Blocking a sender on your iPhone 7 stops their calls, messages, and FaceTime calls from reaching you. They are not told they are blocked. You can block from a conversation in Messages and manage the list later in Settings.
Quick Answer
In Messages, open the conversation, tap the sender’s name or number at the top, tap info, then tap Block this Caller and confirm with Block Contact.
How to Block a Text Message Sender on an iPhone 7
- Open Messages and the conversation with the sender.
- Tap the name or number at the top of the conversation, then tap info.
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
- Tap Block Contact to confirm.
- To review blocked numbers, open Settings, Messages, Blocked Contacts.
Blocking and Filtering
| Option | Effect |
|---|---|
| Block this Caller | Stops calls, texts, and FaceTime from that number |
| Filter Unknown Senders | Moves texts from unknown numbers to a separate list |
| Report Junk | Reports spam iMessages to Apple |
| Blocked Contacts | Manage or unblock numbers |
Troubleshooting
- Messages still arrive: the sender may be using a different number or email. Block each one.
- You want to unblock someone: open Settings, Messages, Blocked Contacts, tap Edit, and remove them.
- For extra privacy, see how to lock an app on iPhone on newer iOS versions.
- To manage your conversations, read how to schedule messages on iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the person know I blocked them?
No notification is sent. Their messages simply are not delivered to you.
Do blocked messages go anywhere?
No. They are not saved on your iPhone.
Can I block a number that is not in my contacts?
Yes. The same steps work for any number.
Summary
- Open the conversation.
- Tap the name, then info.
- Tap Block this Caller.
- Manage blocks in Settings, Messages.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.