How to Block Unwanted Text Messages on Android
Clingy exes. Telemarketers. Creepy strangers. These are people you don’t want to get texts from. Here’s how to block their texts for good.
Everyone knows a few people that they fervently wish wouldn’t contact them again. Fortunately, in an age where we are more connected than ever, there are plenty of tools at your disposal for preventing certain people from reaching out to you. Each social media platform has its own ways to block contacts, but here, we’ll discuss the best ways to say goodbye to those sending you unwanted text messages, be it an ex, a telemarketer or simply a random number that won’t cease and desist.
Add to Spam
One of the best ways to keep people from texting you is to add their contact to a spam list. To do so, go to your list of text messages. From there, hold the message coming from the unwanted number down. This will prompt a menu with three options, the bottom one being “Add to spam numbers.” Once selected, you will have to click “Ok” to verify and then this number can no longer reach you.
Talk to Your Service
Every carrier service has internal methods for blocking numbers on individual devices. If you really want to make sure someone can’t reach you, try contacting your carrier. First, go to the carrier’s website. Each website is configured slightly differently, but almost all of them have a tab that lets you block texts and emails. If you can’t navigate the site easily, you can always give your carrier’s customer service hotline a call, and they will happily block the number or email for you.
SMS Blocking App
If these other options don’t cut it, you can download an app specifically to remove a contact. There are a number of SMS blocking apps that appear when searching “SMS block” in the Google Play store. Most apps are similar in build, but each is slightly different, so be sure to read each app’s description before downloading and using.
With most of these apps, you can either block unknown numbers or block specific numbers. To block unknown numbers, go to “Settings” and select “Unknown Numbers.” To block specific numbers, you can choose messages from your inbox or text messages and request that the app block that specific contact. This feature also allows you to type in a number and manually block that specific person.
If you have more concerns about security on your device, make sure you check out PSafe Total which features a number of security features to make sure that your device is totally private.