---
title: "Can I block SMS in 8x8 Work?"
slug: "can-i-block-sms-in-8x8-work"
updated: 2026-05-17T17:38:46Z
published: 2026-05-21T21:26:15Z
canonical: "help.8x8.com/can-i-block-sms-in-8x8-work"
stale: true
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.8x8.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Can I block SMS in 8x8 Work?

## Objective

Blocking and unblocking SMS from specific phone numbers in 8x8 Work.

## Applies To

- 8x8 Work
- SMS
- US, Canada, Australia

## Procedure

The processes outlined below work exactly the same for both **8x8 Work for Desktop** and **8x8 Work for Mobile**.

### Block an External SMS

With the 8x8 Work for Desktop application you have the option to block SMS messages sent by external numbers that are **not** saved into your contact list.

Calls and SMS messages are handled separately. So blocking an SMS only blocks the number from reaching out to you through this particular communication channel.

1. From the navigation menu, click the messages icon (used for IMs and SMS).

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/e3a59e39-abd3-4423-964c-0a4008dc5673/Images/Documentation/26048)
2. Click on the message from the sender that you want to block.
3. In the sender row, click on the three dots on the top right corner for **More Options**.
4. From the drop-down list, select either **Block Sender** or **Contact Info** > **Block Sender**.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/e3a59e39-abd3-4423-964c-0a4008dc5673/Images/Documentation/26050)
5. At the prompt, click **Block Sender**. Once blocked, the SMS is removed from your list of chats.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/e3a59e39-abd3-4423-964c-0a4008dc5673/Images/Documentation/26051)

> [!NOTE]
> Note:
> 
> You may also choose to block the sender from the chat window by clicking **More Options** (three dots) and selecting **Block Sender** from the list.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/e3a59e39-abd3-4423-964c-0a4008dc5673/Images/Documentation/26049)

### Unblock an External SMS

1. From the navigation menu, select **Search** and type the number that you wish to unblock.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/e3a59e39-abd3-4423-964c-0a4008dc5673/Images/Documentation/26053)
2. When located, hover over the number and click the message icon to view the messages in the **Messages** list.
3. Select the contact and click the three dots for more options.
4. From the drop-down list, please select **Unblock Sender** or **Contact Info** > **Unblock Sender**.

> [!NOTE]
> Note:
> 
> You may also unblock a sender from the chat windows by clicking More Options (three dots) and selecting **Unblock Sender** from the list. Messages received after blocking a sender are not displayed in the chat history if a blocked sender is then unblocked.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/e3a59e39-abd3-4423-964c-0a4008dc5673/Images/Documentation/26054)
  - Once unblocked, the sender remains visible in the chat list.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/e3a59e39-abd3-4423-964c-0a4008dc5673/Images/Documentation/26052)