In this digital era, every second person is getting exposed to spam or fraud attempts via messages/calls. This is because people have little to no awareness of digital safety, which scammers exploit. In case of iPhone users often rely on the blocking and filtering feature but don’t know how the blocked messages on iPhone work.
In this guide, we’ll share with you a detailed tutorial for blocking unwanted or spam messages on your iPhone and also discuss some common issues users face while blocking. Moreover, we’ll share some effective ways to ensure your kids’ digital safety. Keep reading!
What are blocked messages on an iPhone?
Blocked messages on an iPhone indeed refer to the texts or iMessages sent by those you have intentionally restricted from contacting you.
Remember! Whether it’s Android or iOS, blocked messages neither appear in your regular inbox, nor do you receive a notification, and they are also non- recoverable. However, from the sender’s side, it looks like they were sent but will never show Delivered/Read until they get unblocked.
Once blocked, it will instantly restrict all kinds of direct communication from that person on your device.
- Messages from the contact won’t appear in your Messages app.
- Calls from the number go straight to voicemail.
- FaceTime calls are automatically declined.
Blocking vs filtering an unknown sender
Blocking is more permanent than filtering. Filtering separates unknown contacts but still allows you to see their messages in a different folder. Blocking completely blocks someone from contacting you, while filtering simply separates the numbers not saved in a different folder. For better understanding, below is a quick glance at the difference.
| Blocking | Filtering | |
| What Happens | Cut off messages and calls | Separate messages from unknown numbers |
| Calls handling | blocked and sent to voicemail | Not affected at all |
| Message delivery | Not received at all | Received but moved to another folder |
| Where messages go | Not store | “Unknown Senders” tab in the Messages app |
| Best for | Stopping unwanted contacts | Organizing messages from unfamiliar numbers |
How to block text messages on iPhone?
Sometimes you might receive spam messages in the form of promotional text with a phishing link inserted. Clicking these links exposes your sensitive information or even tricks you into sending money. Similarly, you might receive repeated messages from unwanted contacts you no longer want to remain in contact with. That’s why blocking such numbers prevents further messages from reaching your inbox.
Now, if you’re struggling to block text messages on iPhone, then be at ease. Below are some methods with detailed step-by-step guidelines enabling you to block unwanted numbers!
Method 1: Block the number from Messages app
- Simply open the Messages app on your iPhone and head to the conversation you want to block.
- Tap the phone number or contact name at the top.
- Next, tap the option labelled as “info” on the right side.
- From the options, choose “Block this Caller.” Finally tap the Block contact to confirm the action.
Method 2: Block a number from Settings
- Go to the iPhone Settings and select ‘Messages’ from the list.
- Then scroll down the page and look for ‘Blocked’ > hit the ‘Add New…’ option.
- Finally, just choose the name you want to block.
- Now, you can customize the options. Your iPhone will automatically block the phone numbers, email addresses, or other info of the contacts.
Can you see or retrieve blocked messages on iPhone?
Absolutely not, as stated previously, blocking someone automatically stops the messages from reaching your inbox. Moreover, there isn’t any hidden folder where the blocked messages on iPhone get stored. That’s why it’s impossible to see or even restore the text from blocked contacts.
Checking for filtered messages
Sometimes you receive an important message from a number not saved in the contact list. Later on, you find out it’s missing; however, it doesn’t mean it’s blocked. Maybe you have enabled the “Unknown sender” filter, which might move messages from unknown numbers to a separate folder.
Here is the detailed procedure enabling you to check the filtered messages, which you can luckily retrieve!
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Next, tap the Filters button, usually in the top-left corner of the Messages screen.
- Now choose the option labelled as Unknown senders to see the important text that you think is missing.
How to unblock messages on your iPhone?
Have you previously blocked the contact but now make up your mind to restore the communication? If so, don’t worry, your iPhone makes it easy to manage and lets you unblock the messages. Below is the detailed guideline that you must follow without skipping even a single step!
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Messages menu from the list.
- Under Messages, scroll down and choose the Blocked Contacts, usually placed at the bottom. However, on older version this option would be labelled as Blocked.
- The complete list of your blocked numbers will now appear. Here, you’ll simply swipe right to left on the number you wish to unblock. Finally, confirm your action by tapping the Unblock option.
- Alternatively, you can go for the Edit option usually placed at the top-right corner. Then hit the minus (–) button > tap Unblock.
What happens after unblocking?
The contact can easily send you messages & call again. Keep in mind that any messages or calls they sent while blocked are permanently lost and will not appear.
Likewise, the contact will not be notified whether they were blocked or unblocked.
Troubleshooting common iPhone message blocking issues
While blocking iPhone messages is a straightforward process, users still mostly report unexpected issues. Remember! Often, such issues aren’t caused by the blocking itself; there may be other factors involved. Let’s look at common issues and their causes to reach the best solution in time.
Messages not delivering or receiving unexpectedly
Now, after blocking any specified contact, you feel like you’re having a problem receiving or sending messages from unblocked contacts. Here are common causes beyond blocking!
- Network issues: Poor Wi-Fi or cellular signal can delay or prevent messages from being sent.
- iMessage settings: Make sure your iMessage is enabled; go to Settings > Messages. Here, confirm that you are signed in with the correct Apple ID.
- Carrier problems: Likewise, temporary service outages or restrictions by your mobile provider are frequent and may affect message delivery.
To get rid of the problem, it’s best to restart your iPhone or update to the latest iOS version. This would indeed help you fix such minor bugs.
Manage group messages with blocked contacts
It’s worth noting that contact blocking indeed affects the group chat differently than one-on-one conversations. For instance;
Messages from the blocked contact in a group will still be visible to you. However, the difference is that you can’t directly reply to them.
Likewise, the messages you send in a group are also clearly visible to all participants, including the blocked contact.
To avoid the interaction completely, consider leaving the group or asking the group admin to remove the blocked contact.
Best practices for children’s digital communication and safety
It’s a bitter fact that kids, because of their trusting nature and lack of awareness, are more vulnerable to being tricked by unknown scam calls. According to a survey from the UK Safer Internet Centre, scam exposure is a regular part of online life for almost 79% of 8–17‑year‑olds, who encounter scams at least once a month.
Owing to this high rise of online scams, you have to stay involved and take practical steps to ensure your kids’ digital safety. To help you in this regard, here are some effective tips that you must try!
Educating kids about unwanted numbers and boundaries
First of all, it’s best to verbally guide your kids about how they can recognize the unknown or suspicious numbers. Tell them never answer any call about which they are unsure.
Guide kids to never share any personal details on a phone call, whether with someone they think is their teacher or anyone they know. Always encourage them to tell you instantly whenever they receive any message that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Regular review of blocked contacts and communication settings
In addition, you need to periodically review the blocked contacts list to ensure unwanted contacts remain restricted. Align with this, it’s always a good practice to adjust the communication settings as your kids social circle changes. This would greatly help in maintaining safe boundaries.
Utilizing iPhone’s built-in Screen Time features
iPhone indeed provides you with built-in Screen Time options, helping you manage your kids’ digital activities. Under this feature, you can set communication limits, like restricting your kids to whom they are allowed to converse or not. It also lets you set app and device usage limits, thereby reducing the risks of any risky communication.
Bonus Parental control – Flashget Kids
For additional support or even real-time monitoring using parental control tools would be a smart move. Happy to share that FlashGet Kids is the most parents’ favorite and reliable parental control tool, with advanced monitoring features. Including
- Screen mirroring: See who your kids are interacting with, or if there is any suspicious activity.
- Usage report: It also provides detailed reports on your kid’s device usage daily. For instance, how much time your kids have spent on different platforms, including messaging apps.
- Limiting screen time: You can set time limits for the overall device or individual apps to maintain a balance.
Final thoughts
In short, once you block any contact, you won’t be able to see that person’s messages while blocked. In contrast, the filtered messages, which just moved to a separate folder, are easily retrievable. By following our above mentioned guidelines, you can easily block and unblock the specified contacts. For kids, it’s best effectively communicate about spam calls/messages and take practical steps to ensure their digital safety.
