Is it possible to block messages from strangers without blocking their voice comms?

M ‘PeeWee’ B · Oct 27, 2022

Hi all!

I play a decent amount of PvP games on my xbox, which require tons of voice communication. The downfall of these games, however, is the awful messages you receive from strangers, and relatively none of them (profanity, harassment or just plainly and obviously instigative) ever seem to receive any action against them when reported. So over the years, I’ve occasionally turned the setting “Others can communicate with voice, texts, or invites” to friends only, just to keep the trolls from getting under my skin. Unfortunately, this means I can no longer communicate with any of my teammates when playing in game chat, as it mutes them. I also can’t talk with any “friends of friends” who join my party chats, which is super inconvenient and just plain awkward.

Am I missing something? Is it at all possible to block *text and invites* from strangers without blocking their *voice*? If not, will it ever be in the works to split the “Others can communicate with voice, texts, or invites” into three separate options? Thanks!

:)

Nathan Roberts (SN)

Hey there, M ‘PeeWee’ B

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

Unfortunately, what you are looking for, isn't available on Xbox. The setting once applied (which in your case it is) will block all communication with people unless they are on your friends list. With friends of friends, you could add them to your friends list (follow them) and this should allow them to talk to you in parties and games. However, for your team mates online, unless you add them, there isn't much you can do with this.

Depending on what PvP you are playing, will depend on how many people are talking in game chat anyway. Most PvP games I play folk don't tent to chat in game anymore.

In terms of reports which have been submitted against a player. These are reviewed and action is taken if necessary. Although, the Enforcement team don't provide any insight into what action they have taken. If you are lucky, you may get a message saying "We have taken action on one or more recent complaints" but that will be about it. Thus, you won't know what has been done. However, rest assured that they do review and act accordingly.

Lastly, if you want to make suggestions to folk at Xbox, you can submit suggestions here: xboxrequests - xboxinsiders (reddit.com)

Hope this helps,

Nathan

Mister Gwyther

Hey there! That link above is good (thanks Inferior!). You can also check out our guide on Harassment, Filing a complaint, and Blocking communication for more tips (forums.xbox.com/.../19139.aspx).
Let us know if you have any questions about this process. Thanks!

rakastansinua

A friendly user... I nearly thought you guys were extinct. Anyway, thanks for the help you two, I also took a gander at your guide and now I've got one question ; does blocking text-and voice messages also prevent people from talking to you in a game?

That'd be all, and thanks again for the nice replies. This online bullying is starting to get to me.

Toefungus75

thanks for the link inferior! I didn't know they added the ability to block all messages unless they're on your friend list. That's just awesome.

VernierSlake

I believe disabling chat from non friends is a seperate option.

Is it possible to block messages from strangers without blocking their voice comms?