NoScams
How to block spam texts on iPhone
Updated October 23, 2026
Open the conversation, tap the sender at the top, scroll down, and tap Block Caller. That stops texts and calls from that one number, but scammers switch numbers constantly, so also report the text and turn on filtering for unknown senders.
Block a number from a text
- Open the conversation in Messages.
- Tap the sender's number or name at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Block Caller.
Report the text first if you haven't (see how to report spam texts on iPhone), since reporting helps your carrier and Apple stop the sender for everyone.
See or change your blocked list
On iOS 26 and later, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Blocked Contacts. Tap Add Blocked Contact to add someone, or Edit to unblock.
What blocking does
- Texts and calls from that number aren't delivered to you, and the sender isn't told.
- Blocked callers can still leave a voicemail, but you won't be notified about it.
What blocking can't do
- It only stops one number. Scam texts come from a constant stream of new numbers.
- Numbers can be faked. The FCC warns that scammers can make a text appear to come from a local number, sometimes a real person's.
- It doesn't report anything. Blocking quietly hides the sender from you; reporting is what helps stop the campaign.
- Group conversations can't be blocked. Leave or mute them instead.
That's why the best defense is filtering. Turn on Screen Unknown Senders so texts from numbers you don't know stay out of your main list, and consider a text message filter app that moves clear scams out of the way automatically.
Questions
Does the sender know I blocked them?
No. Their messages simply aren't delivered to you, and they aren't told.
Can I block a group text?
Not as a group. You can leave or mute the conversation instead, and report and block individual senders you don't know.
Why do I still get spam after blocking?
Scammers send from new numbers all the time, and they can fake caller ID so a text looks like it came from a local number. Blocking works one number at a time; filtering catches the next one automatically.