Frequently Asked Questions

Which messages cannot be filtered?

Apple decides when SMS classification is allowed. ifText must follow those rules, which means a message will always bypass filtering if any of the following is true:

  • The sender is saved in your Contacts app.
  • You have sent three or more replies to that number.
  • The conversation is an iMessage thread. Apple does not allow iMessage filtering.

If a number appears under Known Senders, Apple considers it trusted and no filter can override that.

What if I already replied more than three times?

Once Apple counts three outgoing messages, the thread is marked as trusted. To recover filtering:

  1. Delete the conversation from the Messages app.
  2. Scroll to the recently deleted area and permanently clear it.
  3. Wait for the next message from that sender — it can be filtered again.

You will not lose new filtering for other senders; this only affects the specific number you replied to.

Does filtering only apply to new messages?

Yes. Apple grants filter extensions access only to incoming messages received after the extension is enabled. Historic conversations remain unchanged.

How do I silence notifications for certain categories?

On your iPhone:

  1. Open Settings → Notifications → Messages.
  2. Select Customize Notifications.
  3. Toggle whether Unknown Senders, Transactions, or Promotions should alert you.

You can change these preferences any time without disabling ifText.

Will my iPad still repeat SMS alerts?

Install ifText on the iPad and enable filtering exactly as you did on the iPhone. Beginning with iPadOS 17, Apple removed repeated junk notifications once filtering is active.

Can macOS filter SMS the same way?

Not yet. macOS does not provide a filter extension interface, so SMS forwarded to Messages on Mac will appear unfiltered. You can still block individual senders from the Mac app or rely on your phone to separate them.

Why do only verification codes notify me until I change settings?

Apple’s default notification logic allows alerts from verification codes only. To receive banners for other categories, open Settings → Notifications → Messages → Customize Notifications and enable Personal and Transactions. Promotions can also be enabled if you want them.

These controls are fully managed by Apple; ifText cannot override them automatically.

Still need help? Visit our Support page to send us your question directly.