Secret Codes guide
Screen Unknown Senders In Messages on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid · · 4 min read
Quick answer
Move texts from people you do not know into their own filtered list. Screen Unknown Senders takes messages from numbers and addresses that are not in your contacts out of the main conversation list and puts them in an Unknown Senders filter, without notifying you unless you ask. The control moved into the Messages app itself.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| What it does | Move texts from people you do not know into their own filtered list. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone |
| Type | iOS setting |
Move texts from people you do not know into their own filtered list. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
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What is Screen Unknown Senders In Messages?
Screen Unknown Senders takes messages from numbers and addresses that are not in your contacts out of the main conversation list and puts them in an Unknown Senders filter, without notifying you unless you ask.
The control moved into the Messages app itself. Tap the filter button at the top right of the conversation list, tap Manage Filtering, then turn on Screen Unknown Senders. Tap Allow Notifications underneath to let through categories you care about, such as time sensitive texts like verification codes.
A separate Text Message Filter on the same screen sorts unknown sender texts into Transactions and Promotions folders. Filtering deliberately stops applying to anyone you have replied to three or more times, so a real contact you talk to will not stay hidden.
How do I do it?
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap the filter button at the top right of the conversation list.
- Tap Manage Filtering, then turn on Screen Unknown Senders.
- Tap Allow Notifications and choose which categories may still notify you.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | iOS 26 for the Manage Filtering flow described here. On iOS 17 and 18 the equivalent switch is Settings, Messages, Filter Unknown Senders. Category options vary by country. |
Related iphone phone and message settings
- Send As Text Message Fallback
- Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone
- MMS Messaging Toggle
- Per-App Cellular Data Switches
- End-To-End Encrypted RCS
- System Services Data And Reset Statistics
See all iphone phone and message settings or every category of iPhone codes.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Screen Unknown Senders In Messages on iPhone?
Move texts from people you do not know into their own filtered list. Screen Unknown Senders takes messages from numbers and addresses that are not in your contacts out of the main conversation list and puts them in an Unknown Senders filter, without notifying you unless you ask.
What else should I know about Screen Unknown Senders In Messages?
The control moved into the Messages app itself. Tap the filter button at the top right of the conversation list, tap Manage Filtering, then turn on Screen Unknown Senders. Tap Allow Notifications underneath to let through categories you care about, such as time sensitive texts like verification codes.
What are the steps for Screen Unknown Senders In Messages?
1. Open the Messages app. 2. Tap the filter button at the top right of the conversation list. 3. Tap Manage Filtering, then turn on Screen Unknown Senders. 4. Tap Allow Notifications and choose which categories may still notify you.
Where do I find Screen Unknown Senders In Messages?
On your iPhone, following the steps on this page.
Is there a dial code for Screen Unknown Senders In Messages?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Screen Unknown Senders In Messages work on?
It is published for any iPhone. iOS 26 for the Manage Filtering flow described here. On iOS 17 and 18 the equivalent switch is Settings, Messages, Filter Unknown Senders. Category options vary by country.
Does Screen Unknown Senders In Messages work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Screen Unknown Senders In Messages work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Screen Unknown Senders 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 Screen Unknown Senders In Messages?
Send As Text Message Fallback. Let a stuck iMessage retry as an ordinary text instead of failing.
What else is in this category?
Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone. Stop texts vanishing into iMessage when you move to a non-Apple phone.
Can I find Screen Unknown Senders In Messages in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.
Sources
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