How to stop spam texts on AT&T

Hey, AT&T customer, are you inundated by spam text messages? You’re not the only one. Luckily, there are several ways to fight text spam—and you don’t have to be a tech wizard to do it. In this article, we’ll discuss five effective methods to stop spam texts on AT&T.

Martynas Klimas

Updated: April 28, 2023

Method #1: Blocking unwanted text messages on your smartphone

Your smartphone may already be doing some spam filtering. You only need to give it a little help. 

Blocking spam texts on an Android without opening the text:

1. Open the messages app.
2. Tap and hold on the spam message.
3. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
4. Tap Block.
5. Confirm by tapping OK.

Optionally, mark Report Spam to also report spam to Google. This may incur charges as the message is transferred.

Alternatively, blocking spam texts on an Android:

If you’re using an Android phone, you can easily block messages from unwanted numbers. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the messages app.

2. Open the spam message

3. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.

4. Tap Block &report spam.

5. Select the checkbox and confirm by tapping OK.

Blocking spam messages on an iOS Device

You can also block spam messages on your iPhone or another iOS device. Here’s how:

1. Open the Messages app on your iOS device.
2. Find the spam message you want to block.
3. Tap on the “i” icon next to the message.
4. Tap on the phone number or contact name at the top of the screen.
5. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap Block this Caller.
6. Confirm your decision to block the number.

By blocking the numbers, you’ll make your device filter the text message spam before it reaches your inbox.

Method #3: Reporting spam to AT&T using AT&T ActiveArmor Mobile Security

This wouldn’t be a guide on how to stop spam texts for AT&T without mentioning that AT&T offers a service called AT&T ActiveArmor Mobile Security that can help you report spam messages. Here’s how you use it:

1. Download the AT&T ActiveArmor Mobile Security app.
2. Open the app and sign in to your AT&T account.
3. Go to the Spam and Fraud section.
4. Select the spam message you want to report.
5. Tap on Report spam to report the message to AT&T.

This tool will let AT&T know about the sender of spam messages, which will be helpful in preventing future spam messages from reaching your phone.

Method #4: Adding your number to FTC Do Not Call Registry

You can also add your number to the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry to prevent telemarketers and other unwanted callers from contacting you. Here’s how:

1. Go to donotcall.gov.
2. Click on Register Your Phone Number.
3. Enter the phone number you want to register.
4. Verify your phone number.
5. Click on Submit.

By adding your number to the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry, you can prevent telemarketers and other unwanted callers from contacting you.

Method #5: Using a service like Incogni to remove your data from data broker databases

One reason why you’re getting spam text messages might be data brokers: companies that collect data about you (legally) and sell it (also legally) to advertisers and other third parties. Said advertisers can use that data to send you spam.

You could send deletion requests to every data broker yourself. Or you could use a service like Incogni to carry out the process for you. 

The downside is that you have to pay money for the service. The upside is that you don’t have to track down each data broker or convince them to delete your data yourself. 

Tips for Handling Your Data to Prevent Further Spam

Only you can prevent forest fires and further spam messages. You just need to handle your data in a safer way. Here are some tips:

1. Be cautious about giving out your phone number.
2. Don’t click on links in unsolicited (read: spam) messages.
3. Avoid sharing personal information with unknown entities.
4. Read the terms and conditions of apps and services before agreeing to them.
5. Use a strong password and two-factor authentication to protect your accounts.

The less data out in the wild, the fewer suspicious text messages that will reach your inbox.

In conclusion: you can stop spam from reaching your AT&T phone

If you’re an AT&T customer, there are several ways to stop spam texts. By blocking messages, reporting spam to AT&T, adding your number to the Do Not Call Registry, and using services like Incogni, you’ll seriously cut down on spam. But the fight starts with you. So why not subscribe to Incogni today?

More guides on how to stop spam:

• How to stop spam texts iPhone
• How to stop spam texts on Android
• How to stop spam text messages on Samsung
• How to block texts from emails
• How to block text messages from unknown numbers
• How to report spam text

FAQ

How do I stop getting spam texts AT&T?

You can employ several methods to stop AT&T spam texts: 

1. Block them in phone settings.
2. Block them via an AT&T app. 
3. Report them to AT&T.
4. Enter them into the Do Not Call registry.
5. Use a company to make data brokers delete your data. 

Is AT&T spam blocker free?

The AT&T spam blocker is officially called AT&T ActiveArmor and it’s free.

How do I get rid of spam texts permanently?

While it’s impossible to permanently stop spam because it’s always evolving and adapting, you can reduce the amount of spam you get by following one (or more) of the methods we mentioned.