Managing text messages effectively is more important than ever, especially with the growing number of spam and unwanted SMS messages. If you’re an iPhone user, iOS includes built-in text filtering features that can help organize messages from unknown senders. When combined with YouMail, you gain enhanced spam detection and reporting tools for added protection.
Note: YouMail helps filter and organize spam texts but cannot fully block SMS delivery. However, reporting spam texts helps prevent future calls from those numbers.
Enable Text Filtering on iOS
Follow the steps below to turn on text filtering and connect it with YouMail.
Step 1: Open iPhone Settings
Open Settings on your iPhone
Select Apps
Scroll down and tap Messages
Step 2: Configure Unknown Senders
In Messages, scroll to Unknown Senders
Review the following settings:
Allow Notifications
This is optional and based on personal preference.
Time Sensitive Notifications
Recommended to ensure you receive important messages such as:Authentication codes
One-time passwords (OTPs)
Text Message Filter
Set this to YouMail
Filter Spam
Make sure this option is enabled
Once enabled, messages from unknown senders will be automatically filtered into a separate category.
Reporting Filtered Messages
How to Access Filtered Messages
Open the Messages app
Tap the three lines (filter icon) in the upper-right corner
Select Unknown Senders
Reporting Spam Messages
If the sender isn't recognized, you'll see a "Report Message" option.
Tap Report Message to submit a spam report
After submitting the Spam or Safe report, tap the check mark in the upper-right corner to confirm
Note:
Since filtering does not block SMS delivery, you may still want to block the sender directly on your iPhone.
Calls from reported numbers will be blocked by YouMail.
Spam reports should be submitted for 10-digit phone numbers. Short codes (e.g., “4444”) are not listed in YouMail’s directory and cannot be reported.
Marking Messages as Known
In some cases, instead of “Report Message,” you may see “Mark as Known.”
This happens when the sender is a verified business on your carrier’s network.
Examples include:
Amazon
Pharmacies
Banks
Other companies sending verification codes or OTPs
Marking these messages as Known ensures they won’t be filtered out in the future.
FAQs
Does YouMail block spam text messages?
No. YouMail cannot fully block SMS on your iPhone, but it filters spam texts, organizes them, and lets you report spam numbers. Reported numbers will have their calls blocked by YouMail.
Where do filtered spam text messages go?
Filtered messages are moved to the Unknown Senders section of the Messages app. You can review them at any time and choose to report, block, or mark them as known.
Will I still receive important messages like OTPs?
Yes. Enabling Time-Sensitive Notifications ensures important messages, such as authentication codes and one-time passwords, are delivered promptly, even from unknown senders.
Should I still block spam numbers manually?
Yes. Since SMS messages aren’t fully blocked, manually blocking the sender on your iPhone adds protection. Reporting the number to YouMail blocks future calls from it.