How to block unwanted text messages from the same number on any Android phone

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How to block unwanted text messages from the same number on any Android phone
Android phones let you block numbers so that you never have to receive unwanted texts from them.Nico De Pasquale Photography/Getty Images
  • You can block unwanted text messages on an Android phone by blocking the number with just a few taps.
  • You can block numbers from within your text messaging app, but the exact process depends on which app you use.
  • If you can't find the option to block, you can install the Google Messages app and use that app instead.
  • To block a message, select it and choose "Details" from the menu, then choose "Block & report spam."
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While it's illegal for businesses to send you unsolicited text messages, that certainly doesn't stop many spammers from sending you unwanted text messages.

If you are routinely frustrated by texts from the same recipient you don't want, you can block messages from that number.

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How to block text messages on Android

The location of the block messages command varies depending on which Android phone you have and which version of the operating system is installed.

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Most apps work like the Google Messages app, which is the stock Google app on certain phones (such as Google Pixel phones). You can follow these steps to find the option in your own app, or you can install Google Messages from the Google Play store and set it as your default messaging app when you want to block texts, then switch back to your preferred texting app when you're done.

You can switch back and forth quickly between Google Messages and your preferred messaging app quickly and as often as you like.

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1. Start the Messages app and tap a message that you want to block.

2. Tap the three-dot menu at the top right of the screen.

3. In the drop-down menu, choose "Details."

How to block unwanted text messages from the same number on any Android phone
Tap "Details" in the dropdown menu.Dave Johnson/Business Insider

4. On the Details page, tap "Block & report spam."

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5. On the pop-up, choose whether you want to report the text messages as spam. If you do, check the box for "Report spam." That's optional, though – you can clear the checkbox if you don't want to report the messages. Tap "OK" to block all future messages from this sender.

How to block unwanted text messages from the same number on any Android phone
When you block a sender, reporting them as spam is optional.Dave Johnson/Business Insider

How to unblock text messages on Android

If you've blocked text messages and later decide you want to start receiving messages from this sender again, you can unblock with just a few taps.

1. In the Messages app on your Android, tap the three-dot menu at the top right of the screen.

2. In the drop-down menu, tap "Spam & blocked."

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How to block unwanted text messages from the same number on any Android phone
Tap the three-dot menu and then choose "Spam & blocked" to see the list of senders you are currently blocking.Dave Johnson/Business Insider

3. Tap the message you want to unblock and then tap "Unblock."

How to block unwanted text messages from the same number on any Android phone
Tap the messages you want to unblock and choose "Unblock."Dave Johnson/Business Insider

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