Common questions about how Gini protects you from spam and scam text messages.
How It Works
Does Gini read all my text messages?
No. Gini only analyzes messages from unknown senders (people not in your contacts). Messages between you and your contacts are never analyzed.
What happens to blocked texts?
Suspicious texts go to your Held Messages folder. They're not deleted - you can review them and release legitimate messages if needed.
Do I need the app open for protection to work?
No. Once set up, SMS protection works in the background automatically.
Does this work for iMessages?
SMS protection primarily works on regular text messages (SMS). iMessage filtering varies by device and setup.
Privacy
Does Gini store my text messages?
No. We analyze messages on your device when possible and only store records of filtered messages (sender, reason for filtering). We don't store message content.
Can Gini see my conversations?
No. We only scan incoming messages from unknown senders. Conversations with your contacts are completely private.
What about group texts?
Group texts from unknown numbers may be filtered. Group texts that include your contacts typically come through normally.
Setup and Devices
Why does setup require special permissions?
To filter text messages, Gini needs permission to:
- See incoming messages from unknown senders
- Identify messages that match spam patterns
- Move suspicious messages to a separate folder
Can I use SMS protection on multiple phones?
Your plan determines how many devices you can protect. Individual plans cover one device; Family plans cover up to 5.
What if I get a new phone?
Set up SMS protection on your new phone by:
- Installing Gini Help
- Signing in
- Going through SMS protection setup again
Filtering
Why do some spam texts still get through?
Spam filtering isn't perfect. Some texts get through because:
- The sender is in your contacts
- It's a new scam tactic not yet recognized
- The message didn't have clear spam indicators
Why was a legitimate text filtered?
Occasionally real messages get caught because:
- The sender was unknown to you
- The message had characteristics similar to spam
- It contained links or urgent language
Just release the message from Held Messages - this helps the system learn.
Can I adjust how strict the filtering is?
Filtering works automatically with balanced settings. Contacts always come through; unknown senders are evaluated for spam patterns.
Troubleshooting
SMS protection isn't working
Check these things:
- Go to Settings > Text Message Protection - is it active?
- Check your phone's permissions for Gini
- On iPhone: Settings > Messages > Message Filtering > Gini Help (enabled)
- Try turning SMS protection off and on again
I'm not getting any Held Messages
This could mean:
- You're not receiving spam texts (good news!)
- All your texts are from known contacts
- SMS protection might not be fully set up
My friend's texts are being filtered
If someone you know is being filtered:
- Add their number to your contacts
- Release their message from Held Messages
- Contacts bypass filtering automatically
Comparison
How is this different from my phone's built-in spam filter?
Gini uses AI specifically trained on scam and phishing patterns. Your phone's built-in filter may catch some spam, but Gini adds an extra layer focused on fraud protection.
Should I turn off my phone's spam filter?
You can keep both running. They work on different aspects of spam filtering and complement each other.
Messages
What types of spam does Gini catch?
- Prize and lottery scams
- Fake delivery notifications
- Phishing attempts (fake bank alerts, etc.)
- Urgent "your account is suspended" messages
- Promotional spam
What about scam calls that come as texts?
Text-based scams are covered by SMS protection. Phone scams are handled by Call Protection - different feature, same goal of keeping you safe.
Still have questions? Contact our support team!