My SMS messages are being filtered

Sorry you’re dealing with that. SMS filtering can happen for a few different reasons—carrier spam filtering, device settings, blocked numbers, or your messaging app.

Here are the fastest things to check:

1. Blocked numbers / spam block list

   • On your phone, open the messaging app and check Blocked contacts / Spam & blocked.
   • Make sure the sender isn’t blocked.

2. Spam/junk folder in the Messages app

   • Some phones hide suspected spam messages in a separate folder.
   • Look for Spam, Junk, or Filtered messages.

3. Carrier spam protection

   • Your mobile carrier may be filtering messages before they reach you.
   • Check your carrier app/account for features like Spam protection, Call & message filter, or short code blocking.

4. Phone settings

   • Make sure Do Not Disturb, Focus mode, or message notification filters aren’t hiding alerts.
   • If messages are from unknown senders, some phones route them differently.

5. Third-party SMS apps

   • If you use a messaging app like Truecaller, Google Messages filters, or a security app, temporarily disable it and test again.

6. Contact the sender

   • Ask them to try:
     • Sending from a different number
     • Removing links/keywords that may trigger filters
     • Using a normal 10-digit number instead of a short code

7. Restart and update

   • Restart your phone and update the messaging app and OS.

If you want, I can help you troubleshoot based on your phone type:

• iPhone
• Android
• Carrier issue
• Business/short code messages