Unwanted texts can be annoying and unexpectedly costly, especially if your data plan doesn't allow unlimited texts. If you're getting mountains of texts from a clingy ex or an automated spam-bot, your inbox space is being wasted and your bank account's being drained. Nip the problem in the bud before your next billing statement! This guide will help you block unwanted texts once and for all.
Your carrier will most likely have a number you can call for tech support issues. On smart phones, calling this number can even bring up an easy-to use graphical interface. To begin, call this number. Your carrier's tech support will probably provide options for blocking text messages. Here are the tech support or customer service numbers for four major U.S. cell phone carriers:[1]
AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
Sprint: 1-888-211-4727
T-Mobile: 1-877-453-1304
Verizon: 1-800-922-0204
In addition, many carriers offer online chat services for technical support issues
Some cell phone carriers, like Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile, allow subscribers to block texts (and calls) from a certain number of phone numbers free of charge. To use this service, you'll need to be a paid subscriber with a registered online account. Log into your profile, then access your "My Verizon," "My T-Mobile," or "My Sprint" menu. The option to block numbers is under a submenu called "Manage Family Safeguards and Controls" for Verizon, "Plans and Services" for T-Mobile,[2] and "Limits and Permissions" for Sprint.[3]
Take note: Online blocks can eventually expire. For instance, blocks applied using Verizon's online service expire after 90 days. Be sure to re-enter problem numbers for continued text blocking. Paid premium options can offer the option to permanently block numbers
Other cell phone companies, such as AT&T,[4] won't block text messages unless you subscribe to certain child control services. These services aren't free - usually, they're several dollars per month, per line. However, they offer a variety of privacy options - the ability to block texts from specified numbers, for instance. If the price of receiving unwanted texts exceeds the price of your carrier's child controls, consider enrolling in the service
Your carrier will most likely have a number you can call for tech support issues. On smart phones, calling this number can even bring up an easy-to use graphical interface. To begin, call this number. Your carrier's tech support will probably provide options for blocking text messages. Here are the tech support or customer service numbers for four major U.S. cell phone carriers:[1]
AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
Sprint: 1-888-211-4727
T-Mobile: 1-877-453-1304
Verizon: 1-800-922-0204
In addition, many carriers offer online chat services for technical support issues
Some cell phone carriers, like Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile, allow subscribers to block texts (and calls) from a certain number of phone numbers free of charge. To use this service, you'll need to be a paid subscriber with a registered online account. Log into your profile, then access your "My Verizon," "My T-Mobile," or "My Sprint" menu. The option to block numbers is under a submenu called "Manage Family Safeguards and Controls" for Verizon, "Plans and Services" for T-Mobile,[2] and "Limits and Permissions" for Sprint.[3]
Take note: Online blocks can eventually expire. For instance, blocks applied using Verizon's online service expire after 90 days. Be sure to re-enter problem numbers for continued text blocking. Paid premium options can offer the option to permanently block numbers
Other cell phone companies, such as AT&T,[4] won't block text messages unless you subscribe to certain child control services. These services aren't free - usually, they're several dollars per month, per line. However, they offer a variety of privacy options - the ability to block texts from specified numbers, for instance. If the price of receiving unwanted texts exceeds the price of your carrier's child controls, consider enrolling in the service