Before you start
- An Android phone with Google Messages or Samsung Messages
Method 1 Block and report a spam text in Google Messages
Blocked numbers can no longer call or text you. Reporting helps Google’s filters catch the same sender for other people too.
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Step 1: Find the conversation
Open Messages by Google (the default on Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus and many others) and find the spam conversation.
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Step 2: Press and hold it
Press and hold the conversation until it’s selected.
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Step 3: Tap Block
Tap the block icon (a circle with a line through it) at the top. Make sure Report spam is ticked and tap OK.
Method 2 Turn on automatic spam protection (Google Messages)
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Step 1: Open settings
In Messages, tap your profile picture at the top right and choose Messages settings.
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Step 2: Open Spam protection
Tap Protection & safety or Spam protection (the name depends on your version).
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Step 3: Switch it on
Turn on Enable spam protection. Suspected spam now goes to the Spam & blocked folder instead of your inbox, and you get a warning on suspicious messages.
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Step 4: Check the Spam folder occasionally
To see filtered messages, tap the menu (☰) > Spam & blocked. If a real message ends up there, open it and tap Not spam.
Method 3 Block spam in Samsung Messages
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Step 1: Block a number
Open the conversation, tap the three dots (⋮) and choose Block number (or Block contact). Tick Report as spam if offered.
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Step 2: Turn on spam protection
From the conversation list, tap ⋮ > Settings > Block numbers and spam and turn on Spam protection or Caller ID and spam protection.
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Step 3: Block keywords
In the same Block numbers and spam menu, open Block phrases and add words that appear in the spam you get, for example “parcel”, “prize” or a scam website name.
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Step 4: Block unknown senders
Also under Block numbers, turn on Block unknown/private numbers to stop texts and calls from hidden numbers.
Report spam to your carrier
In the USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia and several other countries, you can forward a spam text to 7726 (it spells SPAM on a keypad). Your carrier replies asking for the sender’s number. This is free and helps carriers block the sender for everyone.
In other countries, check your carrier’s website for its spam-reporting number or app.
Troubleshooting
Spam keeps coming from different numbers
Spammers rotate numbers, so blocking alone won’t stop them. Keep spam protection on, block phrases they use (Samsung), and report every message so the filters learn.
I blocked a number by mistake
Google Messages: menu (☰) > Spam & blocked > ⋮ > Blocked numbers, then tap the X next to it. Samsung: Settings > Block numbers and spam > Block numbers and tap the minus sign.
Spam arrives as RCS or chat messages
Block and report works the same way for chat (RCS) messages. Make sure your Messages app is up to date in the Google Play Store.
Frequently asked questions
Does blocking a number on Android also block calls?
Yes. In Google Messages and Samsung Messages, blocking a number blocks both calls and texts from it.
Will the sender know I blocked them?
No. They aren’t notified. Their messages simply aren’t delivered to your inbox.
Can I block all texts from people not in my contacts?
Not completely, because you’d miss delivery and bank verification codes. Spam protection plus the Unknown senders filter in your Messages app is a safer compromise.
Why am I getting so many spam texts?
Numbers are often leaked through data breaches, giveaways, or simply generated at random. You can check whether your email or phone appeared in a breach at haveibeenpwned.com.
Summary
To block spam texts on Android, press and hold the conversation, tap Block and Report spam, then switch on Spam protection in your Messages settings. Forward scams to 7726 where available, and never tap links in unexpected messages.
