How To Block Text Messages on the Galaxy S8/S8+

Text message blocking is a very useful feature. It can help you ignore a pushy ex, an unwelcome acquaintance, or a harasser. You can also use it to extract yourself from boring group texts. Additionally, it can keep your inbox free of promotions and other unwelcome spam.

So how do you block someone from texting you if you have a Galaxy S8 or S8+?

A Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking Text Messages with the Messages App

The S8 and S8+ make it very easy to avoid unwelcome texts. Here is how you can do that:

1. Go into the Messages App

Tap on the messages icon on your home screen.

2. Select More

Tap on the three dots on the upper right corner.

3. Select Settings

4. Go into Block Messages

There are two different ways to filter out unwanted messages. Both options are under Block Messages.

Block Numbers

If you choose the Block Numbers option, you can simply enter the number of the sender whose texts you don’t want to see. Tap on the plus sign when you’re done entering the number.

But if you’d rather avoid entering the number directly, you can also tap on INBOX or CONTACTS.

INBOX lets you browse your messages and select the people that you want to block from there. If you select CONTACTS, you can find the person by name.

Block Phrases

Since the S8 and S8+ come with the Block Phrases function, these phones are exceptionally useful when it comes to avoiding spam texts.

The problem with spammers is that blocking them by number isn’t effective. Telemarketers tend to have access to different phone numbers. In most cases, spam texts come from unknown senders.

So the best solution is to enter keywords and phrases that you frequently see in promotional texts. For example, you can block every text that contains the word “sale” or “special deal”. If you want to block texts from a particular business, you can use the business name as a keyword.

How to Read Your Blocked Messages

There is always a chance that something important got blocked by accident.

This is particularly likely if you’re using Block Phrases. You might miss out on a message that happens to contain one of the phrases in your filter. This is why you should choose your keywords carefully.

But fortunately, you can read your blocked messages here:

Messages App>More>Settings>Block Messages>Blocked Messages

It’s a good idea to do this periodically, so you don’t miss anything important.

The Upsides and Downsides of Third-Party Apps

In addition to using your phone’s blocking options, you could install an app that blocks text messages.

Some of these apps come with sophisticated organization options. For example, they let you sort promotional texts into folders. Additionally, you can create complex blacklists and whitelists of phrase blocking keywords.

On the other hand, not all message organization apps are free. Some of them need a wifi connection to work. So before you go this route, it’s a good idea to give your phone’s stock blocking options a try.

A Final Word

Getting an unpleasant text can ruin your whole day. Spam can be extremely irritating and distracting. If you take the time to block unwelcome senders, your inbox will become much easier to browse.