How to Block Texts from Unknown Senders on iPhone: A Complete Guide

Spam messages and undesired texts bother many people, especially during busy times as in the time of elections when numerous unsolicited messages are received. iPhones have a built-in feature that allows users to handle and filter these texts without an application from a third party. This full guide will illustrate step by step how to block unwanted texts from unknown senders on the iPhone using—The filter Unknown Senders feature, resulting in a clean and clear texting environment. Let’s get into the details.

What is “Filter Unknown Senders” on iPhone?

The feature of “Filter Unknown Senders” is a smart and convenient solution which automatically adds some messages from strange numbers into another sector of the Messages app. If the item is checked, messages from phone numbers not stored in your directory are sent to a different tab and you then do not get any notification about that. It is the most efficient method to get rid of spam or unsolicited texts and yet, still use your inbox for vital conversations.

How to Enable “Filter Unknown Senders” on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Firstly, to block such texts, you have to select the Filter Unknown Senders option from the iPhone settings of your iPhone. See below for the clear instruction:

Step 1: Open Settings

• Access the Settings app of your iPhone. The Settings logo is an icon in the shape of a bound wheel that is typically found on your home display.

Step 2: Access Messages Settings

• Pass through the Settings menu to the Messages section. Tap the Messages button to check its settings.

Step 3: Enable Message Filtering

• In the texts settings, browse to the Part of Messaging Through Messages where Text Filtering takes place.
• Click the switch of Filter Unknown Senders and make it green instead of gray, to enable this feature.

Step 4: Understanding Message Separation

• Once the feature of the Filter Unknown Senders is toggled, two sections: Contacts & SMS and Unknown Senders, will be attached to your Messages computer program.
• Messages that are not saved in your contacts as phone numbers will be redirected to the Unknown Senders tab. No notification will be sent for messages properly placed in this tab.

Pros and Cons of Using “Filter Unknown Senders“

Pros

• Enhanced Privacy: There is no requirement for third-party apps that ask for access to your contacts. The data is still private and encrypted.
• No Distractions: Let’s say you receive a message from an unknown sender. It does not inform you what the sender is, this way, you are able to concentrate your thoughts on more important matters than the message.
• Automatic Filtering: Messages can be automatically sorted, thus, manual message management is not necessary.

Cons

• Missed Important Messages: Also, some genuine messages sent from unknown numbers might go astray, such as package delivery notices or verification codes.
• No Custom Filtering Options: You are not able to specify which unknown senders are to be filtered.

Alternative Methods to Block Texts on iPhone

Although the “Filter Unknown Senders” function is the most direct method of sorting messages received from people whose phone numbers are not in your address book, there are other methods you can try:

1. Blocking Individual Numbers

Directly in the Messages app, you can block phone numbers if you know them. Here’s how:

• Open the conversation with the unwanted sender.
• Tap on their contact name, or number, at the top.
• Select Info and then tap Block this Caller.

2. Reporting Junk

Apple provides you with a way to report junk messages and you can report the Apple company in case you are getting the spam ones from the iMessage blue bubble) Apple allows you to report the message as junk:

• Open the unwanted message.
• Tap Report Junk at the bottom of the message.
• Select Delete and Report Junk to remove the message and notify Apple.

3. Use Focus Modes

Focus modes not only help when it comes to DND or a particular task but also allow you to block notifications coming from all senders inclusive of the unknown ones:

• Go to Settings > Focus.
• Set up a Focus mode that silences all notifications except from select contacts.

Conclusion

Dealing with spam messages doesn’t always mean that you have to figure out some clumsy ways to handle the messages. Using the built-in Filter Unknown Senders facility, you can sort your Messages app easily and keep it free from spam. Moreover, such a way safeguards your privacy without requiring any third-party applications. The mentioned steps will show you how to filter the messages and thus keep your texts clean from unimportant stuff. If you want more clarity or need any kind of help, just drop a line in the comment section.

Frequently Asked Questions