How To Block Text Messages on the Galaxy S9/S9+

Blocking text messages can be a good way to move on from a bad breakup. Or it could just be a time-saver that can save you from dealing with group texts. And if you’re being harassed, blocking text messages becomes very important.

Additionally, text messaging is frequently used for promotional purposes. Blocking spam and advertisements can be a great way to find some peace of mind.

So how do you block certain numbers on your Galaxy S9 or S9+? Can you block messages by content as well?

Guide to Blocking Text Messages

Here’s a step-by-step guide for blocking text messages sent from specific numbers.

1. Go Into the Messages Icon on Your Home Screen
2. Select the Menu Option
3. Tap on Settings

1. Select Block Numbers and Messages
2. Block Numbers

Here, you have three options:

• Manually enter the number you want to block.
• Select the number you want to block from your Contacts.
• Select it from your SMS inbox.

When you’re done, tap the arrow icon. After this, you won’t have to deal with messages from the number in question.

What About Unblocking?

You never know when you might have to reopen communication with someone you’ve blocked. Unblocking numbers is easy and follows the exact same steps as above. Select the number you want to unblock, and tap the minus sign next to it.

Are There Other Ways to Block Text Messages?

The S9 and S9+ are generally user-friendly models. In many ways, they are better than their predecessors. But in one aspect, these phones are disappointing.

Some previous Samsung models, like the S8, had a “Block phrases” option in the message settings. This option allowed users to get rid of unwanted messages based on content rather than caller.

Hence, they could filter out messages that contained certain promotional phrases. This resulted in considerably less spam.

In the S9 and S9+, there is no comparable function. While you can get rid of messages from specific people, you may have to deal with telemarketers who use a new number every time.

So how do you avoid spam? The answer is to install a third-party app.

Clean Inbox App

There are various apps that can help you get rid of spam texts. SMS Blocker – Clean Inbox is one of many good options.

You can install it for free. It takes up about 6.65 MB of space. So how do you use it?

Start with opening the Clean Inbox app. Then answer the following questions:

1. When Do You Want Notifications of Receiving Blocked Messages?

The app can notify you immediately, or it can send a daily summary in the evening. You can also choose not to receive notifications at all.

2. Do You Want to Make Clean Inbox Your Default Messaging App?

You can make it more efficient by setting it as your default app. However, you may have to deal with annoying pop-ups.

3. Who Do You Want to Block?

You can choose from existing contacts. But here is how you create a filter based on text content:

• Go Into Settings

Select the menu icon in the top left corner.

• Select Block & Allow List
• Tap the + Sign
• Select Block SMS Based on Content

Here you can enter the phrase you want to avoid.

A Final Thought

Third-party blockers are only necessary if you have a persistent problem with spam from different numbers. The blocking options built into the S9 and the S9+ are sufficient for most users. But it would be helpful if Samsung reintroduced the option of blocking phrases in upcoming models.