Block them.
Disengage contact by blocking their number. Defuse the situation by hitting that block button. They’ve crossed a line and you have the right to do something about it! With a push of a button, you can make their constant messages go away. This is a great way to handle the situation without coming across as rude as they won’t know you blocked them. Blocking them will work differently depending on what type of phone you have. Check out our articles on how to block a number on Apple and Android devices. If you’re not able to block numbers directly on your phone, try using a third-party number-blocking app like Mr. Number instead.
Ignore them.
If you keep ignoring them, hopefully they’ll get the hint. You’re sending a message of your own by being silent. They are most likely looking for a reaction, hoping you answer their constant messages. Your silence can help them realize that texting you a thousand times a day won’t get them anywhere. If you’re worried ignoring their texts will make you seem rude, come up with an excuse. We’ve all lost our phones more than we’d like to admit. Pretend you lost your phone the days they were texting you and that’s why you couldn’t respond. Using a specific ringtone helps you know when to ignore a text. In your phone’s settings or the individual’s contact, you can set a special ringtone for whenever they text you. When you hear the ringtone, you can decide if you want to answer the text or ignore it.
Tell them you’re busy.
A text back explaining your schedule could stop their messages. Maybe you’re behind at work or are in the process of moving. No matter the situation, you may just be too busy to answer their texts. Set personal boundaries, and when they start blowing up your phone, send them one of these replies: “Hey, I really can’t text right now because I’m super busy and can’t be distracted, but I’ll hit you up later!” “Silencing my phone for a bit because I really need to focus, I’ll call you later.”
Make an excuse.
Think of a reason why you wouldn’t be able to answer a text. Were you working? Did your phone die? We all fib every once and awhile, and fabricating an excuse for why you can’t reply may save you from sounding rude. When coming up with an excuse, think of something that fits the situation. Here are some excuses you can make: “You know my family is really protective, and they’re starting to get angry that you’re texting me.” “I want to talk, but my phone is running out of data and I don’t have the storage. I’ll reach out when I can!” “My boss asked me not to be on my phone at work again. I’ll text you back when I’m off. My schedule has been all over the place lately.”
Reply with an error message.
A fake error message will make them think your number is no longer in service. Service errors are real, but sometimes you may need to pretend you have one to get them to stop texting you. Type up the fake error message like any other text, but use this message: “SMS: SERVICE ERROR 305: Message delivery failed. Further messages will be charged to your account.” If they respond, either keep replying with the fake error message or ignore them.
Confront them.
Make it clear that you want them to stop texting you. How you confront them will all depend on who’s texting you. Is it an admirer, friend, or family member? You want to explain to them that you want them to stop without leaving room for misinterpretation. Here are some texts you can send depending on who keeps texting you: When a pushy admirer won’t stop texting you: “I’m flattered that you want to text me every day, but please stop as I don’t have time for a relationship right now” or “STOP CONTACTING ME.” When a friend won’t stop texting you: “I like talking to you, but you’re texting me a bit too much” or “I’m really busy right now and don’t have time to answer your texts, so please stop texting me every day.” When a family member won’t stop texting you: “I need to ask you to stop texting me so much. I have a lot going on, and all the texts are overwhelming” or “Please stop texting me. I will contact you when I have time.” When an adamant ex won’t stop texting you: “I need to have my own space right now, so please stop texting me” or “You’ve been reaching out a lot and it’s confusing me. Please respect my boundaries and stop texting me.”
Change your number if you’re being harassed.
Blocking their phone number might not be enough if they continue to text you from new numbers. Cutting off all ties with them is a big step, especially when it involves changing your number, but it may be necessary if they won’t stop bothering you. You can change your number through your phone carrier without having to get a new phone. For a step-by-step guide on how to change your phone number if you use Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, or T-Mobile, check out our article How to Change Your Number.
Contact the police if you feel unsafe.
Your safety is the number one priority. If the text messages become threatening, go to the police. No one should be treating you this way, especially when you’ve asked them to stop. It’s time to take lawful action to protect yourself. Go to your local precinct and file a police report. A protection order can be placed to keep you safe. When you file a report, an investigation will start. The police will investigate if the texter has committed crimes of harassment, abuse, or stalking. Document the harassment by taking screenshots of the text messages. Filing a report is a great first step, and having evidence to back it up is even better. Save everything—even what you think won’t be important. One text message could mean the difference between your harasser getting away with the abuse and being lawfully punished. Protection orders can restrict and stop communication from a harasser. After filing a protection order, the harasser won’t be able to contact you without facing criminal charges.
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