review them later.

3

BLOCK SPECIFIC NUMBERS. If you are receiving multiple spam messages from a specific number, or are being harassed by a specific number, you can add it to the app’s block list.
Most apps will allow you to choose messages in your inbox or numbers from your contact list to block. You can also manually enter numbers in.

4

ADD KEYWORDS TO THE BLOCK LIST. You can add specific keywords that appear in spam messages to the block list. This will help reduce text spam if you are not blocking all unknown numbers. This may also be called the Filter in some apps.
METHOD 2 OF 2: CONTACTING YOUR CARRIER

1

VISIT YOUR CARRIER’S WEBSITE. Most of the major carriers have web tools that will allow you to block texts and email. The options vary from carrier to carrier. You can access Verzion’s Spam Controls here and AT&T’s Blocking Options here.

2

BLOCK TEXT MESSAGES FROM EMAIL ADDRESSES. The majority of spam texts are sent out using a computer and an email account, as opposed to from another phone. If your carrier gives you the option, block ALL text messages sent as email.
Sprint customers can send the message “SPAM 6245” to 9999. This will disable all email text messages.


T-Mobile customers can set up email filters through the My T-Mobile website. Go to MobileLife and select “E-mail and text tools”. You can add keywords to be blocked, or block from specific senders.


Using this method may result in blocking legitimate email text messages. Many businesses, such as airlines and websites, use SMS email to send out alerts and notifications. School safety networks also often use this method

3

CALL OR EMAIL YOUR CARRIER. Besides using online tools to block spam, you can contact your provider and provide them the details of the message so that they can add the sender to the carrier block list.
TIPS
Make sure you don't accidentally block people from texting you that you need to hear from. Check your blocked numbers periodically to ensure this is the case.