What you need to know
- Follow the steps in this article to learn how to unblock numbers on iPhone
- Method 1: Open Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts
- Method 2: Open Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts
- Method 3: Open Settings > FaceTime > Blocked Contacts
- Method 4: Open your Phone App > Select Recents. Tap the “i” next to the number you want to unblock. Scroll down and select Unblock This Caller
Introduction
In today’s constantly connected world, managing your iPhone’s blocked contacts list is crucial for maintaining your privacy and peace of mind. Whether it’s an annoying marketer, an ex-friend, or an unknown number that keeps pestering you, blocking unwanted calls and text messages is a feature many of us rely on. But what happens when you need to review or reverse these blocks? In this post we provide a comprehensive guide to help you effortlessly navigate through your iPhone’s blocked contacts list.
We cover everything from viewing all blocked numbers to unblocking them via various methods, such as using the Settings app or the Contacts app. Additionally, the post delves into special cases like managing potential spam calls. With our step-by-step instructions, managing your call privacy on your iPhone has never been easier. Let’s dive in and take control of who can reach us on our iPhones!
How to See a List of All the Blocked Numbers on an iPhone
Viewing a list of all the blocked numbers on your iPhone is very easy. Simply open Settings and then select one of the following: Phone, Messages, or FaceTime. On the next screen you can tap Blocked Contacts and Voila! You will see a list of all the contacts you have blocked. If you have had your phone for several years this list can be quite long!
How to Unblock Numbers on iPhone Through Settings
The steps to unblock a number on an iPhone are quick and easy. In the first method we show you how to unblock numbers inside of Settings on your iPhone using Phone, Messages, or FaceTime:
- First Open Settings
- Scroll down and select either Phone, Messages, or FaceTime
- From any of these selections scroll down and select Blocked Contacts
- Scroll down the list of numbers to the one you wish to unblock. Then swipe “right-to-left”.
- Tap Unblock
That was super easy!!! But, if you prefer, you can click the Edit button in the upper righthand corner of the Blocked Contacts screen. Now every blocked contact will have a RED circle next to it. If you tap the red circle next to the number you you want to unblock and then tap Unblock. Both approaches will achieve the same results.
One thing to keep in mind, when calls are blocked they will be sent directly to voicemail so they are able to leave a message if needed. Blocked texts will not be tracked anywhere!
Unfortunately, at this time, there is no way to unblock a bunch of contacts all at once!
How to Unblock Numbers on iPhone Using the Recent Calls List in the Phone App
Another common situation that people experience is that they have blocked all the numbers associated with a contact. Rather than scrolling through the Blocked Contact list trying to find multiple numbers, it is easier to unblock using the Recents list in the Phone App on the iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Tap Phone
- Select Recents at the bottom of the screen
- Scroll down and click the “i” next to the person you want to unblock
- All the settings for that saved contact appear on the next screen
- Scroll down the contact and tap Unblock Caller
In this instance you have enabled all text and phone communication with this person across multiple phone numbers.
Keep in mind, that although you can block and unblock entire contacts in the Recents list, you CANNOT block or unblock the entire contact if you access it through the Contacts App on your iPhone.
How to Unblock Numbers on iPhone that are Unknown
Unblocking unknown numbers is a unique situation on an iPhone. Previously, you may have intentionally (or mistakenly) enabled Silence Unknown Callers. Unknown callers are any callers who ARE NOT saved in your Contacts on your iPhone. When enabled, this setting sends all calls from unknown callers directly to voicemail. Obviously, you could be missing a lot of calls that might be important!
To disable the setting for Silence Unknown Callers:
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and tap Phone
- Scroll down and tap Silence Unknown Callers
- Toggle the Silence Unknow Callers to OFF
Once that is disabled you should receive all calls EXCEPT the specific numbers you have previously blocked individually.
What if I Deleted the Entire Contact That I Have Blocked?
Not to worry, if you delete a contact that you have blocked previously it will remained blocked. In order to unblock that number follow the steps for the section above titled How to Unblock a Number on iPhone. In those steps you unblock the specific number from the Blocked Contact list.
How to Automatically Block or Unblock Potential Spam Calls
The last situation we would like to discuss is blocking or unblocking “Potential Spam Calls” on your iPhone. Apple developed this feature due to the rapid rise of unsolicited calls and spam. This settings works in conjunction with your phone carrier, so it may not be available to you.
To access this setting:
- Open Settings
- Tap Phone
- Scroll down and select Call Blocking & Identification
- On the next screen you can enable or disable Silence Junk Callers
Once this is enabled, your carrier will send any known spam calls directly to voicemail.
Conclusion
In summary, our comprehensive guide on managing blocked numbers on your iPhone has offered various methods to view and unblock contacts. From utilizing the Settings App in different ways to accessing the Contacts or Phone App, these steps ensure you can regain communication with previously blocked contacts.
We’ve also covered unique scenarios, such as managing potential spam calls and silencing unknown callers. Remember, whether you’re unblocking a single contact or adjusting settings for unknown callers, these processes are straightforward and user-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If I block a contact in the Contacts App on my iPhone will that block email and phone numbers?
No, blocking a contact through the Contacts App will only block calls and text messages for the numbers listed in the contact. You must block emails from your email client. These steps will differ depending on what email provider you use.
Is it possible to unblock all blocked numbers at once?
No, currently it is not possible to unblock all numbers at once on the iPhone.
Is it possible to block email addresses that are being used for texting?
Yes, you can block and unblock email addresses that are being used to text you. You can block these using the Contacts App or by opening Settings > Messages and clicking Add New. you can enter the email address you want to block for texting in the field provided.
Jim is an entrepreneur and technology enthusiast who has over 20 years of experience in the technology field. Over the course of his career he has held numerous tech leadership roles.
Currently, he owns Smarter Tech Talk, a platform he launched in September 2023, dedicated to offering detailed analyses of consumer technology and applications. With this venture he hopes to use his deep expertise and passion for technology to provide others practical advice and guide them through todays complex technology landscape.