In iOS 26, open Messages, tap Filters in the conversation list, then tap Unknown Senders. If you don’t see that option, turn on Screen Unknown Senders first. [Apple Support]
Open Unknown Senders in Messages
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap Filters in the conversation list.
- Tap Unknown Senders. Apple says a badge appears on the filter when new messages are waiting there. [Apple Support]
If Unknown Senders is missing
Enable the filter, then return to the Messages conversation list:
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- In Messages, tap Filters, then Manage Filtering.
- Scroll to Unknown Senders and enable Screen Unknown Senders.
You can also enable it in Settings > Apps > Messages > Unknown Senders. Apple says Screen Unknown Senders is off by default in iOS 26. If you had Filter Unknown Senders enabled in iOS 18, Apple says the corresponding iOS 26 setting is on after upgrading. [Apple Support]
What belongs in Unknown Senders?
Apple describes an unknown sender as someone you haven’t previously interacted with in Messages or someone who isn’t in your contacts. A message can be in this filter even if you don’t receive a notification; notification options for unknown senders vary by country and region. [Apple Support]
#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%.
Move a wanted sender to your main conversations
Open the conversation in Unknown Senders, then tap Mark as Known. Adding the sender to Contacts is another option. Simply replying does not mark the sender as known or move the conversation to your main conversation list. [Apple Support] [iPhone User Guide]
Why an alert may be missing
In the United States, Brazil, and India, Apple provides notification choices for unknown senders at Settings > Apps > Messages > Unknown Senders > Allow Notifications. The listed categories are Time Sensitive, Personal, Transactions, and Promotions. Availability varies by region. [Apple Support]
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.
When notifications are allowed for unknown senders, Apple says messages can appear in the conversation list for eight hours before appearing in the Unknown Senders area. This behavior can help explain why a message is not immediately visible in the filter. [Apple Support]
Unknown Senders is different from Transactions and Promotions
Unknown Senders is a filter for messages from senders Apple classifies as unknown. Apple’s user guide separately describes filtering SMS, MMS, and RCS messages into Transactions and Promotions, with third-party filtering extensions also available. Those categories are not the Unknown Senders folder. [iPhone User 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
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