In the past we’ve gone over a number of call-blocking and filtering applications. These provide some advanced services, like automatically sending a text message to a caller when your status is set to busy. This is nice for courtesies and all, but sometimes you’re just going to want some privacy and you might not want to pay for an app to do that. Your BlackBerry can block unwanted messages right from the Options screen. It’s great for a temporary break from communication. 
To set up your blocked messages, go to Options, then Security Options, and then Firewall. Set the Firewall to Enabled, and then check off the boxes of the messages you want blocked. These include, as the screenshot shows, SMS, MMS, PIN, BIS, and for BES users, enterprise email. If you want some messages to get through, you can set exceptions. There is a preset that allows anyone on your contacts list to reach you, but if you have a huge contacts list you can also create specific exceptions. Just check the Specific addresses box, then hit menu and select Configure Exceptions. From there you can hit menu and add the exception, wether it be email address, phone number, or PIN. These will be blocked at the device level, so chances are you’ll still be charged by your carrier for SMS if you don’t have an unlimited plan. But if you do have unlimited you can take advantage of this to keep unwanted messages out of your inbox, if even only for a few hours.
13 comments… read them below or add one
I have a couple software apps that update via BIS. Is there a way to let them continue to receive their messages? It looks like you can only set exceptions for email addresses, not for software.
@James I do not believe you can set up exceptions for software but there may be settings with the software options themselves.
Wow, I had no idea. Thanks! I’ve often wanted to turn off email for an hour or two. Will all the blocked messages come through once I turn off the firewall?
@Robyn Nope – those messages will not come through again unless the sender re-sends them.
@Cooper, thank you for your response. I have another question. I set the Firewall to Disable. I did not uncheck the box for blocking BIS messages or the exception for contacts email addresses. I figured they would not work since the firewall was disabled. However, it seems as if my BB continued to block email from those outside of my contacts, and the software I mentioned previously was not blocked. Am I wrong, or will it still continue to block unwanted email even if the Firewall is disabled? I have a Curve 8330.
@James I believe it will continue blocking them until you uncheck the BIS email box.
@Cooper Thank you! This way I can block the unwanted email and it won’t affect any other software updates. I love BBGeeks!!! I’ve had my phone for over 18 months, and never knew that option existed.
by blocking my sms messages with the firewall, does the sender see that I have blocked them or do they see that the message did not go through?
@dawn I have not tested that myself but I imagine they would show as delivered.
Is it possible to block one specific number as opposed to everyone not on the contacts list?
@Andrew Contact your service provider for specific number blocking or look at some of the third party apps available.
Is there any way to read the blocked messages?
is there anyway you can read the blocked messages that was sent to you