Spam texts\u2014often also known as junk texts, scam messages or unwanted SMS\u2014are more than an annoyance. They can be a real security threat, often leading to phishing scams, malware or stolen personal information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether your device of choice is iPhone<\/a> or Android<\/a>, this step-by-step guide will walk you through blocking spam texts, reporting them and protecting your number from future cellphone scams<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for the fastest way to get relief from spam texts, here are the top steps you can take right now:<\/p>\n\n\n\n And remember, regardless of the type of phone you have, never click suspicious links, don\u2019t reply to spam texts and if needed, report the spam to the FTC<\/a>. You can also file a complaint about spam texts with the FCC<\/a>. Be sure to delete the spam text immediately after you take the actions needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s switch gears and talk a little about the \u201cwhy\u201d you\u2019re getting spam texts to begin with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing the source helps explain why simply deleting a spam message isn\u2019t enough\u2014you need to block the sender, filter unknown numbers and report the spam to help cut it off at the root\u2014for you and for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, onto deeper dives for how to stop those unwanted spam texts on iPhone and Android.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you use iPhone, iOS includes built-in junk message blocking features you can activate in just a few taps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like iPhones, Android phones also offer strong spam-fighting tools, but the menu options may vary slightly by device:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blocking spam texts is extremely important, but it doesn\u2019t 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus Tip: While most spam texts are directly tied to <\/em>scams and fraud<\/em><\/a>, some spam messages are part of legitimate marketing efforts. Registering for the <\/em>National Do Not Call Registry<\/em><\/a> can help reduce the amount of unwanted messages you receive from sellers and telemarketers.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best spam protection starts with always being cautious online, being aware of the latest cellphone scams<\/a> and preventing your number from being exposed in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whenever you\u2019re using your phone, keep these five tips in mind to stay safe and avoid spam:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consumer Cellular customers can forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and also reach out to our 100% U.S. based customer support<\/a> for help. Most other carriers also offer 7726 reporting, and some carriers also provide extra spam filters and call screening tools in their apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both iPhone and Android have introduced operating system updates to help battle spam messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\nQuick Tips to Stop Spam Texts Fast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Quick Tips: Stop Spam Texts on iPhone<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Quick Tips: Stop Spam Texts on Android<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Why You\u2019re Getting Spam Texts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to Stop Spam Texts on iPhone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>Go to Settings <\/strong>> Apps <\/strong>> Messages <\/strong>> Filter Unknown Senders<\/strong> and turn it on. This automatically moves texts from people not in your contacts into a separate tab.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Open the spam text > tap the sender > Info<\/strong> > Block this Caller<\/strong>. If you see the Report Junk<\/strong> option in Messages, tap it to notify Apple directly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Forward the spam text to 7726 (SPAM)<\/strong>. This is free for most carriers and helps them better identify scam sources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>If you\u2019re 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nHow to Stop Spam Texts on Android<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>Open Google Messages<\/strong> > Settings <\/strong>> Spam Protection<\/strong> > Enable Spam Protection<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Tap and hold the spam text, then select Block<\/strong> or Report spam<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Same as with iPhone, forwarding the spam text to 7726 is free and works on most U.S. carriers, including Consumer Cellular.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>For even more spam text prevention, trusted third-party apps like Truecaller, Hiya, Nomorobo and RoboKiller offer large spam databases for increased protection.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t Just Block\u2014Report Spam and Scams to Authorities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Spam Still Slipping Through? Third-Party Apps for iPhone and Android Might Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Spam Blocking App Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Spam Blocking App Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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The Best Spam Protection Starts With You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What Your Carrier Can Do to Help with Spam Messages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s New in iOS 17 and Android 14 to Help with Spam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
iOS 17<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Android 14<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Summary Tips Table: Steps to Stop Spam for iPhone and Android<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n