How to stop spam texts on iPhone and Android

Spam texts are harder to ignore than calls: they sit in your inbox, they look personal, and they're designed to make you tap before you think. You can't make them stop completely, but you can make them disappear from view and help your carrier block the senders.

Step 1: Forward it to 7726

7726 spells SPAM on a phone keypad, and the major US carriers use it as a free spam reporting number. It doesn't count against your plan.

1. Touch and hold the text, then choose Forward (on iPhone, tap More, select the message, then the forward arrow).
2. Send it to 7726.
3. You'll usually get a reply asking for the number the text came from. Send it back.

Your carrier uses these reports to spot campaigns and block the same senders for everyone. If forwarding doesn't work for a message, copy the text and paste it into a new message to 7726.

Step 2: Report it in your messaging app

• iPhone: for a message from someone not in your contacts, swipe left or open it and look for Report Spam or Delete and Report Spam (Report Junk on older versions).
• Google Messages: touch and hold the conversation, tap Block, and leave Report spam ticked.
• Samsung Messages: touch and hold the conversation, then More > Block; some versions also offer to report it.

You can also report scam texts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, especially if you clicked, replied or lost money.

Step 3: Filter strangers out of your inbox

• iPhone: Settings > Apps > Messages, then under Unknown Senders turn on Screen Unknown Senders (older versions: Filter Unknown Senders) and Filter Spam. Texts from numbers you've never messaged go to a separate list, without notifications. Check it now and then for one-time codes and delivery updates.
• Google Messages: tap your profile picture > Messages settings > Protection & safety and make sure spam protection is on. Suspected spam moves to the Spam & blocked folder. Newer versions offer standard and enhanced protection levels.
• Samsung Messages: three-dot menu > Settings > Block numbers and spam.

Step 4: Check your carrier's settings

Carriers filter a lot of spam before it reaches you, and some offer extra controls:

• Verizon: block up to five numbers for calls and texts, free for 90 days at a time, in My Verizon.
• AT&T: the ActiveArmor app includes spam text protection for AT&T wireless customers.
• T-Mobile: Scam Shield and the T-Life app include scam protection and blocking options.

If you never need texts from short codes or email addresses, ask your carrier whether you can block those too.

Should I reply STOP?

It depends who sent it:

• A real company you signed up with (a store, your pharmacy, a campaign you gave your number to): yes, replying STOP is the right move. Under FCC rules, a sender that needs your consent has to honor an opt-out within 10 business days, and replies like STOP, CANCEL or UNSUBSCRIBE count.
• An obvious scam (a fake toll bill, a "missed delivery," a "wrong number" chat from a stranger): don't reply at all, not even STOP. A reply proves your number is live and that a human reads it, which makes it worth more on scam lists.

Not sure which kind it is? Paste it into the Scam Text Checker first.

Red flags in a scam text

• A deadline or threat: unpaid toll, suspended account, package on hold, "final notice."
• A link that isn't the company's real website, often with extra words or odd endings.
• A "wrong number" message that tries to start a friendly chat.
• A request to pay with gift cards, crypto or a payment app, or to "confirm" a code you just received.

Common versions: toll road texts, delivery texts, wrong-number texts and job offers.

I already tapped the link

Close the page. If you entered nothing, you're very likely fine. Just don't go back. If you typed a password, change it everywhere you use it. If you gave card or bank details, call the number on the back of your card now. Then follow what to do if you've been scammed.