Dealing with unwanted spam and robocalls is a common frustration for Android users. Fortunately, Google Messages offers several features to help you filter and block unknown messages, improving your messaging experience and protecting your privacy. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of how to block unknown messages on Android using Google Messages, addressing common questions and concerns.
What are Unknown Senders?
Before diving into the blocking methods, it's helpful to define "unknown senders." In the context of Google Messages, an unknown sender is a phone number or messaging service not saved in your contacts. These could include spam messages, robocalls, or even legitimate messages from unfamiliar numbers.
How to Block Unknown Numbers in Google Messages
Google Messages offers a straightforward way to block unwanted messages from unknown senders. Here's how to do it:
- Open the Google Messages app. Locate the message you wish to block.
- Tap the three vertical dots (More options) in the upper right corner.
- Select "Block number." This will prevent future messages from that specific number.
This method effectively blocks individual numbers. However, for more comprehensive protection against unknown numbers, you need to utilize the spam protection features within Google Messages.
How to Enable Spam Protection in Google Messages
Google Messages has a built-in spam protection feature that helps identify and filter out unwanted messages. This feature is typically enabled by default, but here's how to check and ensure it's active:
- Open the Google Messages app.
- Tap the three vertical dots (More options) in the upper right corner.
- Select "Settings."
- Tap "Spam protection."
- Ensure the toggle is switched to "On."
With spam protection enabled, Google Messages will filter messages from suspected spam sources, moving them to a separate folder. This prevents them from clogging your main inbox.
How to Filter Unknown Messages in Google Messages (without blocking)
While blocking is effective, you might want to filter unknown messages without necessarily blocking them. Unfortunately, Google Messages doesn't offer a dedicated setting to only filter unknowns. Spam protection acts as the closest alternative. If a message from an unknown number isn't marked as spam, it will still appear in your main inbox.
Can I Block all Unknown Messages Completely?
No, you can't completely block all unknown messages in Google Messages without also potentially blocking legitimate messages. The spam filter is designed to identify likely spam, not to automatically block every number not in your contacts. Completely blocking every message from unknown numbers would severely limit your ability to receive important communications.
How to Unblock a Number in Google Messages
If you accidentally block a number or later decide to receive messages from a previously blocked number, here’s how to unblock it:
- Open the Google Messages app.
- Tap the three vertical dots (More options) in the upper right corner.
- Select "Settings."
- Tap "Blocked numbers."
- Locate the number you wish to unblock and tap the "Unblock" button.
Does Blocking a Number Prevent Them From Calling?
Blocking a number in Google Messages only blocks messages. It does not block phone calls from that number. To block calls, you'll need to use a separate call-blocking app or feature on your Android device.
What to Do if Spam Messages Still Get Through
Even with spam protection enabled, some spam messages may slip through. If this happens, report the message as spam within Google Messages by tapping the three vertical dots and selecting "Report spam." This helps Google improve its spam detection algorithms. Consider also reporting it to the relevant authorities if it contains fraudulent information or threats.
This comprehensive guide provides you with various strategies to manage and filter unknown messages in Google Messages, enabling you to have a safer and more controlled messaging experience. Remember to regularly update your Google Messages app to benefit from the latest spam protection improvements.
