Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Block Unwanted Text Messages

There is a reason why sometimes you want to block certain contact number in order to make them unable to call you. Fortunately, you can do this things with ease on Galaxy SIII by adding the number into the reject list.

See also: How to Add or Remove Contact from Reject List on Samsung Galaxy S3

In this phone, you can also block certain contact number from sending you text messages wit ease by adding the number into the spam message list. This of course will useful if you want to stop somebody sending a message to you.


How to block spam text messages?
To do so kindly follow the steps listed below:
  1. Go to Apps through Home screen.
  2. Tap Messaging.
  3. Tap the Menu key.
  4. On pop up menu select Settings.
  5. Enable Spam Settings under Spam message settings section. When the checkbox next to this option is ticked means the option is enabled.
  6. Tap Register number as spam.
  7. Tap Add (+) icon to add the number.
  8. Enter the required phone number or you can tap Contact icon.
  9. You can pick up the required contact you want by searching or from logs or contacts.
  10.  Tap the required contact.
  11. Tap Save button to save the changes.
  12. Now you should see the selected number has been added to the register number as spam list.
  13. Tap Home button to return to the standby mode.

By knowing on how to block certain phone number or contact from sending you a message, now you don't need to worry receiving a message from the person you don't want. So, have you ever received unwanted message then block the number using this methods?

69 comments:

  1. Hi there,
    I don't have spam message settings option on my samsung galaxy s3. Fyi , i 'm running on android 4.04. Appreciate your help. thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Noordzakiah Zainudin,
      Thanks for coming.
      While you're on message settings screen, try to scroll down to find this option.
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
    2. I have the same thing. I have no 'spam' settings anywhere.

      Delete
    3. Hi T Man,
      Thanks for coming.
      If you don't mind, may I know your phone's model number and Android version?

      Delete
    4. No spam setting. :-( is there another way?

      Delete
    5. Alternative way of blocking text messages can be done by: 1st look for the blocking mode turn it on and then create/modify allowed contact list for all people except the people you want to block

      Delete
  2. OOH Rehan...I am sooo confused. I get the block call feature how to but I cannot figure out how to clock text messages. I do not have a "menu" button on my messaging app? Unless, which probably the case, I dont know where you are talking about. I've tried home page messaging but it just takes me to my messages. theres no menu. Ive tried in settings under applications also. Look forward to hearing from you. Thx in advance
    This is my first time on this blog stuff too so if this is a repeat I dont no what im doing with this either

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Celina House,
      Thanks for coming.
      I'm so sorry if this article is not clear enough for you. If what you means is 'the Menu key', then it is located in the left side of the Home key.

      You can also set the delay time before the touch key light automatically turn off. To know the complete steps, kindly visit our post about it here:http://inside-galaxy.blogspot.com/2013/07/samsung-galaxy-s3-how-to-adjust-touch.html

      I also found a video in Youtube that explain clearly step by step about this topic, may it will helps you better. Here's the link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGyu433s5BI
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  3. Hi
    after I active this feature on my Galaxy s3 , I still get unwanted messages. I got mad, please someone tell me what is the problem with my phone?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Golnaz Afshinpour,
      Thanks for coming.
      Make sure you have entered the phone number correctly. Another way, if the sender is unknown number--the numbers that haven't been added to your contact list--then try to turn on the option to block unknown number send you a message. You can see the complete steps here:http://inside-galaxy.blogspot.com/2013/07/samsung-galaxy-s3-how-to-block-messages.html
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  4. Hi, I'm just wondering if the sender of the unwanted message gets any kind of message or notification back saying their text was blocked? Or are they none the wiser? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Leanne Winter,
      Thanks for coming.
      No, they won't get any notification to tell them that their messages have been blocked by you.

      Delete
  5. I just wanted to know say you block a number from texting you then unblock it again would you receive old messages that they tried to send you? If that makes sense?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lauren Lynch,
      Thanks for coming.
      By default, you can find all blocked text messages in the "Spam messages" menu within the stock Messaging app.

      Delete
  6. You still recieve the blocked persons messages and can see them in option spam mesaages u dont get a notification to tell u its there but its still there. My point was to not be able to see recieve or read anything a particular person is sending but its all in spam messages not good I wanted it completely blocked

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hbeck,
      Thanks for coming.
      Unfortunately, the default text blocker feature in this phone doesn't let you to opt-out the messages to be completely blocked. But, if you don't mind, you can use a third-party text blocker app in the Play Store to block unwanted messages without any log.

      Delete
  7. Yes, I want to know if we can 100% block messages from a particular number. I don't want to see the messages in any folder. Is that possible?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Catherine Galea,
      Thanks for coming.
      Try to use the Blacklist app to block the message. This app has the option to block the message with or without log. Here's the link:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.baole.app.blacklist&hl=en
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  8. There is no option for Spam Settings under my Settings in Messaging. I have Verizon if that matters. Its a pain to have to use my computer to access Verizonwireless.com just to block text messages.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nicole Murrell,
      Thanks for coming.
      Seems this option is not available on the Verizon version due to Verizon has their own service to block text message that you can access through their site. However, you might want to try another third-party app to block text message that you can get through the Google Play Store, such as Call Control app or Mr. Number-Block Calls Texts app.
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
    2. Hello :)
      I also have no option for "spam settings" but I do not have verizon. I have straight talk. Is there a way to block both calls and texts witbout downloading an app? Please help. Thank you for your time :)

      Delete
    3. Hi Kristin6113,
      Thanks for coming.
      Can I know your model number and your Android version?

      Delete
  9. I am also wondering if the sender has any knowledge as to the blocked message? ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Steven Sanders,
      Thanks for coming.
      AFAIK, the blocked sender will get no notification to tell them that their messages has been blocked.

      Delete
  10. hello, I need some assistance. I have a Galaxy SIII, and just upgraded new software version tonight. I did not before upgrade, and do not now have any SPAM Message Settings when viewing settings under Messaging. I have Verizon as a provider. I cannot find anything online that shows how to recover the Spam Message settings... can you please assist?

    I have a Samsung Galaxy SIII, model SCH-I535, Version 4.3. Kernel 3.0.31

    Software update: update_SCH-I535_MF1_to_ML1

    I really need to block some text messages and everything i read says there should be a Spam Message Setting, but i find none.... thank you very much for your help

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sengoret,
      Thanks for coming.
      From the reports given by some Verizon users, it seems that this option is not available due to the Verizon has their own service to block SMS or email. Here I found an example step to block text messages from the web and/or email that I believed can be tailored as your need:
      1. Login to your account and hit MY VERIZON.
      2. Choose VERIZON FAMILY SAFEGUARDS AND CONTROLS.
      3. Choose INTERNET SPAM BLOCKING.
      4. At the bottom of the number block list, choose BLOCK ALL TEXT MESSAGES SENT FROM THE WEB and BLOCK ALL TEXT MESSAGES FROM EMAIL .
      5. Save and close.

      Another way, you might want to try another third-party app to block text message that you can get through the Google Play Store, such as Call Control app or Mr. Number-Block Calls Texts app.
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  11. I accidentally flagged a message as spam, I have AT&T I checked my spam foption and I don't have it enabled yet I am not receiving text messages from this number any longer. How can i correct this? Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hope Inspires Peace,
      Thanks for coming.
      Try to go to Messaging app> tap the Menu key then select Settings> tap Register number as spam> if the number is listed here, long tap the number then select Delete.

      You can find all spam messages in the spam message folder, from Messaging app> tap the Menu key then select Spam messages.

      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  12. can we block unwanted messages from senders who send messages by bulk like - LM-HDFCBK , MD-QWICHES and all sorts of those starting with LM , MD , DM and such things .. they dont come from a private phone number.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Keval Patel,
      Thanks for coming.
      Try to use an app called SMS Janitor. This app has the ability to automatically clean up your inbox from these bulk messages. Here's the link:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stoneshwar.smsjanitor
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  13. Hi Rehan ,
    Need your help , I download whatsapp at galaxy s3 . I received messages from unknown number.. Im asking to that person how did he get my number. he said it was saved In his contact. I don't to get this kind of messages from any unknown number in my whatssapp or even to look out for the profile.. how sud I don this ? please guide me...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mahi,
      Thanks for coming.
      Yes, he's right. He (WhatsApp user) will automatically connected with another WhatsApp user when their contact are saved in his phone. So, as long as another WhatsApp user have your number(the one you use to register to WhatsApp) they will be able to send you a message through WhatsApp even when you didn't have or know their number.
      Well, if you don't like certain number send you a message through WhatsApp, you're allowed to block them by opening WhatsApp app> tap the Menu key then select Settings> tap Contacts> tap Blocked contacts> tap People with plus icon at the top of the screen to select a contact to block> tap desired contact you wish to block, the selected contact will be listed in the blocked contacts list.

      Delete
  14. i cant send message to a specific number.plz someone help me out of this problem

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Noufal Ahmed,
      Thanks for coming.
      How did you know that you can't send a message to that number? Did you receive any error message or notification?

      Delete
  15. Hi I blocked someone from my phone and then unblocked them now they can call me but I don't receive any of their text messages.. I have a Samsung galaxy III.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dee,
      Thanks for coming.
      Try to disable "Spam settings" option in Messaging app settings (clear the check box next this option) and then ask your friend to send you a text message. You should be able to receive their text message.
      Hope it helps :)

      Delete
  16. Hi,
    Can we save those registered spam numbers and then transfer them to another phone? Is there any import/export spam number features in Samsung galaxy phones?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Budi Susanto,
      Thanks for coming.
      CMIIW, by default, there's no option to transfer spam numbers list to another device.

      Delete
  17. Hi!
    I somehow saved a preference on my Galaxy s3 so I can no longer respond to 5 digit message numbers. Im trying to communicate with USPS notifications and I have to respond "yes" to allow but I can't. I have looked in my setting for any kind of SPAM option and there is none! I remember one day allowing it to remember my answer but now I dont know how to change it back!!
    Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Louiesluger32,
      Thanks for coming.
      CMIIW, do you want to be able to receive 5 digit message numbers on your phone? Have you disabled the Spam settings in the Messaging app settings? If the Spam settings has been disabled and the 5 digit message numbers still can't be received, then I believe that your provider should be able to help you to unblock them so you can receive them on your phone.

      Delete
  18. I have used this method but I am still able to receive a message from the blocked number... how can I stop this without needing to keep my "blocking mode" on and running my battery down when I am out and about?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anna Thorpe,
      Thanks for coming.
      Make sure the phone number you have entered into the spam number list is correct. FYI, when you've entered a number in the spam number list, your phone will still receive the messages from that blocked number but they will be redirected to the spam messages folder. However, as an alternative solution, you can also try another third-party app to block text messages that you can find in the Play Store app.

      Delete
    2. So in order to actually completely block the text messages that I am receiving I have to download a third-party app? The messages I have been receiving is making it harder for me to get on with my life.

      Delete
    3. Hi Anna Thorpe,
      Yes, you're right. You need to install third-party app that has a feature to block SMS without logs (e.g: BlackList app).

      Delete
    4. Thank you this will be a great help.

      Delete
  19. why i cant send to 5digit number such as 28882.i not active spam number yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hakimie,
      Thanks for coming.
      If you didn't enable spam settings in the Messaging app, then you can try to call your provider and ask them why you can't send a message to that 5 digit number. FYI, some providers sometimes block certain content on their customer's account and it can cause you can't send to the 5 digit number. So, if this feature is activated on your phone, you may ask them to remove it.

      Delete
  20. Hi,
    Is there any way to block advertisement messages? No number appears when I got them, only the name of the advertiser like XX Pizza.
    Thank you in advance for your help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Arzu-basak,
      Thanks for coming.
      If the messages come from XX Pizza have the same/almost the same content, then try to add the same phrase on the message to the register phrase as spam menu in the Messaging app settings. It'll be able to block all messages that contain the registered spam phrase. You won't get the notification when the message contain with that spam phrase is come and they will be redirected to the spam folders so that your inbox will stay clean from those spam messages. If you don't know how to register phrase as spam, you can see the complete steps here:http://inside-galaxy.blogspot.com/2013/07/samsung-galaxy-s3-how-to-block-messages_12.html

      Delete
  21. Just curious. If I blocked a person from txtn me, are they still able to receive txt from me after I've already blocked them?
    Thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lucy Canales,
      Thanks for coming.
      Yes, they are still able to receive text from you unless your number is blocked by them.

      Delete
  22. Hi,
    i have blocked one of my contact,dont know when...
    all msgs of that contact now shows in spam box...
    how to unblock it now....??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Maryea,
      Thanks for coming.
      To unblock a contact in the Messaging app, kindly do as follows:
      1. Open Messaging app.
      2. Tap the Menu key and then select "Settings".
      3. Scroll down to the Spam message settings section, and then disable "Spam settings"(It'll unblock all blocked contacts). Or, tap "Add to spam number" and then long tap the required contact you want to unblock and then select "Delete".

      Delete
  23. Hi there, I somehow blocked sending messages to 5digit numbers and have no idea how to unblock it-got Samsung galaxy s3, can you help me please. ? Thank you. Martina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Martina,
      Thanks for coming.
      Try the following steps so that you can send messages to 5digit numbers or premium SMS:
      1. On home screen, tap "Apps" to go to the apps menu.
      2. Find the Messages app icon.
      3. Tap and hold the Messages icon and then drag it to the App info icon located at the top of the screen.
      4. In the App info screen, scroll down to the Permissions section.
      5. Tap the box below "This app may charge you money: Send premium SMS" and then select "Ask" if you want to be asked each time you send the premium SMS or select "Always allow" if you want to be able to directly send the premiums SMS without you have to be asked first.

      Delete
  24. I have recently been receiving spam text messages from an email address. Is there any way to add email addresses to spam or block them so I don't receive them anymore?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sto,
      Thanks for coming.
      If you're not a Verizon user and if those messages contain with the same phrase then you can add the phrase to the spam phrase so that each time you receive a text message contains with that phrase, the text message will be blocked automatically. You can do so by using the following steps:
      1. Open Messaging app.
      2. Tap the Menu key and then select "Settings".
      3. Scroll to the very bottom.
      4. Check the box next to "Spam settings" to enabled it.
      5. Tap "Add to spam phrase" and then add the phrase you want to block here.

      If you're a Verizon user, aside from blocking the spam phrase, you can also block text messages sent from web or email from your Verizon account. You can see the detail steps to do so in my reply for Sengoret's comment

      Delete
  25. Can you still send text to the number you blocked?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kelly Clay,
      Thanks for coming.
      Yes, you can still send messages to the number you have blocked since the spam message feature will only block incoming text messages.

      Delete
  26. I have a Samsung Galaxy S3, and am leaving on a holiday in the Caribbean. I would like to temporarily disable the text function on my phone until I return to Canada. Is this possible?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rosemarie Buchanan,
      Thanks for coming.
      First, I want to know, why do you want to disable text function in your phone? Are you going to leave your phone at home instead of bringing it with you during holiday?
      However, you can try to either disable the stock Messaging app(assuming you don't have any other third-party Messaging apps in your phone) or turn on the flight mode while you're in Carribean. Once you go back to Canada, you can re-enable the stock Messaging app or turn off the flight mode so that you can retrieve all incoming texts you have during holiday.

      Delete
    2. HI. My son was in the Caribbean last year and incoming text msgs were costing him more than two dollars each, which is why I want to disable my text msg program. I am certainly taking my phone as there is supposed to be wifi in the resort. I wasn't sure what Flight Mode meant, but I'll look it up and probably take your advice. thanks!

      Delete
    3. Turning on flight mode will disable calling, messaging and data network features. While this feature is on, you can't send or receive any SMS, can't make or receive any call, as well as can't use mobile data connection. You can turn this feature on by long pressing the Power key and then select "Flight mode".

      Other way, while your son in Carribean, he can buy a local SIM card so that he doesn't need to worry about roaming charges.

      Delete
  27. Hi, I would like to set it up so that a contact can call me but no longer text. Is this possible?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Erika,
      Thanks for coming.
      You just need to add the required contact to the spam list in the stock Messaging app settings menu so that all messages from this contact will be blocked. Doing this will only block messages and the contact can still call you.

      Delete
  28. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Is there any way to have the messages permantely deleted without even seeing them? I still can go into the spam numbers/messages area and see them.

    ReplyDelete
  30. How do I block unwanted text messages on my Samsung galaxy s 3 for straight talk?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Robin87,
      Thanks for coming.
      Seems the default text blocker feature in the S3 straight talk has been removed.
      If you want to block unwanted text messages, you can use the straight talk services, alternatively you can use a third-party text blocker app that you can get from the Play Store.

      Delete

Hi the insiders,
Thanks for coming and I hope you can get something useful here.
Before submitting your comment to ask about an issue, please make sure to provide information as much as possible (at least write your model number and Android version) and describe the problem clearly.
Also, since all comments will be moderated, all comments with irrelevant links(if any) or contain with offensive/harsh word will be deleted.
The last, if you have a question and can't find the relevant article, please feel free to reach me through the Contact us page. I'll be more than happy to reply the email and answer the question :)