How do I Block Someone From Text Messaging Me on Verizon?
By Michelle Carvo
Updated October 02, 2017
If you’re sick of receiving unwanted text messages on Verizon you can block them either temporarily or permanently. Stop annoying texts from coming through by blocking numbers on Verizon using one of these three methods.
Use Verizon’s Controls
The easiest way to totally block people from contacting you on most Verizon phones is to use Verizon’s own controls. Log into your Verizon account and navigate to the “Family Safeguard & Controls” section of your Verizon plan. Select the line that you would like to block text messages on and then type in the number of the person you would like to have blocked. Click “Save” and all texts and calls from this number will be blocked until you remove this number from your block list. Verizon limits you to 5 blocked numbers per line and these blocks expire after 90 days.
Note that this process does not block Apple iMessages from coming through so follow the directions in the next section to block these if you know that the sender is sending messages through iMessage.
Use iPhone Block Feature
Block numbers from texting or calling you by using Apple’s built-in iOS block message feature. Tap “Settings” and then tap “Messages”. Tap the “Blocked” button and then tap “Add New” to block an existing number from contacting you. Block non-contacts by tapping the phone number in iMessage or the Phone section and then tapping “Block this caller.” All iMessages, phone calls and FaceTime calls from this number are blocked until you tap to “Unblock this caller”.
Use Android's Block Feature
Android phones also have a built-in text blocking feature that keeps messages from showing up in your inbox.
On Android Devices with OS 6.x or Below
Open the “Messages” app on your Android device and tap the “...” menu followed by “Settings” and then “Spam filter”. Toggle the spam filter on and tap “Add to spam numbers”. Select the numbers to block from recent calls or messages and then tap “OK” to block that number.
On Android Devices with OS 7.0 or Above
Open the "Messages" app on your Android device and tap the "..." menu icon and then select "Blocked contacts." Tap "Add a number" and then type in the number that you want to block.
Use a Third-Party Blocking App
Consider using a third-party blocking app if Android’s built-in blocking feature doesn’t work as well as you would like or if your Android device is running any OS below Android 4.4. The Google Play Store has a variety of blocking apps including SMS Blocker, TEXT BLOCKER and Blacklist.
Even if you choose to use Android’s block feature it may be worth it to also use Verizon’s own controls to cover all your bases and ensure that numbers are totally blocked from texting or calling you.
References
Tips
- You can also use the Spam Blocker to block spam text messages from websites and email addresses. Instead of entering the cell phone number, enter the email or web address you want to block.
Writer Bio
Michelle Carvo has been writing professionally since 2006, contributing to a variety of websites. She is also a technical writer with extensive experience in Android/iPhone development and PC repair. Carvo holds a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems from the University of Michigan-Flint and works as an IT project manager.