Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Block Unwanted or Unknown Text Messages in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat or in Android 5.0.1 Lollipop

Two days back, an insider named Kelly told me via email that she tried blocking messages by following my post about how to block unwanted text messages here but she couldn't find the spam settings in her stock Messaging app. Apparently, her phone runs with Android 4.4.2 Kitkat while that post is written based on my Samsung Galaxy S4 when it's still using Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. FYI, the settings menu for the stock Messaging app changes when this phone is updated to Android 4.4.2 Kitkat, but it's not when it's updated to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. So, I write this post for those of you who have updated your Samsung Galaxy S4 to Android 4.4.2 Kitkat or to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop and want to block text messages.

------------------
Disclaimer: I write this post (the steps and screenshots) based on my Samsung Galaxy S4 with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. Since the settings menu of the stock Messaging app in Samsung Galaxy S4 runs with Android 4.4.2 Kitkat or Android 5.0.1 Lollipop has the same appearance, this post can be used to block text messages in Samsung Galaxy S4 runs with one of those Android versions.
------------------


How to block unwanted or unknown text messages in Samsung Galaxy S4 with Android 4.4.2 Kitkat or Android 5.0.1 Lollipop?
You can do so by using the following steps:
  1. Open the stock Messaging app.
  2. Tap the Menu key(it's located at the left side of the Home key) and then select Settings.
  3. Scroll the screen to the very bottom.
  4. Tap Spam filter.
  5. If Spam filter is off, tap the ON/OFF switch to turn it on.
  6. Block messages come from a specific phone number:
    • Tap Add to spam numbers.
    • Tap + at the top of the screen to register a phone number as spam.
    • Enter the required phone number you want to block its messages or tap to pick up the required contact from your contacts list.
    • Tap Save button.
    • The phone number has been added to the spam list and all messages from this phone number will be blocked.
  7. Block messages contain with a specific phrase:
    • Tap Add to spam phrases.
    • Tap + at the top of the screen to register a phrase as spam.
    • Enter the required phrase you want to block.
    • Tap Save button.
    • The phrase has been added to the spam list and all messages contain with this phrase will be blocked.
  8. Block messages come from unknown numbers or senders:
    • Check the box next to Block unknown senders to enable this option.
    • Now, all messages come from phone numbers that have not been added to your contacts list will be blocked.

6 comments:

  1. SCH-I545 Androd Version 5.0.1 -- I do not have an option for "Spam Filter" has shown above. Is there another way?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Terdallaujar,
      Thanks for coming.
      SCH-I545 is a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4, isn't it?
      From what I know, Verizon always disables message blocker(spam filter) feature in their phones since they have their own block text message services.
      So, if you want to block unwanted messages, you can use either Verizon service or a third-party message blocker app that you can find in the Play Store.

      Delete
    2. I have the same issue and am with vzw. What is their service?

      Delete
    3. Hi Buddy,
      Thanks for coming.
      Try logging in to your Verizon account and use the available feature to block unwanted text messages, or you can call them to ask about detail information about text blocker service.

      Delete
    4. Verizon only allows you to block 5 spam texts for only 3 months (search Block Calls & Messages on their website) because they want you to BUY a spam blocking service!

      Delete
  2. I clicked the unknown sender box but msgs are still coming through that are not in my contacts. Please help.

    ReplyDelete

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 :)