"Filter" option in MESSAGES is missing

Make sure it is enabled in Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders.

Block, filter, and report messages on iPhone - Apple Support

Filter messages from unknown senders

With iMessage, you can prevent unknown senders from texting you directly. Their messages are filtered to another folder, and you don’t get notified about them.

1. Go to Settings  > Messages.

2. Scroll down to Message Filtering, then turn on Filter Unknown Senders.

KikoMachine06 Said:

"'Filter' option in MESSAGES is missing: Why does my iMessage app not have a 'filter' option? Why do I only see the 'edit' option at the top of the application? Thank you in advance"

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Thank you for the screenshot.

Filing Messangers Out:

A Few Important Thoughts:

Malwarebytes for iPhone:

One item usable is Malwarebytes for iPhone. Keep all the junk out. Get it Here: iOS Security - iPhone Call, Text, and Ad Blocker | Malwarebytes - it Blocks Scam Calls and Filters Site usage. It is developed by longtime users of these forums, making it the only reliable and official Security Software for an iPhone. It is something to consider when it comes to blocking out junk. Email lilely will come through, but you can block out all other junk.

MalwareBytes Premium for iPhone:

This application can be found in the AppStore. It allows its users to do their part in all of this. They can report scam calls, by submitting the phone number, to its developer and adding a few lines for notes on the report upon submittal. In high-relevance to this case, it blocks popups from those phone numbers their customers have reported. Texts can be set to be received only by those in your contact list.

Get it here: MalwareBytes for iOS - App Store - Apple