Carriers and smartphone developers offer built-in tools to combat spam. If you have an iPhone, you can block calls and filter numbers from unknown senders. You can even report spam messages as junk. Tap or click here to learn more. Android fans also have recourse against spam. The Google Messages app includes spam text blocking and the ability to report these messages. Keep reading to find out how to stop annoying spam texts.

Google’s built-in tools

You have a couple of options to deal with spam when it comes to Google Messages. You can block a number from messaging you, or you can report it and block it simultaneously. To block messages from any number:

Open the Messages app.Touch and hold the conversation you want to block on the Home screen.Tap Block > OK.

To report and block a conversation:

Open the Messages app.Touch and hold the conversation you want to report.Tap Block > Report spam > OK.

You can also block and report a conversation from within the message:

Open the conversation in your Messages app and tap the three dots for more options. Tap Details > Block & report spam > OK.

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Forward the message to 7726

The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) created a spam reporting service for AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint customers, among other carriers. All you have to do is forward the message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad:

Open the conversation in your Messages app and long-press the phone number at the top of your screen and tap Copy.Now long-press the spam message itself and tap Forward. Type 7726 into the recipient field and send the message.You’ll receive an automated message from 7726. Reply to this by pasting the phone number you copied earlier.Send the message and you’ll get another reply thanking you for reporting the number.

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