Spam or junk text messages are more than just annoying—they can be harmful. Many phishing scams arrive via SMS, attempting to steal your personal information or trick you into clicking malicious links. Thankfully, Apple provides several ways to report, block, and reduce spam texts on your iPhone.
This guide covers everything you need to know about identifying and reporting spam or junk text messages, whether you’re using iMessage or SMS, and provides helpful steps to avoid future unwanted messages.
🚨 What Is a Spam or Junk Text Message?
Spam or junk texts are unsolicited, unwanted messages that often contain:
- Promotional ads from unknown senders
- Fake delivery or payment links
- Messages claiming you’ve won prizes
- Phishing links mimicking banks or institutions
- Requests for personal or financial information
They can be sent via:
- iMessage (blue bubbles, from other Apple devices)
- SMS/MMS (green bubbles, from regular mobile numbers)
📱 How to Report Spam Texts in iMessage
If the spam message is sent through iMessage and is from a sender not in your Contacts, you’ll often see a “Report Junk” link right under the message.
✅ Steps:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap on the suspicious iMessage conversation.
- If available, tap “Report Junk” under the message.
- Tap Delete and Report Junk.
✅ This deletes the message and reports the sender to Apple, helping reduce future spam from that source.
Note: This works only for iMessages from unknown senders.
🧾 How to Report SMS/MMS Spam Texts (Green Bubbles)
For spam received via standard SMS or MMS (from Android users or marketing numbers), there’s no built-in “Report Junk” feature, but you can still report it manually to your carrier or block it.
Option 1: Report to Your Carrier
You can forward the spam message to a special number designated by mobile carriers.
✅ Steps:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap and hold the spam message.
- Tap More, then tap the Forward arrow.
- Send the forwarded message to 7726 (which spells “SPAM”).
✅ This works for major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more in the U.S., U.K., and several other countries.
🛑 How to Block the Sender of a Spam Text
Blocking the number stops future messages from that sender.
✅ Steps:
- Open the spam message in the Messages app.
- Tap the number or contact name at the top.
- Tap the info (ℹ️) button.
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
- Tap Block Contact to confirm.
🔒 How to Filter Unknown Senders in Messages
This setting automatically separates messages from unknown numbers into a separate tab, helping you avoid accidental engagement with spam.
✅ Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Messages.
- Toggle Filter Unknown Senders ON.
A new “Unknown Senders” tab will now appear in the Messages app, and messages from non-contacts will go there.
🧠 Additional Ways to Prevent Spam Texts
Don’t Tap Links in Suspicious Messages
Even if it looks legitimate (e.g., pretending to be your bank), avoid clicking unless you’re sure it’s safe.
Don’t Reply to Spam Texts
Even replying “STOP” may confirm your number is active and increase spam.
Use Third-Party Spam Filters
Apps like Hiya, Truecaller, and RoboKiller can help block suspicious numbers before they reach you.
Enable Silence Unknown Callers (Optional for SMS)
Though meant for calls, this setting helps keep spam callers at bay.
Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers
📋 Summary Table
| Action | How to Do It |
| Report iMessage spam | Tap message > “Report Junk” > Delete & Report |
| Report SMS spam | Forward to 7726 (SPAM) |
| Block sender | Messages > Tap number > Info > Block this Caller |
| Filter unknown senders | Settings > Messages > Enable “Filter Unknown Senders” |
| Prevent phishing | Don’t click links or reply to unknown messages |
| Use anti-spam apps | Install and configure Truecaller, Hiya, etc. |
❓FAQs
Q: What happens when I report junk via iMessage?
A: Apple receives data about the message and sender but doesn’t notify you of any specific action. It helps Apple monitor and improve spam detection.
Q: Can I undo a blocked number?
A: Yes. Go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts, tap Edit, and remove the number.
Q: Is reporting to 7726 free?
A: Yes. It’s a free service supported by most carriers to reduce SMS spam.
Q: Will “Filter Unknown Senders” delete texts?
A: No. It only moves them to a separate list in the Messages app.
✅ Final Thoughts
Spam and junk messages are annoying—and sometimes dangerous. By using tools like “Report Junk,” blocking senders, filtering unknown messages, and forwarding spam to your carrier, you can greatly reduce the clutter and keep your device safer.
Apple’s built-in tools in iOS, combined with smart behavior like avoiding links and ignoring suspicious texts, help ensure your messaging experience stays clean, secure, and under your control.
Meta Description:
Tired of spam messages on your iPhone? Learn how to report junk texts via iMessage and SMS, block senders, filter unknown numbers, and reduce spam with these easy steps.
