If you are missing important text messages, they may have been filtered automatically by your mobile
carrier or device operating system. Use this step-by-step guide to locate, restore, and clear the
sender for future messages.
The article covers the following topics:
- For iPhone Users (iOS)
- For Android Users (Google Messages / Pixel Devices)
- For Samsung Users (Samsung Messages App)
For iPhone Users (iOS)
How to Check for Filtered Messages
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap Filters in the top-right corner. (Note: If you are already inside a conversation thread, tap the Back (<) arrow on the top-left until you reach the main conversation list layout, then select Filters).
- Tap on Junk or Unknown Senders.
How to restore the Message
- Tap the text message conversation you wish to recover.
- Look at the bottom of the conversation window and tap the Report as Not Junk (or Not Junk) link.
- Confirm by tapping Move to Inbox. This instantly relocates the text history and fully enables any built-in web links or media.
How to set the sender as trusted
- While viewing the restored message, tap the sender's phone number or profile icon centered at the top of the chat window.
- Tap the info (i) icon.
- Select Create New Contact (or add to an existing contact) and input the business name.
- Tap Done to save. Saving this record to your local directory permanently prevents iOS from auto-filtering
future texts.
For Android Users (Google Messages / Pixel Devices)
Standard layout across Google Pixel 6a, Motorola, and modern Android builds.
How to Check for Filtered Messages
- Open the Google Messages app.
- Tap your Profile Picture or initials in the top-right corner.
- Select Spam & blocked from the drop-down menu.
How to Restore the Message
- Open the specific text message conversation.
- Look for the Google Spam Protection banner at the top of the chat window.
- Tap "Report as safe" directly within that notification box. (Alternatively, you can tap the Not spam or Unblock button on the top header layout). The conversation will instantly move back into your primary chat list.
How to Set the Sender as Trusted
- Inside the restored chat thread, tap the three vertical dots menu in the top-right corner.
- Select Details, then choose Add to Contacts.
- Confirm and save the business name to ensure long-term message delivery.
For Samsung Users (Samsung Messages App)
Specific to Galaxy devices utilizing Samsung's default proprietary messaging application.
How to Check for Filtered Messages
- Open the default Samsung Messages app.
- Tap the three vertical dots icon (More Options) sitting adjacent to the magnifying glass search utility.
- Navigate to Settings > Block numbers and messages > Blocked messages.
How to Restore the Message
- Tap the Edit option positioned at the top of the window.
- Tick the check box next to the specific text history you want to retrieve.
- Tap the Restore button located on the bottom toolbar to relocate it to your main messaging view.
How to Set the Sender as Trusted
- Return to the Block numbers and messages settings page.
- Select Block numbers.
- Find the target number in your restricted list and tap the red minus (-) sign to clear the restriction.
- Open your Contacts app and add this phone number as a known record to guarantee delivery clearance.