# Report Junk In Messages on iPhone: How It Works URL: https://byshahid.com/blog/report-junk-in-messages-iphone/ App: Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322) Author: Muhammad Shahid Updated: 2026-11-04 > The built-in iOS way to report a scam text without forwarding it. When a message arrives from a number that is not in your contacts, iOS shows a Report Junk link under the conversation. Tapping it sends the message and the sender's number to Apple and to your carrier, then deletes the thread. - **What it does:** The built-in iOS way to report a scam text without forwarding it. - **Published for:** any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular - **Type:** iOS setting The built-in iOS way to report a scam text without forwarding it. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to. I build **Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier**, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, [get Secret Codes on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322). ## What is Report Junk In Messages? When a message arrives from a number that is not in your contacts, iOS shows a Report Junk link under the conversation. Tapping it sends the message and the sender's number to Apple and to your carrier, then deletes the thread. Both Verizon and T-Mobile document this as an accepted alternative to forwarding to 7726 — Verizon explicitly says reporting as junk and forwarding to 7726 both route to its security team. T-Mobile notes the in-Messages report option is available on iPhones running iOS 16 or later, and tells owners of older iPhones to forward to 7726 instead. The catch is that the link only appears for unknown senders. If the number is saved in your contacts, or you have already replied to the thread, you will not see Report Junk and you have to forward the message to 7726 by hand. ## How do I do it? - Open the Messages app and open the thread, taking care not to tap any link. - Scroll to the bottom of the conversation. - Tap Report Junk. - Tap Delete and Report Junk to confirm. ## Which carriers does this apply to? | Published for | any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular | | Type | iOS setting | | Good to know | iOS 16 or later. The Report Junk link only appears for senders who are not in your contacts and threads you have not replied to. | _Screenshot: The Secret Codes detail screen shows the steps, the carriers and an Open in Phone button._ ## Related security and scam reporting - [Report A Spam Text To 7726](/blog/report-a-spam-text-to-7726-iphone/) - [Text STOP To Unsubscribe](/blog/text-stop-to-unsubscribe-iphone/) - [Text HELP For Program Details](/blog/text-help-for-program-details-iphone/) - [Verizon Number Lock](/blog/verizon-number-lock-iphone/) - [Verizon SIM Protection](/blog/verizon-sim-protection-iphone/) - [T-Mobile Port Out Protection](/blog/t-mobile-port-out-protection-iphone/) See all [security and scam reporting](/blog/iphone-codes/security-and-scams/) or [every category of iPhone codes](/blog/iphone-codes/). ## How Secret Codes helps Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line. **Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier** is free on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322 ## FAQ ### What is Report Junk In Messages on iPhone? The built-in iOS way to report a scam text without forwarding it. When a message arrives from a number that is not in your contacts, iOS shows a Report Junk link under the conversation. ### What else should I know about Report Junk In Messages? Tapping it sends the message and the sender's number to Apple and to your carrier, then deletes the thread. Both Verizon and T-Mobile document this as an accepted alternative to forwarding to 7726 — Verizon explicitly says reporting as junk and forwarding to 7726 both route to its security team. ### What are the steps for Report Junk In Messages? 1. Open the Messages app and open the thread, taking care not to tap any link. 2. Scroll to the bottom of the conversation. 3. Tap Report Junk. 4. Tap Delete and Report Junk to confirm. ### Where do I find Report Junk In Messages? In the Messages app. ### Is there a dial code for Report Junk In Messages? No keypad code is listed for it. The way to do it is: Text. ### Which carriers does Report Junk In Messages work on? It is published for any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular. iOS 16 or later. The Report Junk link only appears for senders who are not in your contacts and threads you have not replied to. ### Does Report Junk In Messages work on Android phones too? These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus. ### Will Report Junk In Messages work outside the US? The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region. ### What if Report Junk In Messages does not work on my iPhone? Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier. ### What is related to Report Junk In Messages? Report A Spam Text To 7726. Forward a scam text to SPAM on any US carrier. ### What else is in this category? Text STOP To Unsubscribe. The industry-standard opt-out word for marketing texts. ### Can I find Report Junk In Messages in an app? Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details. ## Sources - [FTC: ReportFraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [National Do Not Call Registry](https://www.donotcall.gov/) - [FCC: Stop unwanted robocalls and texts](https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts)