How does HiFi show messages from unknown numbers?
HiFi marks messages from numbers that aren’t in your contacts, so you can tell them apart from messages from people you know. This helps you decide whether to reply.
To see only these conversations, tap the Unknown numbers filter at the top of the Messages tab. The filter shows how many unread messages it contains.
When you open a conversation with an unknown number, a bar at the top reads First interaction with followed by the phone number. The bar offers three choices: Add, Block, and Report.
HiFi recognizes senders using the contacts you’ve allowed it to access. If you gave HiFi access to only some contacts, people you haven’t shared may show up as unknown.
How do I save an unknown sender as a contact?
Tap Add on the First interaction with bar. HiFi opens your phone’s contact editor with the number filled in. Add a name, then save the contact.
The contact is saved to your phone’s Contacts app. From then on, HiFi shows the contact’s name in your messages and Call Activity, and the conversation moves from Unknown numbers to Your contacts.
How do I block an unknown sender?
Tap Block on the First interaction with bar. HiFi shows You blocked followed by the number.
Blocked numbers go on your Block list. You can review or unblock them in Account & settings > Manage blocked numbers. For details, see “Manage your blocked numbers”.
How do I report a text as spam?
Tap Report on the First interaction with bar, then choose one option:
Report only: HiFi sends the report, and the number can still text and call you.
Report and block: HiFi sends the report and adds the number to your Block list.
Reports help Hiya improve spam detection. You can add optional details about the spam before you send the report.
If HiFi shows “Report sent, but blocking the caller failed…”, your report went through but the block didn’t. Block the number again from the conversation or from Account & settings > Manage blocked numbers.
Should I reply to a text from an unknown number?
Reply only if you recognize the sender or expect the message. Be careful with texts that push you to act fast, ask you to tap a link, or ask for codes, passwords, or payment. Scam texts often use these tactics.
If a message looks suspicious:
Don’t tap any links, and don’t reply.
Tap Report on the First interaction with bar.
Choose to report and block the number.
Delete the conversation if you don’t want to keep it.
Related articles
“Report spam and block a caller”
“Manage your blocked numbers”
“Filter, search, and manage conversations”
“Give HiFi access to your contacts”