Block, filter, and report messages on iPad

In the Messages app , you can block unwanted messages, filter messages from unknown senders, and report spam or junk messages.

Block messages from a specific person or number

In a Messages conversation, tap the name or number at the top of the conversation.
Tap the info button, scroll down, then tap Block this Caller.

To view and manage your list of blocked contacts and phone numbers, go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts. See the Apple Support article Block phone numbers, contacts, and emails on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Filter messages from unknown senders

With iMessage, you can filter messages from unknown senders, and you won’t get notifications from them.

Go to Settings > Messages, scroll down to Message Filtering, then turn on Filter Unknown Senders.

When this setting is on, you can only see messages from people who aren’t in your contacts when you go to Filters > Unknown Senders.

Note: You canʼt open any links in a message from an unknown sender until you add the sender to your contacts or reply to the message.

Report spam or junk messages

When you use iMessage, you can report spam messages to Apple. Depending on your carrier and country or region, you can also report spam you receive with SMS and MMS.

In the list of messages, touch and hold the spam message, then tap Report Junk. Or, if you’ve opened the message, scroll to the bottom of the message, tap Report Junk, then tap Delete and Report Junk.

The sender’s information and the message are sent to Apple, and the message is permanently deleted from your iPad.

Note: Reporting junk or spam doesn’t prevent the sender from sending messages, but you can block the number to stop receiving them.

If you don’t see the option to report spam or junk messages you receive with SMS or MMS, contact your carrier. See the Apple Support article Wireless carrier support and features for iPhone.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide

Block, filter, and report messages on iPad

Block messages from a specific person or number

Filter messages from unknown senders

Report spam or junk messages