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How To Block and Filter iMessages from Unknown Senders

iMessage is Apple’s popular messaging service that allows iPhone, iPad, and Mac users to send messages, photos, videos, and more between devices. While iMessage provides end-to-end encryption for secure messaging, you may occasionally receive unwanted or spam messages from unknown senders.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to block and filter these messages in iOS so you only see messages from your contacts. Here are the main methods:

Filter Unknown Senders

The easiest way to handle messages from unknown senders is to filter them into a separate tab in the Messages app. Here’s how to set up message filtering:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad
  2. Tap on Messages
  3. Scroll down and toggle Filter Unknown Senders to the “on” position under Message Filtering

Once enabled, open the Messages app. You will now see separate tabs at the top for:

  • All Messages: Includes all messages
  • Known Senders: Only messages from your contacts
  • Unknown Senders: Messages from numbers not in your contacts

The Unknown Senders tab is where messages from unfamiliar numbers will appear. You can tap into that tab to view those messages separately from your main inbox.

Block Specific Numbers

If you receive unwanted messages from a specific number, you can outright block that number from sending you additional messages:

  1. Open the conversation with the unwanted sender
  2. Tap the name/number at the top of the conversation
  3. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller

You can always unblock the number later if needed.

Disable Read Receipts

Read receipts allow senders to see when you have read their messages. You can disable read receipts globally so unknown senders can’t tell if you’ve read their messages:

  1. Go to Settings > Messages
  2. Turn off Send Read Receipts

Hide Preview Text

When receiving a new message, preview text will appear on your lock screen revealing part of the message without unlocking your device. To hide previews for privacy:

  1. Go to Settings > Notifications
  2. Scroll down to Messages
  3. Turn off Show Previews

Now only the sender’s name will appear in notifications, not the content of their message.

Set Up Emergency Bypass

Even with the steps above, you still may want to receive urgent messages from unfamiliar numbers in special cases.

You can create an emergency bypass to let calls and messages through from everyone if needed:

  1. Open the Phone app
  2. Tap the Keypad tab
  3. Dial *272 and tap the call button
  4. Enter your voicemail passcode if prompted
  5. All calls and messages will come through until you dial #272# to disable emergency bypass

So in summary, between filtering unknown senders, blocking specific numbers, disabling read receipts, hiding preview text, and setting up emergency bypass, you have full control and privacy around which iMessages you receive on your iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions around blocking and filtering iMessages on iPhone:

Can I filter unknown senders on iPhone?

Yes, you can filter iMessages from unknown senders into a separate tab in iOS so they don’t appear in your main messages inbox. Simply enable “Filter Unknown Senders” in your Messages settings.

Does filtering messages remove notifications?

No, you will still get notifications for new messages from unknown numbers when filtering is enabled. However, you can disable notifications for unknown senders specifically in your iOS notification settings.

Can I see if an unknown sender reads my messages?

If you have read receipts enabled, an unknown sender who you message can see if you have read their messages. To prevent this, turn off Send Read Receipts in your Messages settings.

What happens when I block someone?

When you block a number in the Messages app, all messages and calls from that number will be blocked and cannot contact you. You will no longer receive any messages or notifications from a blocked number.

How do I filter messages on iPad?

There is no native filtering option for unknown senders on iPad. However, you can still block specific numbers that send you unwanted messages. Then on your iPhone, use message filtering which will apply to your iPad in addition to any blocked numbers.

What do I do if I’m missing messages?

If you have enabled filtering on your iPhone and notice you are missing expected messages, check your Unknown Senders tab for any messages that may have been incorrectly filtered. Also confirm the sender is in your contacts so they are not categorized as an unknown sender.

I hope this comprehensive guide helps you control which messages you receive from unknown senders in the Messages app! Let me know if you have any other questions.

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