Block RCS Message Ads in Google Messages and Samsung

Promotional texts can arrive as RCS chats or ordinary SMS, and the right way to stop them depends on who sent them. Use Google Messages or Samsung Messages to block a specific sender, report unwanted messages, and check whether your phone supports RCS; blocking a sender does not turn off every kind of advertising.

What You’ll Need

• An Android phone with Google Messages or Samsung Messages installed.
• The unwanted conversation in your inbox. Keep the message available if you want to report it.
• An internet connection for RCS features and reporting. Menu wording can vary by phone and app version.

Step-by-Step

1. Identify the type of message. Open the conversation and check whether it is a personal or business chat, an SMS/MMS thread, or an RCS chat. RCS messages generally appear in a conversation with chat features; the composer may say “RCS message” or “Text message.” Either way, blocking the sender is the practical way to stop further messages from that number or account. RCS is a messaging method, not an advertising category, so not every RCS message is an ad.
2. Block and report in Google Messages. Open Google Messages and tap the conversation. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, then choose Details or Group details if shown. Tap Block & report spam (on some versions, the option appears directly in the menu). Review the prompt and confirm. If you see a checkbox to report spam, leave it selected when the message is unwanted or deceptive; reporting helps classify the sender, while blocking prevents further messages from that conversation.
3. Use the conversation list shortcut in Google Messages if available. From the inbox, press and hold the unwanted conversation, then tap the block or spam icon if it appears. Confirm the choice. The icon and available actions can differ between versions, so use the conversation’s menu if you cannot identify the correct control. Do not block a legitimate contact just because a message looks promotional; verify the sender first.
4. Block a sender in Samsung Messages. Open Samsung Messages and select the unwanted conversation. Tap the three-dot menu and look for Block number or Block contact. Confirm the prompt. On some Samsung phones, you can also press and hold the conversation in the list and choose Block. Samsung’s menus differ across devices and software versions; if the option is absent, check Settings in Messages for a section named Block numbers and spam or similar.
5. Check Samsung’s spam controls. In Samsung Messages, open the three-dot menu and select Settings. Look for Block numbers and spam, Caller ID and spam protection, or a similarly named control. Turn on the built-in spam protection if it is available and you want messages identified as likely spam. These filters can help flag suspicious texts, but they may not catch every promotion and can occasionally misidentify a message.
6. Check which app handles your texts. Android generally uses one default SMS app at a time. If you follow steps in Samsung Messages but your messages open in Google Messages (or the reverse), open the app you actually use for the conversation. To check, go to your phone’s Settings, search for Default SMS app, and review the selected app. Changing the default is not required just to block a sender.
7. Review blocked senders if you need to undo a block. In Google Messages, tap your profile picture or initials, then open Spam & blocked and find the conversation or number. Use the menu to unblock it if the option is available. In Samsung Messages, check Settings for the blocked-numbers list. Menu labels may vary. Unblocking allows future messages but does not restore messages that were deleted.
8. Opt out of legitimate marketing separately. For a real business you recognize, follow its stated unsubscribe instructions, such as replying STOP, only when you trust the sender and the message clearly offers that option. For suspicious or unexpected texts, do not reply, tap links, or share personal information; block and report instead. Blocking in your messaging app does not cancel a subscription or remove your number from a company’s marketing list.

Common Mistakes

• Expecting one setting to block all ads. Blocking works by sender or conversation. Other companies and numbers can still message you, and legitimate business messages may use different sending numbers.
• Confusing spam reporting with unsubscribing. A report flags a message to the service; it does not necessarily remove you from a business’s mailing list. Use a trusted sender’s opt-out process when appropriate.
• Replying to suspicious texts. A reply can confirm that your number is active. Avoid responding to unknown senders, and do not open links or attachments from unexpected messages.
• Blocking the wrong thread. Group conversations and one-to-one chats have different details. Check the sender or group members before confirming, especially if the thread includes people you know.
• Assuming RCS can be disabled to stop ads. Turning off chat features changes how compatible messages are sent; it does not stop a sender from contacting you by SMS or another route.

Tips

• Use Block & report spam for unwanted or suspicious messages in Google Messages. In Samsung Messages, use the block action and the available spam controls.
• Keep the app updated through the Play Store or Galaxy Store so its menus and spam protections are current.
• If the same promotion comes from different numbers, block and report each unwanted conversation. Avoid replying to all of them.
• For a business you recognize, use its official website or app to manage marketing preferences rather than following a link in a questionable text.

Troubleshooting

You cannot find the block option: Open the conversation, then its three-dot menu or details page. Check that you are in the messaging app that handles the thread. Search Settings for “block” if the menu labels differ.

Messages continue after blocking: Confirm you blocked the correct number or conversation. A sender may use multiple numbers, a short code, or a different account, so block and report each new thread. Blocking one sender cannot prevent unrelated senders from contacting you.

The message appears on another device: Check the messaging app and blocked list on that device as well. App synchronization and blocking behavior can differ between devices, accounts, and manufacturers.

A legitimate message was marked as spam: Open the spam or blocked folder and look for an option to mark it as not spam or unblock the sender. Then add the sender to contacts if appropriate. Review the conversation carefully before restoring it.

You still receive marketing after opting out: Allow time for a legitimate opt-out request to take effect, and check the business’s official preference settings. If messages appear fraudulent, do not engage; block and report them instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does blocking an RCS sender also block their SMS messages?
Blocking normally applies to the sender or number in your messaging app, but behavior can vary by app and device. If the same sender starts a new thread or uses another number, block that thread too.

Can I block all RCS advertisements at once?
There is no general switch that reliably blocks every promotional RCS message. Block individual senders and use the spam controls available in your messaging app.

Will turning off RCS stop advertising texts?
No. A sender may still reach you through SMS or another messaging route. Turn off chat features only if you want to change RCS behavior, not as an ad-blocking fix.

Should I report every promotional message as spam?
Report messages that are unwanted, suspicious, or deceptive. For a business you recognize and want to stop hearing from, use its trusted opt-out method when offered.

Does blocking delete the conversation?
That depends on the app and the option you choose. Read the confirmation prompt; some versions may move the thread to spam or remove it from the inbox. A blocked-senders list can usually be reviewed later.

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