Blocking contacts and phone numbers on your iPhone is an effective way to avoid unwanted calls, messages, and FaceTime requests. Whether you’re avoiding telemarketers, spam calls, or individuals you no longer wish to communicate with, the iPhone’s built-in blocking feature is quick and easy to use. However, there may come a time when you want to review the numbers you’ve blocked or perhaps even unblock a contact. This article will guide you through how to see blocked numbers on your iPhone and how to unblock them if needed.
Why Block Numbers on iPhone?
The iPhone’s blocking feature allows users to prevent specific phone numbers from calling, texting, or FaceTiming them. This can be particularly helpful in the following cases:
– Spam or Telemarketing Calls: Blocking these numbers ensures you won’t be disturbed by unwanted solicitations.
– Unwanted Personal Contacts: Whether it’s an old friend, colleague, or someone else, blocking allows you to maintain boundaries.
– Robocalls: Automatically generated calls can be a constant nuisance, and blocking helps cut down on them.
Once a number is blocked, the person on the other end won’t be notified that they’ve been blocked, and all communications from them will be automatically prevented.
How to See Blocked Numbers on iPhone
If you’ve blocked numbers in the past but can’t remember which ones, iPhone makes it easy to view a list of all your blocked contacts. Follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings App:
– From your home screen, tap the Settings app, which looks like a gray gear icon.
2. Go to Phone Settings:
– Scroll down until you see the option labeled Phone. Tap on it to access the phone settings.
3. View Blocked Numbers:
– Within the Phone settings, scroll down until you find the Blocked Contacts option. Tapping on this will show you a list of all the phone numbers and contacts you have blocked.
This list includes all phone numbers and contacts you’ve blocked from calling, messaging, or FaceTiming you.
How to Unblock a Number on iPhone
If you change your mind and decide you want to unblock someone, the process is straightforward. You can either unblock a number directly from the list of blocked contacts or by going through your contacts app.
Unblocking Through Blocked Contacts List:
1. Access the Blocked Contacts List:
– As described in the previous section, open the Settings app, navigate to Phone > Blocked Contacts, and view the blocked numbers.
2. Swipe Left to Unblock:
– To remove a number from the blocked list, simply swipe left on the number or contact you wish to unblock. A red Unblock button will appear. Tap on Unblock, and the number will be allowed to contact you again.
Unblocking Through Contacts:
1. Open the Contacts App:
– Go to your Contacts app and search for the contact you wish to unblock.
2. Edit the Contact:
– Once you’ve found the contact, tap on it to open their details. Scroll down to find the Unblock this Caller option. Tap it, and the contact will be unblocked.
How to Block or Unblock a Number from Messages or FaceTime
In addition to blocking and unblocking through the Phone app, you can also manage blocked numbers for both Messages and FaceTime:
Messages:
1. Go to Settings:
– Open the Settings app, then scroll down and select Messages.
2. Blocked List:
– Scroll down and tap on Blocked Contacts to see the list of blocked numbers for iMessage.
3. Unblock or Block:
– Swipe left on any contact to unblock them or tap Add New to block a new number.
FaceTime:
1. Open FaceTime Settings:
– Similarly, go to Settings > FaceTime, then scroll down to Blocked Contacts.
2. Manage Blocked Contacts:
– From here, you can view, block, or unblock contacts for FaceTime in the same way.
What Happens When You Block or Unblock a Contact
Blocking a number on your iPhone prevents all forms of communication with that number, including calls, texts, and FaceTime. The blocked caller will not be notified that they’ve been blocked, but their calls will go straight to voicemail, and their messages won’t be delivered.
When you unblock a contact, they can resume calling, messaging, or FaceTiming you as usual. Any messages sent while the number was blocked will not be delivered once they are unblocked, so you’ll only receive new communications moving forward.
Managing Blocked Contacts for Third-Party Apps
In addition to the built-in blocking feature for phone, messages, and FaceTime, many third-party apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and others have their own blocking features. If you’ve blocked someone on one of these platforms, you’ll need to manage those blocked lists separately within the respective apps.
Blocking and unblocking numbers on an iPhone is a simple but powerful tool for managing your communications. Whether you’re looking to stop receiving spam calls or distancing yourself from someone, the iPhone’s settings give you full control over who can reach you. With just a few taps, you can review your blocked list and make changes as necessary, ensuring your privacy and peace of mind.
