How to stop spam text messages on iPhone and Android

While the Australian government has adopted measures to limit unwanted spam or commercial text messages, it hasn’t stopped scammers from sending these unwanted texts.

Knowing how to identify spam texts and stop them from showing up on your device is crucial, because engaging can leave you vulnerable to online attacks like phishing and malware. And if you confirm or share personal information with spammers, it can lead to more attacks in the future.

Learn how to stop unwanted texts from reaching your phone in the first place, along with tips on what to do (and what to avoid) when you receive these messages.

1. Block spam texters

When you block a phone number, you won’t receive a spam text, smishing attack, or robocall from that number again. Note that many text spammers use multiple numbers, so you may have to block new spam texts from different phone numbers as you receive them.

Follow the steps below to learn how to block spam messages on iPhones and Android devices.

How to stop unwanted messages on iPhone

To help boost your iPhone’s security, you can block spam messages on an iPhone by following these steps:

1. Tap the phone number at the top of the spam message.
2. Tap the Info button.
3. Select Block this Caller.
4. Tap Block Contact.

How to block spam messages on Android

To help boost your Android security, you can block text messages on an Android by following these steps:

1. Tap the three-dot icon at the top-right corner of the spam message.
2. Depending on your device, select Block Number or Details, then Block & Report Spam.
3. Tap Block & report spam.
4. Check the box next to Report spam, then tap OK.

There are many types of Androids, so the steps may vary depending on your device.

The process for blocking spam on some Androids will look like this:

1. Tap the three-dot icon in the top right.
2. Tap Block & report spam.

2. Report spam text messages

After you block the number sending spam text messages, you should report the number as spam to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). You can do this by forwarding the message to 0429 999 888.

Reporting spam messages is a great way to help keep you and others safer from text scammers.

How to report spam texts on iPhone

One of the most important steps you can take to combat text scammers is to report their messages as spam. Here’s how to report spam on an iPhone:

1. Press and hold the message you’d like to report.
2. Tap More.
3. Tap the arrow on the bottom-right corner of your screen.
4. Forward the spam text to 0429 999 888.

Even if you're vigilant about blocking and reporting spam on your iPhone, new spam texts can still get through, and if you accidentally tap a link it could install malware. To stay safer against malware and other cyber threats, you need a dedicated iPhone security app.

Norton Mobile Security for iOS helps protect your device and personal information against cyber threats and online scams. It’s a living intelligence engine powered by advanced technology that employs predictive online threat techniques. Get Norton Mobile Security for iOS now for strong protection in this ever-changing cyber world.

How to report spam texts on Android devices

You can also report a text as spam on your Android device. Here’s how:

1. Tap the three-dot icon at the top right of your screen.
2. Tap Forward.
3. Forward the spam message to 0429 999 888.

Since there are so many types of Androids, the steps may vary depending on your device.

But what about the new spam messages that scammers create? With Norton Mobile Security for Android, you’ll get an extra layer of spam protection. It filters out spam text messages that may harbour dangerous phishing attacks. It also helps protect your device and personal information from malicious links and sites for better safety while browsing.

3. Enable spam filters

You can also help stop unwanted texts from hitting your phone by using spam filters. Both iPhones and Android phones have spam filters designed to weed out unwanted spam and commercial messages.

How to filter spam messages on iPhone

Here’s how to filter out spam text messages on an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings and scroll down and tap Messages.
2. Scroll to Message Filtering.
3. Turn on Filter Unknown Senders.

How to stop spam text messages on Android

Here’s how to filter out spam numbers on an Android:

1. Go to Messages and tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of your screen.
2. Tap Details.
3. Tap App Settings.
4. Tap Spam Protection.
5. Turn on Enable Spam Protection.

Since there are so many types of Androids, the steps may vary depending on your device.

On some Android devices, the process for filtering out spam numbers will look something like this:

1. Open Google Messages (the default messaging app on most Androids), then tap your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Messages settings.
3. Tap Spam protection.
4. Turn on Enable spam protection.

Another way you can help prevent receiving unwanted and weird spam text messages is to protect your phone number. Avoid giving your number to or sharing personal information with people you don’t know or trust.

Consider third-party spam protection apps

Most major mobile service providers offer call-blocking services or plans that let you block unknown numbers from getting through. You can also see if third-party text spam blocker apps and services can work with your mobile service provider.

Some third-party spam text-blocking apps* include: 

• YouMail
• Truecaller
• Hiya

These third-party apps help provide an additional barrier between text scammers and your inbox.

4. List your number on the ACMA Do Not Call Register

While it doesn’t stop spam text messages, you can reduce unwanted spam calls by registering your phone number with the Do Not Call Register. The register is a secure database that lets you opt out of most unsolicited telemarketing calls and faxes.

Once you sign up, your number will stay on the register indefinitely, and telemarketers have 30 days to recognise the registration of your number and stop contacting you.

What to do if you get spam text messages

Even if you followed all the tips on stopping spam text messages listed above, some spam still might get through. We’re going to show you what to do if you get a spam text, but first you need to know how to recognise one. After receiving a text from an unknown number, keep an eye out for these red flags to determine if it’s spam:

• It’s random and confusing: Spam messages often come out of left field and have no relation to anything in your life. If that’s the case, ignore and block the number.       
• It contains suspicious links: Scammers may try to trick you into clicking a link within a spam text to steal your personal information that’s safeguarded. These links may include different types of malware. Never click links from unknown sources.
• It’s accompanied by phone calls: Scammers may follow up scam texts with vishing calls. During these calls, scammers may try to convince you they’re from a trusted company, make threats (e.g., say that you need to pay a bill or tax urgently), or make you feel embarrassed. They use these types of social engineering tactics to get sensitive information out of you.

Don’t respond directly to a spam text

Directly replying to a spam text message lets a spammer know your number is in use. After you reply, they can sell your phone number to other spammers who might bombard you with false promises of free gifts, product offers, and links to malware or spoofed sites. Block and report the number to help stop spam text messages from clogging up your inbox and stay safer online.

Don’t click suspicious links

Clicking a link in a spam text could install malware on your phone or take you to spoofed sites that look real but are designed to steal your information. Once the spammer has your information, they can sell your data to marketers or identity thieves.

If you accidentally click a link in a spam message, close the window immediately. If you notice any files downloaded in your web browser, delete them without opening them. If your phone is hacked, you may see a decrease in its battery life and performance. It’s always better to keep malware off using an antivirus app rather than dealing with the repercussions later.

Protect your privacy from scammers and hackers

Take the time to examine texts before replying or clicking links. If you aren’t sure whether or not to trust a message, it’s usually better to avoid it.

And go a step further by using a specialised mobile security app. Norton 360 Deluxe helps protect your phone from malware, hackers, phishing attacks, and other scams. Spam texts are annoying and potentially dangerous. Thankfully, combining smart digital hygiene with reliable mobile security will help you keep spam in check.

FAQs about spam texts

Have more questions about how to stop getting spam texts? We have answers.

Why am I getting spam texts?

You may be getting spam texts because your phone number has ended up on a marketing list, or because the technology and tools scammers use to spam people generated your number automatically. If you start receiving spam texts, someone is likely trying to obtain your personal information. Ignore the message and block the number.

Why am I getting spam texts?

You may be getting spam texts because your phone number has ended up on a marketing list, or because the technology and tools scammers use to spam people generated your number automatically. If you start receiving spam texts, someone is likely trying to obtain your personal information. Ignore the message and block the number.

What is 0429 999 888, and how does it work?

The number 0429 999 888 offers a quick and easy way to forward spam text messages to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) so they are aware of spam and scams that are happening.

When you forward a text to 0429 999 888, it will alert the ACMA of spam messages. After receiving a spam report, they may share it with other regulators and enforcement agencies to protect the Australian community from further spam and scams.

What happens after I report a spam text message to 0429 999 888? 

Reporting spam to 0429 999 888 allows the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to possibly investigate and take action to try to stop the sender from spamming again. After reporting a spam text, the ACMA may:

• Collect the phone number and other information as needed to inform its anti-spam compliance work.
• Share information with other regulators to protect the Australian community.
• Investigate serious or ongoing problems.
• Take enforcement action where warranted.

If you get a scam text message, report it to ScamWatch.

Is it OK to read spam messages?

You can safely read a spam message if you don’t click any links in the message or respond to the sender. The SMS format doesn’t automatically start downloading links or files.

* Note: The inclusion of websites, apps, or links does not imply endorsement or support of any company, material, product, and/or provider listed herein.