How to Block Text Messages on iPhone Without Opening It

There are several reasons why you might want to block an annoying text sender without opening the message. First of all, I know you can't get scammed by just opening a phishing text message. But once you open the SMS, you tend to want to interact with the message. The problem is that if you click on a link or reply to the message, you may get in trouble.

By clicking on a phishing message, you could unknowingly install malware on your phone, which could lead to your private information being leaked. So, when you receive an unwanted message and you can read the contents by swiping down your screen, I advise you to block the SMS without opening it.

You might even want to block a number that constantly bothers you. Unfortunately, iPhone does not allow you to block text messages on iPhone without opening them. But in this article, I will show you the tricks you can use to try to block text messages on iPhone without opening it.

How to Block Text Messages on iPhone Without Opening It – The Options You Have

Unlike Android smartphones, Apple does not have a simple procedure to block text messages on iPhone without opening it. But there are several ways to do this.

Also Read: How to Text Someone Who Blocked You on Android and iPhone Apps

Option 1: Use Truecaller

Go to the iOS App store and download and install Truecaller or use this link.

Next, make Truecaller your default SMS app. To do this, go to Settings >> Apps >> Default apps >> SMS app >> and select Truecaller.

Open Truecaller and tap on Messages

• Find the text message whose sender you want to block.
• Without opening the SMS, press and hold your finger (long press) until a white and blue checkmark appears.

• At the top of the page, tap the More icon (the three dots in the upper right corner).
• Tap Block (+ contact name/number)

Option 2: Block the number using the default iOS function

This method requires that you have the number of the SMS sender in your contact. Here's how to do it:

Go to your phone's settings by tapping the Settings icon (the one shaped like a gear).

• Tap Messages on the new screen you're viewing.

• Then touch Blocked Contacts and touch the Add item. Now select the contact you want to block from your iPhone's address book, and that's it.

How to unblock a number

If you have any doubts, you can start receiving SMS from blocked numbers by unblocking them.

Go back to Settings >> Messages >> Blocked Contacts section of iOS.

Tap the item Edit located at the top right of the contacts to “release”. Then select the Delete button.

To save the changes, tap the item Finish located at the top right.

Also read: If someone blocks me, will they still receive my text messages?

Option 3: Use spam filter for unknown senders

Let's assume that the messages you receive are sent to you via iMessage, the instant messaging system created by Apple. In this case, you can activate the spam filter and thus get rid of and avoid annoying messages.

How to enable iPhone spam filter

First, go to Settings.

Next, tap Messages and select Unknown & Spam on the next screen.

Finally, turn the switch next to the Filter unknown senders item to ON.

Next, open the Messages app. You will find a new tab on the right side of the screen called Unknown Senders.

All messages from numbers not present in your contacts will be automatically grouped in this section. You won't see messages once you open the Messages app. Additionally, you will no longer receive notifications when receiving these messages.

This option doesn't let you block the sender, but at least their messages won't bother you anymore unless you open the Unknown Senders tab.

How to Disable Unknown Senders

If you change your mind, you can turn off the iMessage spam filter at any time by going back to Settings >> Messages >> Unknown & Spam. Next, turn the switch next to Filter unknown senders to OFF.

Option 4: Report spam

Start by opening the Messages app.

Next, long-press (press and hold) the conversation you are interested in from the list.

Tap Report Spam

Tips: Any message you mark as spam will be automatically and permanently deleted. The iPhone's Messages app will also report the sender to Apple. However, this does not prevent the sender from sending other messages. I therefore recommend that you block them.

How to block an SMS sender from the message conversation

To block a text sender, go to Messages and open the message conversation.

Now, tap on the sender’s phone number at the top of the next screen.

Then tap on the icon (i) attached to the menu that opens.

Touch the phone number again on the next screen.

Tap Block Contact

Tap Block Contact again to confirm that you want to block them.

Advice

• This method requires you to open the conversation to block contact.
• After following the steps above, all messages from the selected sender will no longer arrive. Your phone will not notify you of its messages and no messages will appear in the Messages app.
• Remember that the feature in question blocks the reception of text messages and phone calls, emails and FaceTime calls from the numbers.

How to Block Text Messages on Android Without Opening It

If there are one or two things that Android phones beat iPhones at, this is it. So iPhone users, look elsewhere…

Open your Messages app and find the text message whose sender you want to block.

Tap and hold on the sender until a blue checkmark appears.

Now, tap the three dots at the top right corner of the page.

Tap Block

Next, check the Report Spam option and tap OK. It's simple as hello !

Also read: How to unblock someone on Duo