Fewer texts you never asked for.

1. Decide which kind of text it is

The ICO’s guidance is to follow any opt-out instructions within a marketing message, which usually means replying with the word STOP. If the message gives no instructions, look for the organisation’s contact details on its own website and tell it you want to opt out of marketing texts. Organisations must stop sending you marketing texts when you opt out.

The ICO advises not replying to texts about accident claims, debts, pensions or mis-sold PPI that say you are owed money.

2. Forward it to 7726

Most phone providers are part of a scheme that lets you report a suspicious text for free by forwarding it to 7726. The number spells SPAM on a phone keypad. According to the NCSC, your provider can then investigate where the text came from and arrange to block or ban the sender if it is found to be malicious.

1. iPhone or iPad

   The NCSC’s steps: take a note of the number that sent the message. Press and hold on the message bubble. Tap More. Select the message or messages you want to forward. Tap the arrow on the bottom right of your screen. Input 7726 and send.

2. Android

   The NCSC’s steps: take a note of the number that sent the message. Enter the conversation, then press and hold on the message bubble. Tap the three vertical dots on the top right of your screen. Tap Forward. Input 7726 and send. Ofcom gives a shorter route: tap and hold on the message, then tap Forward.

3. If 7726 does not work

   Ofcom says 7726 is supported by most UK mobile networks. The NCSC’s advice is to contact your phone provider and ask how to report a text. You can also send a screenshot or screen recording of the text to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.

3. Report marketing texts to the ICO

The Information Commissioner’s Office deals with nuisance marketing texts. Ofcom’s advice is to forward a spam text to 7726 first, then report it to the ICO. You can do that if you are unhappy about receiving the texts, or if they carry on after you have asked the sender to stop. Report online using the complaint form linked from the ICO’s guidance, or call 0303 123 1113.

Be realistic about what a report can do. For texts about accident claims, debts, pensions or mis-sold PPI, the ICO says you can report them to your network provider. It may be able to prevent them, but only those from the original number that sent you the message, and the numbers sending these messages often change. If you are being charged for receiving text messages, the ICO cannot help with that: it says to contact Ofcom.

4. Use the filters on your phone

These menu paths come from Apple’s and Google’s help pages as they read today. The wording may differ on your version.

1. iPhone: screen unknown senders

   Open Messages. In the conversation list, tap the Filter button, then tap Manage Filtering. Turn on Screen Unknown Senders. Their messages go to a separate folder and you are not notified about them unless you want to be. To keep time-sensitive texts such as verification codes coming through, tap Allow Notifications and choose the categories you want. Options vary by country and region.

2. iPhone: report and block

   If you have not opened the message, swipe left on the message, tap the Delete button, then tap Delete and Report Spam. If you have opened it, a Report Spam link appears at the bottom of any message from an unknown sender: tap Report Spam, then Delete and Report Spam. Apple says reporting does not prevent the sender from sending messages. To block, open the conversation, tap the person’s icon at the top, tap Info, scroll down and tap Block Contact.

3. Android: Google Messages spam protection

   Google says spam protection is turned on automatically. To check, open Google Messages, tap your profile picture or initials at the top right, then Messages settings, Protection and safety, Spam protection. You will only find it if it is available on your device.

4. Android: block and report

   In Google Messages, touch and hold the conversation, tap Block, then Report spam, then OK. Reporting a conversation as spam also blocks the sender and moves the message to your “Spam and blocked” folder. The sender cannot view your report.

Look through the Unknown Senders folder now and then. Apple says you can review it at any time and mark a sender as known if you decide they are legitimate. For calls rather than texts, see the phone calls guide.

5. If you already tapped a link or replied

If you only replied, forward the text to 7726 and block the sender. On an iPhone, Apple says you cannot report a message after you have replied to it.

If you tapped a link, shared details or sent money, Ofcom’s advice is to act quickly:

• Contact your bank or card provider immediately. Call the number on the back of your card, use your bank’s website or app or, if your bank supports it, call 159.
• Report it to Report Fraud online or on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101.
• If you clicked a link or installed something on your phone, contact your mobile provider. Avoid using banking apps on the device until you are sure it is safe.

Our report a scam page sets out where to go next.

Related guides

• Make your phone yours again. Register your number, screen unwanted calls and keep the people you want to hear from within reach.
• A quieter WhatsApp. Silence calls from numbers you don’t know, block and report a sender, and choose who can add you to groups, while keeping friends and family within reach.
• When they keep contacting you anyway. Who to complain to about marketing that carries on after you have said no, what to have ready and what happens afterwards.