Blocking/deleting spam chat requests on Laptop vs Iphone - easily?

On both iPhone and laptop (desktop), spam chat requests in Microsoft Teams or Teams Free are handled from the Chat/Chat requests area by either accepting, blocking, or deleting the request.

On laptop (desktop app or web)

1. Go to Chat.
2. For a new one‑to‑one or group chat from someone not contacted before, open it from Chat requests.
3. Use one of these options:
   • Preview messages to see the content first.
   • Accept to allow messages and let the sender see presence/status.
   • Block to stop them from sending messages and seeing status.
   • For group chats, Delete chat to remove the chat and optionally block the initiator.
4. To block an existing contact:
   • In Chat, hover over the contact, select More options (…) > Block.

On iPhone (Teams Free mobile)

1. Open Chat (or People) and locate the new chat in Chat requests.
2. Tap the chat to:
   • Preview messages and then choose Accept or Block.
3. To block an existing contact:
   • From Chat: tap and hold (or use the contact’s menu) and choose More options > Block.
   • From People: open the contact, tap More options > Block.

Effects of blocking

• The blocked person cannot:
  • Add to a one‑to‑one chat.
  • Add to a new group chat.
  • Call in Teams.
  • Add to a community.
• In existing group chats, their past messages may still be visible; remove them from the group to stop seeing new messages.

Extra protection against spam/phishing

• When Teams flags a suspicious external chat, first Preview the message, verify the sender’s name/email, and only Accept if trusted.
• Use Block on any suspicious or spammy request to stop further contact.

References:

• Accept, block, or delete chat or meeting requests from people outside your organization in Microsoft Teams.
• Prevent spam or phishing attempts from external chats in Microsoft Teams
• Joining a chat in Microsoft Teams Free
• Block or unblock people outside your org in Microsoft Teams
• Accept or block chat requests from people inside your organization in Microsoft Teams
• Block a contact in Microsoft Teams Free