How to disable flash messages.

I solved the issue finally. This is how I fixed the issue

1. Updated to iOS 11.0.3

2. Open Settings - Phone - SIM Applications

3. Select the Service at the top of the list

4. Tap Stop

5. Click Accept

You need to stop all services listed under SIM Applications.

Image source: Geek Dashboard

Couple things you can try: One is to go into settings>safari>clear history and website data. Also following the following article: How to block pop-ups in Safari - Apple Support. Hope this helps!

So I just received a Flash SMS from a friend in the US. I'm in Australia at the moment. Their 4yr old typed in a string of random characters (mostly greek symbols) on their Android device and sent it to my iPhone (iOS 10). I'd never seen the screen before. Apple provide nice explanatory text warning that this could be attempted fraud. I have no idea what specific character preamble was typed in to trip the system but it was surprising indeed. So it seems you can generate these things without any special apps on an Samsung Galaxy device over the Verizon network to an iPhone on Optus in Aus.

I'll also mention that most USA carriers do not permit Flash or Class 0 SMS messages over their networks (unless generated by themselves as some service alert to their customers). Some carriers either block the message, or they strip the Class 0 setting from them and deliver them as regular SMS texts to your inbox. In the USA, government alerts are sent over a system known as CMAS, which does use carriers existing SMS system and bandwidth for distribution to peoples handsets, but CMAS is a distinct system and service from normal SMS messages so cannot be used anonymously by non-authorized users to spam people.

I've never gotten a Flash SMS in the USA. I've only gotten them when I've been traveling somewhere outside of the USA. I see only a single supposedly Flash SMS app in the US App Store, and the reviews indicate it actually doesn't work as advertised, which I'd be surprised if it did.

spenserfromnm wrote:

Couple things you can try: One is to go into settings>safari>clear history and website data. Also following the following article: How to block pop-ups in Safari - Apple Support. Hope this helps!

1) This is not a Safari pop up. It's a Flash Message and 2) I don't believe the original poster, the one to whom you're replying has been back in the year and a half since they posted.

Class 0 flash SMS are the same type of message that government agencies use to send out public safety alerts and such things. Your carrier, as far as I understand things now, is correct. They have no way to block class 0 SMS messages. They will also bypass your Do NOt DIsturb settings as well. Once a spammer using these things has your number, I don't know of any way to stop them. There are numerous phone and carrier forums with all sorts of posts about increasing class 0 SMS spam.

Spammers use jailbroken iPhones or Android phones as those have apps for spamming with "Flash" SMS.

hyunjoongie wrote:

My phone isn't even jailbreak 😟 it's an untouched, original one, updated. I bought it straight from Apple.com.

It's really frustrating, it's just people spamming about loans. And since there's no way to track them, I guess most people just dismiss the messages. I just don't have patience for spam, sadly. Wish we could at least track them down.

Michael meant the sender has a jailbroken phone, not you. 🙂

Yes, thank you Meg. I was referring to those doing the spamming, not those receiving them. There is no such thing as a Flash SMS app for native iOS devices, but there are for those who hack their iPhones or use Android devices, so they can send unblockable and untraceable Flash Spam messages. The recipient is simply stuck with getting them.

You're right, I had not heard of that one. At least they do not allow it to be used anonymously as they force you to register your phone number and it is displayed in every Flash SMS. The apps for hacked devices and Android do allow for truly anonymous Flash SMS.

Dkvyas007 wrote:

Thanks it works for idea in india..😀

Yes, unfortunately some pre-pay carriers use SIM apps and flash message to send alerts and notices about minutes remaining or balance details and such. It’s a shame they still use this and haven’t migrated to a simple app and notifications for such things, or just regular texts. But if you’ve found a way to disable it, then go with what works 🙂

I also received one how do you get rid of this? :(

*121*46# to deactivate it on indea cellular service india

And *121*45# to activate it again

Block the sender: Block calls and block or filter messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support