To shut off text message notifications on an iPhone 7, open Settings > Notifications > Messages and turn off Allow Notifications. If you still want to see messages quietly, leave notifications on and set Sounds to None, or turn off only Banners or the Lock Screen. To silence one conversation, swipe left on it in Messages and tap the bell icon to hide alerts.
Quick Answer
Settings > Notifications > Messages > Allow Notifications off. For one chat, swipe left on it and tap the bell.
Steps to Turn Off Text Notifications
- Open Settings and tap Notifications.
- Tap Messages.
- Turn off Allow Notifications to stop all alerts from Messages.
Softer Options
| Goal | Setting |
|---|---|
| No sound, still see alerts | Messages notifications > Sounds > None |
| Nothing on the Lock Screen | Untick Lock Screen under Alerts |
| Hide message text | Show Previews > When Unlocked or Never |
| Stop repeat alerts | Repeat Alerts > Never |
| Silence one conversation | Swipe left > bell icon (Hide Alerts) |
| Quiet at night | Do Not Disturb or Focus (iOS 15) |
Calendar alerts too? See stopping Time to Leave alerts.
Switching phones? See how to turn off iMessage.
Troubleshooting
- Still hearing a sound: Check Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Text Tone, and make sure Allow Notifications is actually off.
- Messages appear on your Mac or iPad: Change notification settings on those devices too.
- Leaving a noisy group chat: See leaving a group text on iPhone.
- Vibration too strong? See what haptics are on iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still get messages?
Yes. Messages arrive as normal; you just won’t be alerted.
Does this work on newer iPhones?
Yes. The same path works, though newer iOS versions add Focus options.
Can I allow alerts from certain people only?
Use Do Not Disturb or Focus with allowed contacts, or hide alerts on the chats you don’t want.
Summary
- Open Settings > Notifications > Messages.
- Turn off Allow Notifications.
- Or change sounds and alert styles instead.
- Hide alerts for single conversations.
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.