How to Block Text Messages on iPhone 8

Sending text messages is a way to communicate daily, as they have become an important part of our lives. However, unwanted text messages can become a real nuisance, especially when a barrage of messages stops you from using your phone correctly. If you are an iPhone 8 user, then you are in luck! With the built-in features, it is possible to block texts, which can allow you to stop unwanted texts and save your time.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Block Text Messages on iPhone 8

It’s no secret that spam text messages can be a real irritation. Luckily, with the tools and features built into the iPhone 8, you can take advantage of blocking methods that are made to stop this issue. Block Text feature in iPhone 8’s messaging application allows you to block texts from numbers that you do not want to receive texts from. Furthermore, iOS 14 and above have added advanced ways to deal with spams, such as filtering unknown senders or reporting spammers. Additionally, blocking text messages means you do not have to pay for them, thus saving you money.

Method 1: Block Contacts Via Contacts App

Blocking contacts through the Contacts app is just as easy as adding them to your contacts list. This feature helps you block texts from the sender in the future.

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Select the contact you want to block.
  3. Tap the Edit button in the top right corner of the screen.
  4. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and select "Block this Caller".
  5. Confirm the action by tapping "Block Contact".

Pros:

– Easy to do and ideal for commonly used contacts.

Cons:

– May not be suitable for blocking unknown senders.

Method 2: Block Texts Via Messaging App

If you receive an irritating message from a sender that is not on your contacts list, this option is the best one. Furthermore, a sender who is on your contacts list but sends you spam and unwanted messages can also be blocked with this method.

  1. Open the Messages app.
  2. Select the sender you want to block.
  3. Tap Details in the right corner of the conversation.
  4. Choose the "Info" button in the details page.
  5. Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller". Confirm the action.

Pros:

– Convenient for unwanted text message senders that aren’t in your contacts list.

Cons:

– It is necessary to repeat the process for each sender.

Method 3: Block Texts Via Settings

Another method of blocking text messages is through your device settings. This option can be useful in blocking all unknown numbers, as they sometimes send bulk messages or promote fake deals and advertising campaigns.

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone 8.
  2. Tap "Messages".
  3. Select "Unknown & Spam" in Message Filtering section.
  4. Then, "Filter Unknown Senders" to toggle the feature.
  5. Optionally, you could turn on the option "Report Junk" to enable spam reporting.

Pros:

– Prevents all unwanted messages from unknown numbers.

Cons:

– May restrict legitimate messages from unknown numbers as well.

What to Do If You Can’t Block Text Messages on iPhone 8

The built-in blocking features in iPhones are effective in most cases. Nonetheless, if you find that the solutions provided above are not enough, there are several options to turn to to help mitigate this issue.

  1. You can contact your carrier provider and request their assistance in filtering out unwanted messages.
  2. You can download third-party applications that specialize in blocking unwanted messages. Applications such as "Truecaller" can be suitable to identify unknown numbers and block text messages.
  3. You might need to consider changing your phone number, only as a last resort.

Bonus Tips

– Updating your iOS to the latest version regularly can add useful blocking features and advanced message filtering capabilities.
– Use the "Report Junk" feature to submit junk and spam messages to Apple, this will help Apple remove such messages and improve filtering systems.

5 FAQs

Q1: Can I unblock a number after blocking?

A: Yes. You can unblock a number that you’ve blocked before by going to your settings app, go to "Phone" or "Messages", then tap "Blocked Contacts." Finally, swipe from right to left on the blocked contact and tap "Unblock."

Q2: How do I know if someone has blocked me?

A: If you are blocked by someone, you will not be able to contact them via text. You will also not see their profile photo or status updates.

Q3: Can I still receive messages from a blocked number?

A: No, you will not be able to receive text messages from a number that you have blocked.

Q4: What happens if I accidentally block someone?

A: If you have blocked someone by mistake, you can easily unblock them by going to the Blocked Contacts list in your settings and tapping on their contact.

Q5: Can I restrict messages for certain times?

A: Yes, you can enable "Do Not Disturb" mode, which allows you to block incoming phone calls and messages for a set period or specific time slots. You can go to the "Settings" app, then "Do Not Disturb" to set it.

Final Thoughts

Blocking text messages on iPhone 8 is necessary when unwanted messages become a burden on your day-to-day activities. With the methods above, you can easily block numbers and prevent spam messages from ruining your messaging experience. By taking advantage of the built-in blocking features of the iPhone, you can save yourself time and money while easily filtering through messages that matter.