How to disable incoming SMS on Android: all methods with instructions

Spam mailings, messages from banks, notifications from services - incoming SMS can flood your smartphone with unnecessary information. It’s especially annoying when important notifications are drowned in a stream of ads or system alerts. Fortunately, Android allows you to flexibly manage SMS: from complete disabling to selective blocking by numbers or keywords.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from standard settings to hidden functions of manufacturers. Important: some methods only work on certain versions Android (for example, Android 12+ supports filtering by content). We will indicate limitations and offer alternatives for older devices.

If you want to get rid of SMS messages forever or simply filter out unnecessary ones, read on. All instructions have been tested on Samsung Galaxy S23, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, Google Pixel 7 and clean Android 14.

1. Completely disabling all incoming SMS through the phone settings

The most radical method is completely block SMS reception. This is suitable if you do not use instant messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram, and you receive all important notifications via push or email. Please note: after disconnecting, you will not be able to receive even confirmation codes from banks or services.

Instructions for most smartphones:

1. Open the application Messages (standard or from the manufacturer).
2. Tap on ⋮ (three dots) → Settings.
3. Select Advanced settings or Advanced.
4. Find the option Receive SMS / Incoming messages and turn off the slider.

On some devices (for example, Samsung with a shell One UI), the path may differ:

Messages → ⋮ → Settings → More settings → Receiving messages

⚠️ Attention: After a complete shutdown, you will not be able to receive SMS with a 2FA (two-factor authentication) code. An alternative is to use authenticator applications like Google Authenticator or Authy.

2. Blocking SMS from specific numbers (black list)

If you are bothered by messages from certain senders (for example, spam from an operator or marketing mailings), you can add them to black list. This method works on all modern smartphones without installing additional applications.

How to add a number to block:

• 📱 Open a message from an unwanted sender.
• 🔍 Tap on the number at the top of the screen → select Block or Add to spam.
• ✅ Confirm the action. Now SMS from this number will be automatically deleted.

On Xiaomi (shell MIUI) the path is different:

Messages → ⋮ → Settings → Spam and blocking → Blacklist → Add number

On Samsung:

Messages → ⋮ → Settings → Blocking numbers and spam → Add number

Send a test SMS from a blocked number|Make sure the message is not displayed in the Inbox|Check the Spam folder (if any)|Remove the number from the black list after the test (optional)

-->

⚠️ Attention: Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) may ignore blocking of system messages (balance, tariffs). In this case, only completely disabling SMS or contacting operator support will help.

3. Filtering SMS by keywords (Android 12+)

Starting from Android 12, the system has a built-in function Filtering SMS by content. It allows you to automatically send messages to spam with certain words (for example, “promotion”, “offer”, “win”).

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Messages (or a standard SMS application).
2. Select Spam protection or Message filter.
3. Enable the option Filter messages by content.
4. Add keywords separated by commas (for example: promotion, winning, credit, free).

The function does not work on all devices. Here is the compatibility table:

Manufacturer	Filtering support	Notes
Google Pixel	Yes (Android 12+)	Works through the app Messages
Samsung	Yes (One UI 4.0+)	Settings in Messages → Spam
Xiaomi	Partial	Only for messages from unknown senders
Realme/Oppo	No	Requires third-party software

🔹 Limitation: The filter does not block SMS completely - they end up in the Spam folder, but still take up space in the device’s memory. To completely delete it, you need to clean the folder manually.

Once a day|Several times a week|Rarely (once a month)|Never-->

4. Disabling SMS through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If standard methods do not work, you can use engineering menu (##4636##). This method is suitable for disabling Operator SMS center, but requires caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the network.

Instructions:

• 📞 Open application Phone and enter the combination: ##4636##.
• 🔧 Go to the tab Phone information (or Phone Information).
• 📡 Scroll down to the block SMSC (SMS center).
• ❌ Press Update or Clear, then restart your phone.

⚠️ Attention: After these steps you will not be able send SMS until you restore SMSC settings. To return everything back, contact the operator for the correct SMS center number.

What is SMSC?

SMSC (Short Message Service Center) is the operator’s server that processes sending and delivery SMS. Without the correct SMSC, messages will not be delivered, even if the mobile network is working.

5. Using third-party applications to block SMS

If the built-in functions Android fail, you can install specialized applications. The best of them:

• 🛡️ SMS Blocker — blocks messages by numbers, keywords and regular expressions. There is a log of blocked SMS.
• 🔒 Truecaller - known as a spam call detector, but also filters SMS (requires registration).
• 📵 Blacklist - a simple blocker with schedule support (for example, turn off SMS at night).

🔹 Important: Applications will need access to SMS i Call log. Before installation, check reviews and ratings Google Play —some blockers collect user data.

Setting example SMS Blocker:

1. Download and install the application from Google Play.
2. Launch and provide the necessary permissions.
3. Go to the section Black list → Add number.
4. Specify a number or range of numbers (for example, +79xxxxxxxxx).
5. Enable the option Delete automaticallyso that messages are not saved.

6. Disabling SMS from the operator (the most reliable method)

If none of the methods helped, it remains disable the SMS service from the operator. This is guaranteed to stop receiving messages, but has disadvantages:

• ❌ You will not be able to receive any SMS, including bank notifications.
• 📵 Some services (for example, Government Services) require confirmation via SMS.
• 🔄 To return the SMS, you will have to contact support again.

How to disable:

1. Call the operator's hotline:
   • MTS: 0890
   • Beeline: 0611
   • MegaFon: 0500
   • Tele2: 611

Tell the operator: "Disable the service for receiving incoming SMS".

Confirm the action via SMS or voice (depending on the operator).

⚠️ Attention: Some operators may charge a fee for reconnecting SMS (for example, MegaFon takes ~50 rubles). Check the conditions before disconnecting.

7. Alternative solutions: transferring notifications to instant messengers

If you only need important SMS (for example, from a bank), but do not want to receive spam, consider transferring notifications to instant messengers. Many banks and services support sending confirmation codes through:

• 💬 Telegrambots (for example, @BankNameBot).
• 📧 Email (set up forwarding of important emails).
• 🔔 Push notifications in mobile application (for example, SberBank Online).

How to set up:

1. Open the bank/service application.
2. Go to Security settings or Notifications.
3. Select a method for receiving codes: Push, Email or Messenger.
4. Confirm the change (entering may be required password).

🔹 Pros: You will get rid of SMS spam, but will not lose access to important notifications. Cons: Not all services support alternative channels (for example, Government services require SMS).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I turn off SMS only at night?

Yes, applications like Blacklist or SMS Scheduler. They allow you to set a blocking schedule (for example, from 23:00 to 8:00). Also, some shells (for example, MIUI na Xiaomi) have a built-in “Sleep Mode”, which can limit notifications, including SMS.

Why do SMS still come after blocking a number?

Probable reasons:

• 📱 The number is blocked not in the standard SMS application, but in another (for example, in Truecaller).
• 🔄 Messages arrive via iMessage (if you had iPhone and the account is not unlinked).
• 📡 The operator ignores the blocking (relevant for service messages).

Solution: check the settings in all SMS applications and contact operator support.

How to return accidentally deleted SMS?

If messages have been deleted from the Spam folder or standard storage, you can restore them:

• 🔍 Via backup Google Drive (if automatic saving of SMS is enabled Path: Settings → Google → Backup). copying.
• 📱 Using applications like SMS Backup & Restore (if you made a manual backup).
• 💻 Through a PC and apps like Dr.Fone (requires root access).

⚠️ Without a backup, the chances are minimal - SMS are stored in the internal memory and deleted irrevocably.

Will SMS blocking work on two SIM cards?

Yes, but the settings will have to be configured separately for each SIM. In most smartphones (for example Samsung Galaxy or Xiaomi Redmi) you can:

1. Open Messages → Settings.
2. Select a SIM card in top menu (if the option is available).
3. Configure blocking or filtering for each card separately.

🔹 On some devices (for example, Realme) the blocking applies to all SIMs simultaneously.

Is it possible to disable SMS only from banks?

No, bank SMS come from short numbers (for example, 900 for SberBank), which usually cannot be blocked through standard settings. Alternatives:

• 📵 Disable notifications from the bank in its mobile application (section Settings → Notifications).
• 📧 Go to email or push notifications (if the bank supports).
• 📞 Call the bank's support and ask to disable SMS messaging (not always possible for transactional messages).