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how to unblock a number on iphone

Here’s how to unblock a number on iPhone in a few different ways, plus some extra tips if it doesn’t show up where you expect it.

How to Unblock a Number on iPhone

Quick Scoop

If you just want the fastest way:
Go to Settings → Phone → Blocked Contacts → swipe left on the number → Unblock. After that, the person can call, text, and FaceTime you again.

Method 1: Unblock via Settings (Works for most cases)

This is the main way to manage all blocked numbers in one place.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
  3. Tap Blocked Contacts (on some older iOS versions, it may say Call Blocking & Identification).
  1. Find the number or contact you want to unblock.
  2. Either:
    • Swipe right to left on the number and tap Unblock , or
    • Tap Edit in the top‑right, tap the red minus icon next to the number, then tap Unblock.
  1. Close Settings – the number is now unblocked and can contact you again.

Tip: This list shows all blocked callers, including numbers you don’t have saved as contacts.

Method 2: Unblock from the Phone app (Recents)

This is handy if the number recently called you.

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap Recents at the bottom.
  3. Find the number you blocked.
  4. Tap the “i” (info) icon next to the number.
  5. Scroll down and tap Unblock this Caller.

Once you do this, that number can call and FaceTime you normally again.

Method 3: Unblock from Messages

If you mainly text with the person, you can unblock them right from your chats.

  1. Open the Messages app.
  2. Find a conversation with the blocked number or contact.
  3. Tap their name or number at the top of the screen.
  4. In the info/contact view, scroll if needed and tap Unblock this Caller.

Now you’ll receive their text messages and iMessages again.

Method 4: Unblock a Saved Contact

If the number is saved in your Contacts, you can unblock straight from there.

  1. Open the Phone app, then tap Contacts.
  2. Find and tap the contact you blocked.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Unblock this Caller.

This restores calls, texts, and FaceTime from that contact.

Method 5: If the Number Is Blocked by Your Carrier

Sometimes a number is blocked at the carrier level (for example, through a spam‑blocking service), so it may not appear in your iPhone’s Blocked Contacts list.

If you suspect that:

  • Check any carrier spam/blocking app you use (e.g., a “Call Filter” or “Spam Block” app) and remove the block there.
  • Or contact your phone company’s customer support, give them the number, and ask them to remove the block from your line.

Until it’s unblocked with the carrier, the person may still not reach you even if they’re unblocked on the iPhone itself.

Mini FAQ

Q: I deleted the contact. Can I still unblock the number?
Yes. Go to Settings → Phone → Blocked Contacts and look for the raw phone number in the list, then swipe left and tap Unblock.

Q: After unblocking, will old blocked messages or calls appear?
No. Unblocking only affects future calls and messages; anything that was blocked before won’t suddenly show up in your history.

Q: Does unblocking permanently remove the number from the list?
Yes, once you unblock, it is removed from the blocked list, but you can block it again later if needed.

Simple HTML Table of the Methods

Here’s a quick reference in HTML format:

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Method</th>
      <th>Where to Tap</th>
      <th>Key Steps</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Settings – Blocked List</td>
      <td>Settings &rarr; Phone &rarr; Blocked Contacts</td>
      <td>Find number, swipe left &rarr; Unblock or use Edit and tap minus &rarr; Unblock.[web:1][web:3]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Phone App – Recents</td>
      <td>Phone &rarr; Recents</td>
      <td>Tap "i" next to number, scroll, tap "Unblock this Caller".[web:1][web:3]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Messages App</td>
      <td>Messages conversation</td>
      <td>Open chat, tap name/number at top, choose "Unblock this Caller".[web:1][web:6][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Contacts</td>
      <td>Phone &rarr; Contacts</td>
      <td>Open contact card, scroll down, tap "Unblock this Caller".[web:3]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Carrier Block</td>
      <td>Carrier app or support</td>
      <td>Remove block in carrier spam app or call carrier and ask them to unblock the number.[web:1][web:6]</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.