How to Block SMS Spam on iOS 11

If you own an iPhone running iOS 11, you’ve likely been annoyed by unsolicited text messages from unknown numbers—often promoting scams, fake prizes, or phishing links. While iOS 11 doesn’t have a built-in “block all spam” button, it does offer several effective tools to filter, block, and report these messages. This guide walks you through each method, from quick one-time blocks to setting up a permanent filter, so you can take control of your Messages app and reduce spam interruptions.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 (or later, though steps are specific to iOS 11)
• Your device passcode or Touch ID/Face ID (to change settings)
• Optional: A third-party spam filtering app from the App Store (like Hiya or Truecaller) if you want automatic filtering

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Block a Specific Number Directly from Messages

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the conversation from the spam sender. If you don’t have a conversation yet, it will appear in your list.
3. Tap the contact name or number at the top of the conversation (the blue or gray text).
4. Tap Info (the “i” in a circle) in the top-right corner.
5. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
6. Confirm by tapping Block Contact in the pop-up. The sender will no longer be able to send you messages or call you.

Method 2: Block from the Messages List (Swipe Method)

1. Go to your Messages list.
2. Swipe left on the conversation from the spam sender.
3. Tap More (the three dots or “More” button).
4. Tap Block at the bottom of the screen.
5. Confirm by tapping Block Contact.

Method 3: Block from Settings (for Numbers Not in Messages)

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Messages.
3. Tap Blocked (under “SMS/MMS” or “Calling”).
4. Tap Add New… at the top.
5. Type the phone number you want to block, then tap the number in the results to add it.

Method 4: Enable “Filter Unknown Senders”

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Messages.
3. Scroll down and toggle on Filter Unknown Senders.
4. Now, messages from numbers not in your Contacts will appear in a separate “Unknown Senders” tab at the top of the Messages list. This doesn’t block them, but it keeps your main inbox clean.

Method 5: Report Spam to Apple (for iMessage)

1. If the spam is an iMessage (blue bubble), open the conversation.
2. Tap the contact name at the top, then tap Info.
3. Scroll down and tap Report Junk.
4. Tap Delete and Report Junk to remove the message and send a report to Apple.

Method 6: Use a Third-Party Spam Filter App

1. Download a reputable spam filtering app from the App Store (e.g., Hiya, Truecaller, or RoboKiller).
2. Open the app and follow its setup instructions to enable message filtering.
3. Go to Settings > Messages > Unknown & Spam (or “Message Filtering”).
4. Enable the app under “SMS Filtering” (or similar). This will automatically move suspected spam to a separate folder.

Common Mistakes

• Blocking the wrong number: Some spam texts come from spoofed numbers. Blocking that number won’t stop the sender from using a different one.
• Not enabling “Filter Unknown Senders” because you think it blocks all unknown messages—it only filters them into a separate tab, which is still useful.
• Deleting the conversation before blocking: If you delete the spam message first, you lose the quick option to block from the conversation. Block first, then delete.
• Ignoring the “Report Junk” option for iMessage spam—this helps Apple improve its filters.
• Relying solely on blocking numbers for persistent spammers—they often change numbers, so combine blocking with filtering.

Tips

• Always report iMessage spam to Apple using “Report Junk” to help train their system.
• For SMS spam (green bubbles), you can also forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) on most carriers. This reports it to your carrier’s spam department.
• Use a third-party filter app for automatic protection—they update their databases regularly.
• Be cautious with links in spam texts; never tap them, as they may lead to phishing sites.
• If you receive spam from a number that appears to be your own, it’s likely spoofed—block it and report it.

Troubleshooting

Blocked number still sends messages? This can happen if the sender uses a different number or if the block didn’t save. Check your Blocked list in Settings > Messages > Blocked to ensure the number is there. If it is, the sender may be using a new number—block that one too.

“Filter Unknown Senders” isn’t working? Make sure you’ve enabled it in Settings > Messages. Also, note that it only filters messages from numbers not in your Contacts, and it may take a few minutes to apply. If you have a third-party filter app, ensure it’s properly enabled in Settings > Messages > Unknown & Spam.

“Report Junk” is grayed out? This option only appears for iMessage conversations from unknown senders. If it’s grayed out, the message might be from a known contact or an SMS (green bubble). For SMS, use the carrier forwarding method instead.

Third-party filter app isn’t catching spam? Make sure the app is updated and that you’ve granted it permission to filter messages. Sometimes you need to restart your iPhone after enabling the filter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will blocking a number stop all future messages from that sender?

Yes, blocking a number prevents that specific number from sending you messages or calls. However, spammers often use different numbers, so you may need to block multiple numbers over time.

Can I block a text without adding the sender to my contacts?

Yes, you can block any number directly from the Messages app, even if it’s not in your contacts. Just follow the steps in Method 1.

Does “Filter Unknown Senders” block messages?

No, it only separates messages from unknown senders into a separate tab. You still receive them, but they don’t clutter your main inbox.

How do I report spam SMS to my carrier?

Forward the spam message to 7726 (SPAM). Your carrier will receive it and may take action against the sender. This is free on most major US carriers.

Can I block a phone number that’s already in my contacts?

Yes, you can block any number, even if it’s in your contacts. The steps are the same; the number will be added to your Blocked list.

Will blocking a number also block FaceTime calls from them?

Yes, blocking a number in Messages also blocks that number from calling you via FaceTime or the Phone app, as it’s a system-wide block.

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