Spam texts have become a common nuisance in our digital lives, from annoying ads to deceptive scams. These unwanted messages can clutter your inbox, interrupt your day, and pose serious security risks. Imagine going about your day, only to be bombarded by relentless marketing texts, dubious offers, or fake alerts demanding your attention. It’s frustrating, distracting, and potentially dangerous.
Blocking these messages isn’t just about avoiding annoyance; it’s about protecting your privacy, staying focused, and preventing scams. Whether you’re dealing with spammy promotions or phishing attempts, knowing how to block them is essential for your digital well-being.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to block unwanted texts on your smartphone, with tips tailored for both Android and iOS users. From using built-in features to third-party apps, and even carrier services, we’ve got you covered.
Why Block Unwanted Text Messages?
Privacy Protection
Spam texts can be a gateway to your personal information. Blocking them helps keep your data safe.
Reduced Distractions
Constant spam notifications can be disruptive. Blocking them helps you stay focused on what matters.
Scam Prevention
Some texts are phishing attempts designed to steal your personal info or money. Blocking them reduces your risk of falling for scams.
Storage Savings
Spam messages can fill up your inbox and take up storage space on your device.
Blocking Unwanted Text Messages on Android
Built-in Messaging App
- Open Messages App: Launch your phone’s default messaging app.
- Find the Spam Message: Locate the unwanted text message.
- Tap and Hold the Message: Long press the message thread.
- Select “Block”: Choose “Block” or “Block number.”
Note: Steps may vary slightly depending on your phone’s manufacturer and Android version.
Google Messages
- Open Google Messages: Launch the app.
- Select the Conversation: Tap the spam message thread.
- Tap on More Options: Usually represented by three vertical dots.
- Block and Report Spam: Select “Details” then choose “Block & report spam.”
Samsung Messages
- Open Samsung Messages: Launch the messaging app.
- Tap the Conversation: Choose the spam message thread.
- More Options: Tap on the three-dot menu.
- Block Number: Select “Block contact” or “Block number.”
Using Third-Party Apps
- Truecaller: Blocks spam messages and identifies spam calls.
- Hiya: Provides spam detection and blocking.
- Calls Blacklist: Offers call and SMS blocking features.
How to Use Truecaller:
- Download Truecaller: Install from the Google Play Store.
- Set Up the App: Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Block Spam: Truecaller will automatically identify and block spam messages, or you can manually add numbers to the block list.
Carrier Services
- Verizon Call Filter: Provides spam filtering and blocking.
- AT&T Call Protect: Identifies and blocks spam messages.
Android Settings
- Go to Settings: Open your phone’s settings app.
- Search for Spam Protection: Look for options like “Spam protection” or “Blocked numbers.”
- Enable Spam Protection: Turn on available spam protection features.
Blocking Unwanted Text Messages on iPhone
Messages App
- Open Messages: Launch the Messages app.
- Find the Spam Message: Locate the spam message.
- Tap the Info Icon: Tap the “i” icon next to the contact or phone number.
- Block Contact: Select “Block this Caller.”
Reporting Junk
- Open Messages: Open the app.
- Find the Junk Message: Select the spam message.
- Report Junk: Tap “Report Junk” to send the message and sender information to Apple and delete the message from your device.
Using Third-Party Apps
- RoboKiller: Blocks spam texts and calls.
- Hiya: Detects and blocks spam.
- Truecaller: Identifies and blocks spam texts and calls.
How to Use RoboKiller:
- Download RoboKiller: Install from the App Store.
- Set Up RoboKiller: Follow the setup instructions.
- Block Spam: RoboKiller will automatically filter and block spam messages.
Carrier Services
- Verizon Call Filter: Detects and blocks spam messages.
- AT&T Call Protect: Provides spam filtering and blocking options.
iOS Settings
- Open Settings: Go to your phone’s settings.
- Phone: Tap on “Phone.”
- Blocked Contacts: Select “Blocked Contacts” to add numbers to your block list.
Additional Tips for Managing Unwanted Text Messages
Avoid Interacting with Spam
Never reply to spam messages or click on any links. Interacting with spam can confirm to the sender that your number is active, potentially leading to more spam.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
In the US, you can register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce telemarketing calls and texts. Visit DoNotCall.gov to register your number.
Use Filtering Features
Many messaging apps offer filtering features that automatically categorize and filter potential spam messages.
Be Cautious with Your Number
Avoid sharing your phone number publicly and be cautious when entering it on websites.
Keep Your Software Updated
Ensure your phone’s operating system and apps are up to date to benefit from the latest security features and spam protection tools.
Summary
Blocking unwanted text messages is crucial for maintaining your privacy, protecting your information, and avoiding scams. Whether you use Android or iOS, there are many tools and methods available to help you manage and block these intrusive messages. Use this guide to reclaim your peace of mind and keep your messaging experience safe and manageable.
Image Credit: Daria Nepriakhina
Filed Under: Guides
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Word about blockchain technology’s benefits has penetrated the global marketplace, so now’s the time for blockchain businesses to begin deliberately refining and sharing their marketing messages. Like other service businesses, blockchain companies have to find effective ways to explain why their service in particular is the right choice for a potential client’s unique needs. However, unlike service companies in other industries, in many cases, blockchain leaders will be marketing a service that B2B clients may be intrigued by but don’t understand well.
Marketing a business always takes a lot of hustle, and blockchain technologies will likely need to blend traditional marketing methods focused on their own unique benefits with new strategies to make B2B clients outside the industry excited about what blockchain can do. Below, 16 members of Cointelegraph Innovation Circle share tips to help blockchain companies improve their marketing strategies to attract and land potential clients.
Put yourself in the user’s shoes
Solve a problem for businesses. One of the challenges in the blockchain category is that it is quite technical, and it sometimes requires a heavy lift for businesses to implement solutions. All that is to say, don’t market half-baked solutions to business leaders; truly put yourself in their shoes, solve a problem for them and then package that as a service or product that their businesses can easily deploy. – Mark Soares, Blokhaus Inc.
Seek to understand potential clients’ challenges
Understand the challenges that your potential clients are facing and how your blockchain technologies can really help solve them. Pitch the key value your project can bring to businesses. Start an experimental program before scaling it, and let the outcome and data speak for themselves. – Cindy Jin, Mintology
Meet potential clients in their comfort zone
Crypto is a vibrant ecosystem, but it can also function as a bubble for those on both sides of the knowledge gap. While common features can seem like second nature to the initiated, industry jargon can alienate crypto-curious businesses, pushing them to seek a more traditional solution. That’s why it’s important to always meet each participant in their comfort zone before moving the conversation forward. – Oleksandr Lutskevych, CEX.IO
Develop a streamlined pilot program
Assuming you have a product with a solid unique selling proposition that’s a bonafide value-add, you should focus on developing an uber-practical, implementable, streamlined pilot program that is “hands-free” for the target company. Allow them to utilize that program and assess its viability, efficiency, overall operational improvement and so on. – Timothy Enneking, Digital Capital Management
Seek coverage in prestigious news publications
Blockchain technologies should work on creating as much brand awareness for themselves as possible by getting coverage in prestigious, top-tier news publications. This sort of coverage will help a blockchain company build credibility in front of its potential clients, who will surely Google the name and see the great, impressive media coverage it has achieved. – Ayelet Noff, SlicedBrand
Produce educational content
To focus on scalability and integration and promote simple understanding, new blockchain technologies should invest in producing educational content like webinars, blogs, white papers and videos. These materials should provide an easy-to-understand summary of blockchain technology, highlight its advantages for companies and offer examples of how it can be applied in the real world. – Myrtle Anne Ramos, Block Tides
Build a brand around your values
In a space where most projects are trying to be all things to all people, you can differentiate by building a brand around your values. You need focused, clear and relevant strategic positioning. Be clear about your core mission — the specific change that you are bringing to the world — and how your work can benefit your clients. If you can’t get that across in one sentence, you will never convince them. – German Ramirez, THE RELEVANCE HOUSE AG
Create a compelling narrative about blockchain
Use the power of simplicity. Translate blockchain’s complexities into a language that businesses can understand by using a compelling narrative. Show them how blockchain is not just crypto — that it’s actually the missing part of the puzzle for their exponential growth and innovation. – Bogomil Stoev, Seasonal Tokens
Join the community where you can transform the future. Cointelegraph Innovation Circle brings blockchain technology leaders together to connect, collaborate and publish. Apply today
Showcase tangible business value
In a rapidly evolving landscape, new blockchain technologies must focus on showcasing tangible business value. By highlighting real-world use cases, emphasizing scalability and security, and fostering collaborative partnerships, they can build trust and drive adoption among businesses seeking innovative solutions. – Vinita Rathi, Systango
Make complex tech understandable
New blockchain technologies can improve B2B marketing by making complex tech understandable. This can be achieved by highlighting unique value propositions, sharing relatable case studies and demonstrating how their solutions solve specific industry issues, thus increasing efficiency or profitability. Show, don’t just tell. – Tomer Warschauer Nuni, Kryptomon
Highlight blockchain’s transparency
Blockchain technology inherently enables transparency through immutable record-keeping, which builds trust between B2B partners. Highlighting the fact that blockchain-based solutions provide smart contracts, factual data and a clear audit trail will help you develop a rapport with potential clients, assisting in your marketing strategy. – Anthony Georgiades, Pastel Network
Make sure you have a very specific value proposition
Laser-focus on the ways that your business drives value. The 2017-2018 ICO boom has ended, and Web3 founders must now have a very specific value proposition to differentiate themselves from the competition. These days, it is critical to make sure that prospective clients understand exactly what problem you are solving and why your product is the must-have solution. – Wolfgang Rückerl, ENT Technologies AG
Understand B2B buying behaviors
To convert B2B prospects, you must know your target audience and their buying behaviors. B2B audiences comprise a range of decision-makers, from C-suite executives to boards. Efficiency and facts take precedence over emotion, as businesses seek results and expertise. Blockchain technologies must leverage tactics including thought leadership, educational content and PR, as well as partnerships with positive brand association. – Tammy Paola, Zerocap
Share successful case studies and testimonials
Develop educational content to explain blockchain benefits, use cases and integration strategies. Showcase successful case studies and testimonials to build credibility and demonstrate real-world impact. Collaborate with existing enterprise tech providers to integrate and complement their solutions. Offer pilots or trial programs to showcase the value and feasibility of the blockchain solution. – RJ Phillips, Zoop
Explain industry terms in plain language
First answer the question, “What can blockchain do for my business?” Clarify, in plain language, terms like double-spend problem, immutability, data availability and decentralization, as well as all the rest of the crypto and blockchain jargon. Aim for basic, gut, plain language understanding, and don’t hide behind the shimmer of tech jargon, which will just confuse your clients. – Zain Jaffer, Zain Ventures
Engage Web2-focused marketing agencies
Blockchain projects should engage Web2-focused marketing professionals and agencies. These experts have existing deep connections with major brands and are actively seeking to leverage blockchain’s benefits. From nonfungible token revenues that lower customer acquisition costs to token gating opportunities that extend customer lifetime value, Web3 offers enticing prospects to enhance their clients’ marketing strategies. – Shiv Madan, Moonwalk
This article was published through Cointelegraph Innovation Circle, a vetted organization of senior executives and experts in the blockchain technology industry who are building the future through the power of connections, collaboration and thought leadership. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Cointelegraph.
Learn more about Cointelegraph Innovation Circle and see if you qualify to join.
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It’s not unheard of for influencers to charge a pretty penny for sponsored posts, ads and services.
But one YouTuber caused quite a stir on social media after screenshots surfaced claiming she was selling the opportunity to receive an Instagram DM from her — for the low price of $10,000!
Emma Chamberlain’s team is speaking out after a viral Tweet of a screenshot from the influencer’s website started making its rounds, garnering over 9.8 million views.
why is emma chamberlain charging 10K for an instagram DM this is wild pic.twitter.com/vO0ghF34TK
— Layla ? (@itslaylas) March 18, 2023
The image from Chamberlain’s website advertised a “Personal thank you note from Emma in Instagram DM” alongside a photo of the influencer priced at $10,000 with the option to break it down into multiple monthly installments of $902.58.
What a bargain!
Thousands replied in disbelief at the exorbitant price for the simple gesture.
“I need to know whose idea this was because this is so unlike her,” one person wrote in defense of the entrepreneur, who founded Chamberlain Coffee in 2020.
“She’s an entrepreneur,” another pointed out. “She knows what she’s doing and how to make money.”
However, Chamberlain’s team, Cozack, Inc., quickly jumped to shut down the influencer’s entire website and released a statement claiming that the offer was a back-end test and “was never planned to be sold or purchased,” nor had any of it been developed or tested with the approval of Chamberlain herself.
via “The test program was never discoverable on the main page or product listing site, which is another reason that Emma had no knowledge of this,” the statement read. “With the internet’s tendency to create false narratives around sensationalized stories we wanted to provide you with the truth firsthand and from the source. The site is currently down for internal review.”
Chamberlain’s merchandise site was still inaccessible as of Wednesday afternoon.
The 21-year-old first gained mass popularity as a YouTube vlogger in 2017, known for her relatable, sarcastic sense of humor and unfiltered look at her daily life.
Chamberlain’s self-proclaimed coffee addiction lead to the creation of her own coffee-delivery company, Chamberlain Coffee.
She’s since moved on to become an ambassador for Louis Vuitton, a Met Gala red carpet correspondent for Vogue, and was named one of 2019’s “25 Most Influential People on the Internet” by Time.
Chamberlain’s estimated net worth is $12 million per Celebrity Net Worth.
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