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With the release of iOS 26, iPhones have received a new call and message filtering system designed to block spam and hide texts from unknown senders by moving them into separate folders.
Here’s how the new filtering system in iOS 26 works and how to enable it.
How message filtering works in iOS 26
The system automatically sorts incoming SMS and iMessage texts. Messages from unfamiliar numbers or suspicious content are redirected to a dedicated tab, preventing unnecessary notifications. Users can check these folders at any time to ensure they don’t miss anything important.
Apple notes that the device uses built-in spam detection algorithms, and such unwanted messages are automatically deleted after 90 days.
How to enable spam and unknown sender filtering
For many users, the feature activates automatically after updating to iOS 26. However, you can also turn it on manually:
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps
- Select Messages
In the “Unknown Senders” section, enable both Unknown Senders and Spam options
The first feature filters all messages from unsaved or new contacts. The second one blocks potential spam using iPhone’s internal filters.
Where to find filtered messages
To view filtered messages:
- Open the Messages app
- Tap the filter icon (a small inverted triangle) in the top-right corner
You’ll see separate tabs for:
Unknown Senders
Service and banking messages (transactions)
Spam
If a message is mistakenly marked as spam, press and hold it, then select “Remove from Spam.”
To move a chat from “Unknown Senders” to your main inbox, open it and tap “Mark as Known.” iPhone will then suggest adding the number to your contacts.
How effective the filter is
According to user feedback, the new filtering system in iOS 26 performs with high accuracy and rarely misclassifies messages. Still, it’s a good idea to check the filtered folders occasionally to make sure no important text has been missed.
