The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
In iOS 26, open Messages, tap Filters above the conversation list, then tap Unknown Senders. If the option is missing, enable Screen Unknown Senders in Messages’ filtering controls or Settings.
Open Unknown Senders in Messages
- Open the Messages app.
- On the conversation list, tap Filters.
- Tap Unknown Senders. A badge appears on the filter when new messages are waiting there.
These steps reflect Apple’s iOS 26 instructions. Labels and screen layouts can vary with software version and localization.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $552.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $398.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.00 | Buy on Amazon |
If Unknown Senders is not listed
The filter may be turned off. In iOS 26, Screen Unknown Senders is off by default unless it was already enabled as Filter Unknown Senders in iOS 18; Apple says that earlier setting remains on after upgrading.
- In Messages, tap Filters, then Manage Filtering.
- Scroll to Unknown Senders and turn on Screen Unknown Senders.
You can also open Settings > Apps > Messages > Unknown Senders and enable Screen Unknown Senders. Once enabled, return to Messages and look under Filters.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What goes into Unknown Senders
Apple describes unknown senders as people you have not previously interacted with in Messages or who are not in your contacts. A message being filed there does not necessarily mean it is spam; check the conversation before deciding whether to respond.
Notification behavior depends on country or region. Apple says that, when notifications are allowed for unknown senders, a message can appear in the conversation list for eight hours before appearing in Unknown Senders. In the United States, Brazil, and India, notification choices are available at Settings > Apps > Messages > Unknown Senders > Allow Notifications, with categories including Time Sensitive, Personal, Transactions, and Promotions. Because these settings are regional, a missing alert does not prove that no message is in the filter.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Move a wanted sender out of the filter
Open the conversation from Unknown Senders and tap Mark as Known. Adding the sender to Contacts is another documented way to have their messages treated as known. Simply replying does not mark the sender as known or move the conversation to the main conversation list, as Apple Support explains.
Unknown Senders is not the Transactions or Promotions filter
Apple’s iPhone User Guide separately describes filtering SMS, MMS, and RCS texts into Transactions and Promotions, including the option to use third-party filtering extensions. Those categories are distinct from the Unknown Senders filter; changing one does not mean you have opened the other. See Apple’s message filtering guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
