Hello and welcome to this article on how to block text messages on your Android device. We all get unwanted messages from time to time, so it’s important to know how to block them. In this article, we’ll go over 10 different ways to block text messages on your Android device, as well as their pros and cons.
Method 1: Using the Default Messaging App
The easiest way to block text messages on your Android device is to use the default messaging app. Here’s how:
- Open the messaging app.
- Find the conversation with the person you want to block.
- Tap and hold on the conversation until a menu appears.
- Select “Block messages” from the menu.
Pros: This method is quick and easy.
Cons: You can only block one conversation at a time.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party Messaging App
If you’re not satisfied with the default messaging app, you can try a third-party messaging app like Textra or Chomp SMS. Here’s how to block text messages using Textra:
- Open Textra.
- Find the conversation with the person you want to block.
- Swipe left on the conversation.
- Select “Block” from the menu.
Pros: You can block multiple conversations at once. Third-party messaging apps often have more features than the default messaging app.
Cons: You’ll need to download and set up a new app.
Method 3: Using a Call Blocker App
If you’re getting spam text messages from a lot of different numbers, you might want to try a call blocker app like Mr. Number. Here’s how to block text messages using Mr. Number:
- Download and install Mr. Number from the Google Play Store.
- Open Mr. Number.
- Select “Block calls & messages” from the menu.
- Select “Block messages”.
- Add the numbers you want to block.
Pros: You can block multiple numbers at once. Call blocker apps often have more features than messaging apps.
Cons: You’ll need to download and set up a new app.
Method 4: Using a Firewall App
You can also use a firewall app like NetGuard to block text messages. Here’s how:
- Download and install NetGuard from the Google Play Store.
- Open NetGuard.
- Select “Applications” from the menu.
- Find the messaging app you want to block.
- Turn off the “Wi-Fi” and “Mobile data” switches for the messaging app.
Pros: You can block all messages from a specific app.
Cons: You’ll need to download and set up a new app.
Method 5: Using a Spam Filter App
If you’re getting a lot of spam text messages, you might want to try a spam filter app like SMS Blocker. Here’s how to block text messages using SMS Blocker:
- Download and install SMS Blocker from the Google Play Store.
- Open SMS Blocker.
- Select “Blacklist” from the menu.
- Add the numbers you want to block.
Pros: You can block multiple numbers at once. Spam filter apps are designed specifically for blocking spam messages.
Cons: You’ll need to download and set up a new app.
Method 6: Using Do Not Disturb Mode
If you want to block all messages while you’re sleeping or in a meeting, you can use Do Not Disturb mode. Here’s how:
- Open your device’s settings.
- Select “Sound & notification”.
- Select “Do not disturb”.
- Select “Automatic rules”.
- Select “Add rule”.
- Select “Time rule”.
- Set the start and end times for the rule.
- Select “Block visual disturbances” and “Block incoming calls and messages”.
Pros: You can block all messages without having to add individual numbers to a block list.
Cons: You’ll need to remember to turn on Do Not Disturb mode before you go to sleep or into a meeting.
Method 7: Using Google Messages
If you’re using Google Messages as your messaging app, you can block text messages using the following steps:
- Open Google Messages.
- Find the conversation with the person you want to block.
- Tap and hold on the conversation until a menu appears.
- Select “Details” from the menu.
- Select “Block & report spam”.
Pros: You can block multiple conversations at once. If you’re already using Google Messages, you don’t need to download a new app.
Cons: None.
Method 8: Using Carrier Services
If you’re using a carrier-provided messaging app, you might be able to block text messages using the carrier’s services. Here’s how to block text messages on Verizon:
- Open the Verizon Messages app.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Select “Block numbers”.
- Add the numbers you want to block.
Pros: You might not need to download a new app.
Cons: This method might not be available on all carriers.
Method 9: Using a Rooted Device
If you have a rooted Android device, you can use the Xposed Framework to block text messages. Here’s how:
- Download and install the Xposed Framework.
- Download and install the XPrivacy module.
- Open XPrivacy.
- Select the messaging app you want to block.
- Select “Incoming SMS”.
- Set the “Restriction” to “Deny”.
Pros: You can block all messages from a specific app.
Cons: You’ll need to root your device and install additional software.
Method 10: Contacting Your Carrier
If you’re getting spam messages from a specific number, you can contact your carrier and ask them to block the number for you. Here’s how to block text messages on T-Mobile:
- Call T-Mobile customer service at 1-800-937-8997.
- Ask the representative to block the number for you.
Pros: You don’t need to download a new app.
Cons: You might need to wait on hold to speak with a representative.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different ways to block text messages on your Android device. Each method has its own pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide which one works best for you. Whether you use the default messaging app, a third-party app, a call blocker app, a firewall app, a spam filter app, Do Not Disturb mode, Google Messages, your carrier’s services, or a rooted device, you can rest assured that you won’t be bothered by unwanted messages anymore!