Spam texts—often also known as junk texts, scam messages or unwanted SMS—are more than an annoyance. They can be a real security threat, often leading to phishing scams, malware or stolen personal information.
Whether your device of choice is iPhone or Android, this step-by-step guide will walk you through blocking spam texts, reporting them and protecting your number from future cellphone scams.
Quick Tips to Stop Spam Texts Fast
If you’re looking for the fastest way to get relief from spam texts, here are the top steps you can take right now:
Quick Tips: Stop Spam Texts on iPhone
- Turn on Filter Unknown Senders (Settings > Apps > Messages)
- Block the sender in Messages (click on sender icon in message itself > Info > Block Caller)
- Forward spam to 7726 (Pro Tip: 7726 = SPAM)
- Use a trusted third-party blocking app if needed
Quick Tips: Stop Spam Texts on Android
- Turn on Spam Protection in Google Messages (not all Androids have the same functions and features, but here’s an example path: Messaging > Settings > Spam Protection)
- Block and report spam directly
- Forward the spam to 7726 (Pro Tip: 7726 = SPAM)
- Use a reputable third-party spam blocker app
And remember, regardless of the type of phone you have, never click suspicious links, don’t reply to spam texts and if needed, report the spam to the FTC. You can also file a complaint about spam texts with the FCC. Be sure to delete the spam text immediately after you take the actions needed.
Completing these steps can stop most spam messages in their tracks before you even dig into the longer-term prevention steps below. Before that though, let’s switch gears and talk a little about the “why” you’re getting spam texts to begin with.
Why You’re Getting Spam Texts
Understanding how spammers get your number in the first place is a great first step toward stopping them and preventing future spam texts. Scammers and shady marketers use multiple tactics to get your number and personal information:
- Data breaches and leaks from companies you’ve interacted with
- Random number generators sending messages to thousands of numbers at once
- Online lead capture forms that sell your contact info to third parties
- Phishing attempts disguised as delivery notices, bank alerts or prize winnings
Knowing the source helps explain why simply deleting a spam message isn’t enough—you need to block the sender, filter unknown numbers and report the spam to help cut it off at the root—for you and for others.
Now, onto deeper dives for how to stop those unwanted spam texts on iPhone and Android.
How to Stop Spam Texts on iPhone
If you use iPhone, iOS includes built-in junk message blocking features you can activate in just a few taps:
- Enable Filter Unknown Senders
Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders and turn it on. This automatically moves texts from people not in your contacts into a separate tab. - Block and Report in Messages
Open the spam text > tap the sender > Info > Block this Caller. If you see the Report Junk option in Messages, tap it to notify Apple directly. - Report to Carrier via 7726
Forward the spam text to 7726 (SPAM). This is free for most carriers and helps them better identify scam sources. - Use Third-Party Apps
If you’re looking to be even more vigilant in your fight against spam texts, you can try well-reviewed third-party spam blocking apps like Nomorobo, RoboKiller, Truecaller or Hiya.
How to Stop Spam Texts on Android
Like iPhones, Android phones also offer strong spam-fighting tools, but the menu options may vary slightly by device:
- Enable Spam Protection
Open Google Messages > Settings > Spam Protection > Enable Spam Protection. - Block and Report in Messages
Tap and hold the spam text, then select Block or Report spam. - Forward to 7726 (SPAM)
Same as with iPhone, forwarding the spam text to 7726 is free and works on most U.S. carriers, including Consumer Cellular. - Install Trusted Third-Party Apps
For even more spam text prevention, trusted third-party apps like Truecaller, Hiya, Nomorobo and RoboKiller offer large spam databases for increased protection.
Don’t Just Block—Report Spam and Scams to Authorities
Blocking spam texts is extremely important, but it doesn’t stop there. Taking the time to report spam messages helps protect yourself and other people, too. Here are two spam reporting options depending on the type and nature of the message itself:
- FCC Complaint Page: By taking the time to tell your story and file an informal consumer complaint about the spam text you received, you’re helping both federal enforcement and consumer protection efforts on a national scale.
- FTC Fraud Reporting Portal: Reporting spam messages to the FTC helps fight fraud and protects your community. Your report will be shared with more than 2,800 law enforcers and used to investigate and bring cases against fraud, scams and bad business practices.
Bonus Tip: While most spam texts are directly tied to scams and fraud, some spam messages are part of legitimate marketing efforts. Registering for the National Do Not Call Registry can help reduce the amount of unwanted messages you receive from sellers and telemarketers.
Spam Still Slipping Through? Third-Party Apps for iPhone and Android Might Help
If even after filtering and blocking, spam messages seem to keep finding their way into your phone, a dedicated spam blocker app can add extra layers of protection. Highly rated options like RoboKiller, Hiya, Truecaller and Nomorobo all offer extra spam message prevention.
Spam Blocking App Pros
- Frequently updated spam number lists
- Customizable filters and community reporting
- Added caller ID features
Spam Blocking App Cons
- May require subscriptions
- Potential privacy trade-offs
- Potential for blocking legitimate messages
The Best Spam Protection Starts With You
The best spam protection starts with always being cautious online, being aware of the latest cellphone scams and preventing your number from being exposed in the first place.
Whenever you’re using your phone, keep these five tips in mind to stay safe and avoid spam:
- Don’t respond to suspicious texts—responding confirms your number is active
- Never click an unknown link
- Be careful when entering your phone number online, even if it’s a required field
- Watch out for fake “STOP” or “unsubscribe” messages from scammers
- Use caution with group chats and messages—especially those with unfamiliar numbers included in the group
What Your Carrier Can Do to Help with Spam Messages
Consumer Cellular customers can forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and also reach out to our 100% U.S. based customer support for help. Most other carriers also offer 7726 reporting, and some carriers also provide extra spam filters and call screening tools in their apps.
What’s New in iOS 17 and Android 14 to Help with Spam
Both iPhone and Android have introduced operating system updates to help battle spam messages.
iOS 17
- Improved filtering for business messages
- Live Voicemail for screening calls
Android 14
- AI-powered spam detection
- Stronger spam blocking in Google Messages
Summary Tips Table: Steps to Stop Spam for iPhone and Android
| Step | iPhone | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in filter | Filter Unknown Senders | Spam Protection in Google Messages |
| Block sender | Messages > Block this Caller | Messages > Block and Report |
| Report spam | Forward to 7726 | Forward to 7726 |
| Third-party apps | Nomorobo, Robokiller, Truecaller, Hiya | Truecaller, Hiya, Robokiller, Nomorobo |
Quick FAQs: Spam Text Blocking
How do I stop spam texts without using an app?
Use your phone’s built-in blocking and filtering settings, then forward the spam message to 7726 before deleting.
Is it safe to reply STOP to spam texts?
No. Replying confirms your number is active and can lead to more spam messages.
How do I report spam texts to the government?
Forward all spam texts to 7726 and file a complaint with the FCC and/or FTC.
Do spam blocker apps really work?
Yes, but results vary. Choose apps with high consumer ratings and strong privacy policies.
Will the Do Not Call list stop spam text messages?
While adding your number to the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry reduces legitimate marketing texts, it won’t stop scams. Use it alongside blocking tools.
Say Goodbye to Spam Texts and Hello to Consumer Cellular
Spam texts don’t have to be a daily nuisance. By combining built-in phone features, smart online habits and perhaps a trusted third-party app, you can say goodbye to those annoying junk messages and keep yourself safe from scams.
At Consumer Cellular, we offer more than just affordable cellphone plans—we provide the tools and support you need to stay safe and make the most of your digital life. Compare our plans, browse our latest devices and find a retail store near you.