How to block or unblock text messages on an iPhone

Blocking or unblocking text messages on an iPhone isn’t a much-talked-about feature, owing to the sheer security of the iOS operating system. Having said that though, the feature is surprisingly easy to use, and can come in handy for filtering out unwanted spam or blocking a number from contacting you all the same.

When you block a number on your iPhone, their texts and calls won’t reach you, and the best part is they’ll have no idea they’ve been blocked. And if you change your mind, unblocking is just as easy and quick. So, to help you take control over who can (or cannot) message you, here’s how to block or unblock messages on your iPhone. 

Guide to blocking and unblocking text messages on iPhone

Whether you want to stop spam or avoid unwanted contacts, here’s how you can easily and quickly block text messages on your iPhone: 

How to block text messages on your iPhone 

1. First, open the Messages app on your iPhone. 

2. Then, find and open the text from the number or contact you want to block. 

3. Tap on their name or number at the top of the message, then hit the little info button. 

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4. On the ‘Details screen,’ tap the arrow next to their name or number. 

5. Tap ‘Block this Caller.’ 

6. Confirm again by tapping ‘Block Contact’ in the pop-up. 

And that’s it! The blocked number or contact won’t be able to reach out to you ever again until you’ve unblocked their number.

How to unblock text messages on your iPhone 

Now, if you’ve changed your mind and want to reconnect, here’s how to easily unblock text messages on your iPhone: 

1. Head to the Settings app on your iPhone and then tap ‘Messages.’ 

2. Scroll down and tap ‘Blocked Contacts’ under ‘SMS/MMS.’ 

3. Blocked Contacts will have a list of all your blocked numbers and contacts. Now, to unblock someone, just swipe left and tap on ‘Unblock.’

4. And voila! The particular contact has now been successfully unblocked. You can repeat the steps above to either block or unblock any number or contact on your iPhone.

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Let’s say you’re looking to manage messages from unknown senders more effectively though. Well, you can also do so by simply enabling the “Filter Unknown Senders” option on your iPhone. Here’s how to go about it.  

1. Head to the Settings app and then tap on ‘Messages.’ 

2. Scroll down and find ‘Unknown & Spam.’ 

3. In ‘Unknown & Spam,’ simply turn on “Filter Unknown Senders” to manage messages from unknown contacts. 

And voila! You now have messages from all unknown contacts in one place, to help you decide which ones you’d like to block or unblock. Blocking or unblocking text messages is a great way to keep your inbox on your iPhone, clean, organised, and clutter-free. Not to mention, safe and secure as well.