How to stop spam texts on iPhone

It may seem impossible to escape spam texts. These unsolicited messages aren’t just annoying; they may contain malicious links or requests for your personal data. Therefore, they pose a significant security threat.

You can protect yourself by not clicking on the links in these messages or sharing confidential information with unknown persons. But the best way to stay safe is to avoid spam messages from coming to your iPhone in the first place. There are different ways to do this.

In this guide, we’ll explain different ways you can stop spam texts on your iPhone and provide a few security tips. Keep on reading to learn how to stop spam texts on your iPhone.

What are spam text messages?

Spam text messages are unsolicited and irrelevant messages you may receive. These messages usually promote products or services and may contain compromised links designed to steal your sensitive data.

To stay safe online, it’s important to learn how to identify spam messages. One telltale sign is that they come from suspicious or unknown senders.

Poor spelling and grammar are also indicators of spam text messages, as are strange URLs that might lead to suspicious websites. Also, watch out for suspicious attachments and avoid clicking on them.

Some spam messages may claim you have won a prize or gift card. For example, the message may say, “Congrats! You’ve won the latest iPhone model.”

Spammers can also masquerade as legitimate organizations, like your bank. For example, you may receive a text message that reads, “Urgent: Your bank account has been compromised. Click the link and enter your login credentials.”

Spammers often try to get their targets to click on malicious links. For example, you may receive a spam message that says, “Check out this amazing discount. 50% off for the first buyers.”

There are many types of scams and spam messages, so the rule of thumb is to avoid all suspicious messages.

Stop spam texts on iPhone: step-by-step

There are a few built-in tools in iOS that let you cut down on spam and scam texts. Follow these steps to filter unknown senders, block specific numbers, and report junk directly from the Messages app.

Filter Unknown Senders in Messages

This feature automatically separates texts from numbers not in your contacts into a separate list. It won’t stop messages from arriving, but it makes it easier to avoid opening them.

Open Settings on your iPhone.

Scroll down and tap Messages.

Turn on Filter Unknown Senders.

Block a specific number in Messages

If a spammer keeps using the same number, blocking it will prevent further texts and calls from that sender.

Open the Messages app and select the conversation with the unwanted number.

Tap the contact name or number at the top of the screen.

Choose Info, then tap Block this Caller.

Report junk in Messages (iMessage)

Apple lets you flag iMessages that look suspicious or unwanted. Reporting junk helps Apple identify and reduce spam across its network.

If you get a text from someone not in your contacts, look for the Delete and Report Junk option. To find it, select a message and slide it to the left until a bin icon appears. Tap Delete and Report Junk, then confirm. This sends Apple the sender’s details and deletes the message from your device.

How to stop junk messages automatically

If you want to stop junk messages quickly and permanently, Incogni is your best bet. This tool deletes your personal information from the databases of people search sites, stopping spammers from obtaining your details.

Here’s how to keep your data from spammers with Incogni:

How to manually block spam texts on iPhone

The second option is to filter out junk messages from your inbox manually. This process should take only a few minutes and is not complicated. Here’s what you need to do:

Security tips for spam text messages

As we already mentioned, spam text messages pose a significant security risk to your online safety. For example, they may contain phishing links that will lead you to malicious sites.

Luckily, there are specific security measures that you can take to enhance your safety. For starters, avoid clicking on links in the messages and use the spam filters on your iPhone. Also, never respond to spam texts, and report them to your carrier. Let’s explore some of these security tips in more detail!

Avoiding clicking on links in the messages

The first thing you should remember is to never open links from spam messages. These links may lead to malicious websites or even download malware on your device.

Junk texts often include links that open up malicious websites that trick you into revealing personal data. These sites usually look like credible websites, so you may unwittingly share your data with cybercriminals.

Spam messages can include links to fake login pages of bank accounts or online stores. Once you enter your data, bad actors use them to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.

Ultimately, clicking on links can trigger malware downloads and compromise your iPhone’s security without you noticing.

Another way to stop receiving spam text messages is to use the spam filters on your iPhone. Here’s how you can do this:

1. Go to your your iPhone’s “Settings.”
2. Find the “Messages” icon and open it.
3. Scroll down to find the “Filter Unknown Sender” option and turn it on. This will automatically move texts from people you don't know to a separate "Unknown Senders" folder.

While this feature is helpful, it doesn’t block out spam messages entirely. It only ensures you don’t see them in your inbox. And you won’t receive a notification from unknown senders.

Never responding to spam texts

Not responding to spam texts is crucial to protect your online security. Often, scammers send out messages and direct recipients to reply ‘STOP’ to stop receiving the messages. Some of these messages include unsubscribe as an option and require you to open a link and provide some personal data.

However, when you respond, you allow them to confirm the phone number is valid. Malicious actors will then add your number to their active contacts list, continue sending spam texts, or even sell your data to other spammers.

So, avoid any interaction with junk messages to minimize your chances of becoming a target for further spam. This will also protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands. The best approach is to ignore and delete these messages without responding to them.

Reporting spam to your carrier

You should always report spam to your carrier. This helps to protect you and others from spam text messages. This process is very straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Forward the spam message to your carrier. The standard shortcode for reporting spam messages in the US is 7726, but this can vary depending on your carrier and region.
2. Create a new text message and copy the spam message into it. Remember not to add anything else to the original content.
3. Send the new message with the spam content to your carrier’s number. Your carrier will receive the report and take the necessary measures to solve the issue.
4. Once you do all of this, delete the spam text immediately.

If you clicked a suspicious link

If you accidentally tapped a spam text link, don’t panic — but take immediate steps to secure your device and accounts.Disconnect from public Wi-Fi and update your iPhone. Switch to a secure connection and make sure iOS and all apps are updated to the latest version.Change passwords and enable MFA. Update passwords for any accounts you accessed after clicking the link, and turn on multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection.Monitor your finances. Keep a close eye on your banking and credit activity. If you entered financial details, contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts.Use reputable mobile security tools. Run a scan with a trusted security app and review your installed profiles or apps for anything suspicious.

Reduce spam at the source (data‑broker removal)

Blocking numbers and reporting junk texts only helps temporarily – the real fix is stopping your personal data from spreading online. Most spam comes from data brokers that collect and sell details like your phone number and address to advertisers, marketers, and even scammers.The sustainable way to cut spam is removing your data from these broker sites. Manually, this takes hundreds of requests and follow-ups. Incogni, automates the process by contacting 420+ data brokers worldwide and ensuring your details stay off their lists. That means fewer spam texts, fewer robocalls, and a lower risk of identity fraud.

Conclusion

Spam text messages are a widespread issue. They can be annoying and also pose a significant risk to your online safety. Malicious actors often use spam messages in phishing attacks or to spread malware to unsuspecting targets.

Luckily, you can always stop spam texts on your iPhone using the filter options in your settings. We also recommend using data removal services like Incogni to wipe your data from the databases, or people search sites and ensure spammers don’t get your information and flood your inbox with suspicious messages.

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