To block notifications from unknown senders on your iPhone running iOS 17, simply go to Settings > Messages and toggle on the feature labeled “Filter Unknown Senders”. This action will sort messages from people who are not in your contacts into a separate list. As a result, you won’t receive notifications for these messages, and they won’t clutter your main message list.
After you complete this action, messages from unknown senders will be redirected to a separate tab in your Messages app. You won’t receive any notifications when these messages arrive, and your main message list will remain focused on conversations with known contacts.
You can also check out this video about how to block notifications from unknown senders on iPhone for more on this subject.
Introduction
In the digital age, our smartphones are more than just communication devices; they’re an extension of our personal space. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that unsolicited messages can be as intrusive as uninvited guests. This is where iOS 17 steps in with a nifty feature to help iPhone users maintain their digital peace.
Blocking notifications from unknown senders is essential for maintaining privacy, reducing distractions, and avoiding potential scams or spam. This feature is particularly relevant for individuals who use their iPhones for business, as it allows them to separate work-related communications from potential spam. It’s also a godsend for anyone who’s ever given out their number and regretted it afterward. With iOS 17’s ability to block notifications from unknown senders, users can take back control of their message inbox and their peace of mind.
Related: How to Block a Contact on iPhone 14: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Block Notifications from Unknown Senders in iOS 17
This section outlines the steps you’ll need to take to block notifications from unknown senders using iOS 17 on your iPhone.
Step 1
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
This step is where it all begins, as the Settings app is the control center for tweaking features on your iPhone.
Step 2
Scroll down and tap on Messages.
The Messages section is where you can manage all the settings related to your text messages.
Step 3
Toggle on the option labeled “Filter Unknown Senders.”
This action activates the feature that filters messages from unknown senders, ensuring they don’t interrupt your day with notifications.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Privacy | By blocking notifications from unknown senders, your privacy is significantly improved. You won’t have strangers popping into your notifications uninvited. |
| Reduced Distractions | This feature helps to minimize distractions by ensuring that you only receive notifications from known contacts. It’s a great way to stay focused, especially during work hours or personal time. |
| Protection Against Spam and Scams | With this feature activated, you’re less likely to fall victim to spam messages or potential scams that often come from unknown numbers. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Potential Missed Legitimate Messages | There’s a small chance that you might miss messages from new contacts or important messages sent from numbers not yet saved in your contacts. |
| Manual Checking Required | You’ll need to manually check the ‘Unknown Senders’ tab for messages, which could be inconvenient for some users. |
| Not Foolproof | While it filters most unknown senders, some automated messages or spammers might still slip through if they use tactics like spoofing numbers. |
Video About Blocking Notifications
Additional Information
When using the feature to block notifications from unknown senders, it’s important to remember that it might require a bit more effort to stay on top of your messages. You’ll need to periodically check the ‘Unknown Senders’ tab in your Messages app to ensure you’re not missing out on anything important. Additionally, if you’re someone who frequently gets new contacts, you might want to make a habit of adding them to your phone book promptly.
Moreover, keep in mind that this feature only works for iMessage and SMS texts. Calls from unknown numbers will still come through unless you have also turned on Silence Unknown Callers in your phone settings. Remember, staying vigilant and proactive about your digital privacy is always a good practice, and iOS 17 helps you do just that.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Tap on Messages.
- Toggle on “Filter Unknown Senders”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blocking notifications from unknown senders also block their messages?
No, it will not block their messages entirely. It simply filters their messages into a separate list and prevents notifications from popping up.
Can I still see messages from unknown senders if I activate this feature?
Yes, you can. They will be available in a separate tab labeled “Unknown Senders” within your Messages app.
Does this feature also block calls from unknown numbers?
No, this feature specifically targets messages. To block calls from unknown numbers, you need to activate the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature.
What if I want to receive notifications from a particular unknown sender?
In that case, you need to add the sender’s number to your contacts. Once they are in your contacts, you will receive notifications as usual.
How do I know if I have received a message from an unknown sender?
You’ll need to manually check the ‘Unknown Senders’ tab within your Messages app to see if there are any new messages.
Conclusion
Managing your digital space is crucial, and with iOS 17, you have the power to control who gets to nudge you with a notification. Blocking notifications from unknown senders on your iPhone is a simple yet effective way to maintain your digital tranquility. Whether it’s to avoid distractions, protect your privacy, or keep spam at bay, this feature is a testament to the thoughtful design of iOS 17 aimed at improving user experience.
Don’t forget to occasionally check in on those filtered messages, though—you wouldn’t want to miss something important. Happy messaging, or shall we say, happy not-messaging from unknown senders!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.