Apple’s iMessage service is the default messaging system for anyone using macOS or iOS, so if you use one of these systems then you likely have an iCloud account active and ready to receive messages. Unfortunately, at times and especially if you have a popular iCloud user name, you may receive spam texts and other messages through your iCloud account.
Any spam can be frustrating, but if you receive bothersome messages through iMessage, they will display in Apple’s notification center, and sound your new message alerts, or even cause programs like Messages or FaceTime to launch.
If you are receiving spam in iMessage, then there are several ways to manage it.
Add to blocked list
The first option is to add the spammer to iMessage’s blocked user list, which will prevent you from receiving any communication from that user:
- Go to the Messages preferences
- Click the “Accounts” section
- Select your iCloud account
- Click the “Blocked” tab
- Click the plus button, and select a contact to block
Do not disturb
If you do not wish to block people, but instead only prevent from being bothered for a short time, then your best bet is to use Notification Center’s Do Not Disturb feature. To do this, simply click the Notification Center menu extra (to the right of the Spotlight menu), and then scroll up to reveal the “Do Not Disturb” toggle. Click this toggle to prevent any notices from coming through.
Report the spammer
Apple has recognized the problem with spamming in iOS, and has a service you can use to report spammers and have their accounts blocked:
- Take a screen shot of the spam message you received.
- Note the date and time the message was received, and the spammer’s e-mail and phone number.
- E-mail this information to “[email protected].”