How To Block Texts on an Android Device

There’s no doubt that texting is one of the most popular forms of communication these days. A text from your best friend in the middle of a busy day is a welcome reprieve.

On the other hand, text messages from people you don’t want to hear from can range from annoying to incredibly frustrating. The same applies to persistent spam text with countless offers and promotions you don’t need.

Fortunately, Android users have several efficient options to block texts they don’t wish to receive. Most devices come with some built-in blocking features, but third-party apps are there to pick up the slack when necessary.

How to Block All Texts on an Android Device

All Android smartphones come with a built-in default text messaging app. It’s connected to your carrier, and you can use it to send text or multimedia messages.

So, is there a way to block all text messages altogether? You might have the idea to uninstall the text messaging app to stop receiving texts, but unfortunately, that’s not possible.

The built-in texting app cannot be deleted or disabled. There are two workaround solutions, though.

Turn Off Messaging Notifications

First, you can disable text message notifications. As long as you never check the app to see the actual messages, you won’t be aware of them.

The steps to stop receiving text notifications might slightly vary depending on which Android device you’re using, but they’ll go something like this:

1. Open the Messaging app on your Android device.
   
2. Select the Settings option from the main menu.
   
3. Go to “More Settings” and tap on “Push Messages.”
   
4. Toggle the switch to “Off.”

Again, this won’t block any contacts or messages but will keep you from seeing the notifications for them.

Enable Do Not Disturb

The second workaround is to use Do Not Disturb. Fortunately, there are a lot of customization options that allow you to receive other types of communication but stop all texts.

Here’s how to enable the Do Not Disturb function for text messages:

1. Open Settings on your device and tap on Notifications.
   Note: You can also use the search icon in the upper right corner and type Do Not Disturb to find the option quickly.
   
2. Tap on Do Not Disturb.
   
3. Toggle the switch next to Do Not Disturb to enable the feature.
   
4. Tap on Calls, Messages, & Conversations.
   
5. Tap Messages.
   
6. Tap None.
   
7. Tap Calls. Then, tap All if you want to allow phone calls.
   
8. Lastly, tap on Alarms & Sounds or Apps to make exceptions for other apps and functions on your device.

Although it is difficult to block all text messages and simultaneously receive other notifications, it is possible. But, if you want to block certain phone numbers from texting you, read the next section.

How to Block a Specific Number From Texting

These days, blocking someone is not an uncommon practice. We block people on social media when we disapprove of their behavior, and the same applies to text messaging.

If you keep receiving unwanted messages from a specific contact, you can easily block their number. Again, Android software varies somewhat depending on the manufacturer, but it’s overall quite similar.

Samsung smartphones are one of the most popular Android devices, so we’ll use their interface as an example here. There are two methods to block a phone number from texting you on a Samsung.

Method 1

You might call this a “preemptive strike” because you can block a number in anticipation of a text message you’d rather not receive.

1. Open the Messaging app on your phone and go to Settings.
   
2. Select “Block numbers and messages.”
   
3. Choose “Block numbers” and enter the number you want to block permanently.
   
4. Tap on the “+” symbol, and the number will automatically go on the list of blocked numbers.
   

Method 2

The other method is a more convenient route if you want to block an existing contact with whom you’ve previously exchanged messages. Here’s how to do that:

1. Launch the Messaging app and tap on the conversation with a specific contact.
   
2. When the conversation opens, tap on the menu button at the top of the screen.
   
3. Select “Block Contact” from the list of options.
   

Both methods will prevent the person from texting and calling. If they try to send a message, it will appear as not delivered on their end.

If the person you want to block is in your contacts, but you haven’t messaged with them before, you can go to your contacts app and block them directly from there.

How to Block Texts From Email Addresses on an Android

For many people, dealing with spam text messages is a considerably bigger problem. When the spam text displays a phone number, the problem is less complicated, as you can block them promptly.

Unfortunately, some spammers use email addresses instead of phone numbers, and the same solution won’t apply. If spam text messages disrupt you all day and night, you can install a third-party app that addresses this issue.

Android users have many options. You can go to Google Play and search for a “spam blocker,” and you’ll see many free alternatives.

Another option is calling your cell phone carrier. In many cases, the carrier can disable the email-to-text feature for you. Therefore, effectively blocking any texts from emails. However, you’ll need to have the block enabled on each line on your account and you won’t be able to read legitmate messages from email address to your phone number.

How to Block Texts From Unknown Numbers on an Android

Have you ever received a vague or strange message from an unknown number? You can choose to engage, but keep in mind that someone might be phishing and trying to get you to click on a suspicious link or something similar.

If you suddenly receive a text that you’re suspicious of, you can block them. When you receive a message from a new number on most Android phones, you’ll automatically get to choose between adding the number to contacts or blocking them instantly.

One tap on the “Block sender” button will suffice. If you’re unsure whether to block them immediately, you can save them as contact first and block them later.

Additional FAQs

Can I block texts with a certain word on an Android?

Some Android devices have this feature, and others don’t. Typically, this feature is available in the exact location where you block specific numbers and contacts.

If your Android phone allows you to block specific phrases, that can filter many spam messages. Users can create phrases such as “You have won” or “One time offer,” or anything similar to filter out unwanted messages.

Can I block texts through my carrier?

Most major carriers have provided this service to their users. If you receive too many spam messages or want to block specific numbers, you can reach out to your carrier and check your options.

Many parents choose to do so when they purchase a smartphone for their children. For example, Verizon allows users to block calls, messages, and even emails and domains.

T-Mobile goes a step further and allows users to block all chargeable text messages. AT&T has a mobile security app that protects users from spammy emails and text messages.

How can I block texts on other text messaging apps on Android?

If you use an internet-based text messaging app such as WhatsApp, blocking a person’s number in contacts won’t be enough. They will still message you on other apps, so you’ll have to manually block that person on every app. Fortunately, most text messaging apps provide this option. In WhatsApp, blocking a number works this way:

1. Select a person from Contacts or Conversations.

2. Tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen.

3. Select “View contact.”

4. Scroll down and select “Block.”

These steps will differ in minor ways on other apps such as Signal or Telegram.

Keeping the Undesirable Texts Away

When someone you’d rather not talk to keeps texting you, blocking them is a practical solution. Android users can rely on the built-in blocking feature, which will work efficiently. The blocked number won’t be able to text or call you anymore.

The situation gets a little more complicated with spam messages and email texts that can be persistent and downright annoying. Some Android devices have spam protection, which is excellent, but you can also reach out to your carrier and see how they can protect you from all the spam. Finally, a third-party Android app can solve all the issues in one strike, but that does mean having enough storage on your device.

Have you ever blocked anyone? How do you deal with spam texts? Let us know in the comments section below.