Updated October 27, 2026: These steps are based on the linked manufacturer support pages and reputable explanatory coverage. Menu names can vary by device, software version and region.
What to do
- On iPhone with iOS 26, open Messages, tap Filter, choose Spam, open the message and tap Not Spam, then move it to the Inbox if it was misclassified.
- Apple says spam filtering is on by default in iOS 26 and blocks replying or opening links until a message is moved back to the Inbox.
- In Google Messages, spam reports can be removed from the app’s spam controls; reported RCS messages carry identifying IDs, while Google says message content is not shared with it.
- Review the sender and context before recovering a message. Moving a real scam back to the Inbox can make it easier to tap a malicious link or continue an unwanted conversation.
Before you finish
Do not treat a single privacy or recovery feature as a complete backup or security plan. Check that the setting actually took effect, keep important files backed up separately, and avoid opening links or changing account access when the source is uncertain.
For related steps, read Honest Fred’s text-message scam guide. That guide covers the surrounding workflow without assuming every device has the same menu layout.
