Screen Unknown Senders does not work in iOS 26

[MK500]

I have “Screen Unknown Senders” turned on, but still get messages on my lock screen from senders that are not in my contacts.

Why can’t this work as well as “Screen Unknown Callers” does for phone calls? This was the feature I was most looking forward to in iOS 26. I’m so disappointed.

Anyone else having this problem?

 

[Bobajobbob]

Weird, it seems to work for me. Try a hard reboot.

 

[mikes63737]

This seems to have broken for my messages in the last few weeks, too. Right in time for political spam.

It's going to unknown, but still triggers a notification on phone and watch. Infuriating.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Working for me. All the WinRed crap is going to my “Unknown” folder with no notification. Perfect! Thanks Apple.