Introduction
In this article, you will learn what NordVPN's Message Protection is, how it works, and how to enable or disable it on your iOS device.
Message Protection
Message Protection is a feature that helps you recognize spam, scams, and phishing attacks in your text messages by looking for patterns that cybercriminals typically use. When it spots something suspicious in a message from an unknown sender, it alerts you immediately, but the decision about what to do with the message always stays with you. Message Protection is part of NordVPN's Call and Message Protection feature and is available for iOS.
NOTE: NordVPN's Message Protection never downloads or stores any of your message content. It only looks for patterns and keywords used in scams.
How does Message Protection work?
- Protects against spam messages. It checks new messages for malicious links, scammers' phone numbers, scam patterns, suspicious keywords, and behavioral indicators commonly used in fraud.
- Alerts you instantly. If it finds anything suspicious, it immediately warns you about the potential risk, and the decision about what to do always stays with you.
- Respects your privacy. It only looks for patterns and keywords used in scams and will never download or store any of your message content.
- Works without a VPN connection. Message Protection does not need an active VPN connection. Once enabled, it runs in the background and alerts you whenever you receive an unwanted message.
What do I need to use Message Protection on iOS?
To use Message Protection on your iOS device, you'll need:
- iOS 18.2 or later.
- The latest version of the NordVPN app.
- A plan that includes Call and Message Protection.
How do I enable Message Protection on my iPhone?
To start, open the NordVPN app, tap Protect, tap Call and Message Protection, and tap Turn on. Then complete the two setup steps below.
Step 1 - Allow call permissions:
- Tap Open system settings.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
- Turn on NordVPN Part 1 and NordVPN Part 2.
- Return to the NordVPN app.
Step 2 - Allow message permissions:
The steps here depend on your iOS version. Follow the set that matches your device.
If you're on iOS 26 or later:
- Tap Open system settings.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Messages.
- Turn on Screen Unknown Senders.
- Tap Text Message Filter, select NordVPN, and tap Use.
- Return to the NordVPN app.
If you're on iOS 18:
- Tap Open system settings.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Unknown & Spam.
- Turn on Filter Unknown Senders.
- Under SMS filtering, select NordVPN and tap Enable.
- Return to the NordVPN app.
How do I turn off Message Protection on my iPhone?
You can turn off call protection and message protection separately. Follow whichever section applies to what you want to disable.
Turn off call protection
- Open the NordVPN app, tap Protect, tap Call protection, tap Turn off, and tap Open settings.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
- Turn off NordVPN Part 1 and NordVPN Part 2.
Turn off message protection
The steps here depend on your iOS version. Follow the set that matches your device.
If you're on iOS 26 or later:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Messages.
- Tap Text Message Filter and select None.
If you're on iOS 18:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Unknown & Spam.
- Under SMS filtering, select None.
Is Message Protection included in my plan?
NordVPN plans that include the Call and Message Protection feature provide Message Protection. NordVPN does not sell this feature separately. If your current plan does not include this feature, you can use NordVPN's free scam text checker to manually verify suspicious messages.
Additional tips
- Try NordVPN's free scam text checker to manually verify a suspicious message.
