How to Unblock a Phone Number: Complete Guide

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Easy ways to unblock phone numbers and contacts on any phone or carrier

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If you’ve accidentally blocked a number or changed your mind, unblocking it is easy! iPhones, Androids, and Samsung smartphones have built-in number blocking features. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T have their own system for blocking numbers as well. Unblocking a number typically involves going to the block list and removing the blocked number. This wikiHow article will show you how to unblock a number with different devices and carriers.

Things You Should Know

  • For iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts > Edit. Then, unblock the number to allow calls from it again.
  • For Android, including Samsung Galaxy models, go to Phone > More > Settings > Blocked numbers and delete the blocked number from the list.
  • To unblock via a carrier, go to Family Allowance in My T-Mobile, Blocks in My Verizon, or the AT&T ActiveArmor app to manage blocks.
Method 1
Method 1 of 7:

iPhone

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  1. The Settings menu is located on your home screen. It has a gray icon that looks like a gear within a gear. [1]
  2. It's next to a green phone icon.
    • You can also tap Messages or Facetime in the Settings menu if you want to unblock a number from sending text messages or Facetime invites.
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  3. This displays a list of all of your blocked numbers.
  4. This will change the list to edit mode, showing a red delete button next to each blocked number.
  5. This is the red circle icon with a horizontal line through it.
  6. It's the red button next to the blocked number. Pressing this confirms that you want to unblock the number.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 7:

Android (Samsung Galaxy)

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  1. It has a button-dial icon on a green background. [2]
  2. It has an icon with three vertical dots.
  3. This will open the Phone app settings menu.
  4. You’ll see a list of numbers you’ve blocked.
  5. This will remove the phone number from your block list. You’ll now be able to receive calls from that number.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 7:

Android (Other Models)

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  1. It’s the icon with a button-dial phone. [3]
  2. It's the icon with three vertical dots in the upper-right of the Phone app.
    • Note: The menu layouts and icons may be different depending on the make and model of your Android phone and your wireless carrier. If the icons or menu options are different on your phone, look for a similar option.
  3. It's the last option at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
  4. This displays a list of blocked numbers.
  5. Depending on the make and model of your phone, you will either be asked to confirm if you want to unblock the number, or it will unblock the number immediately.
    • Depending on the make and model of your phone, an "x" or a "-" icon appears next to each number in the list of blocked numbers.
  6. This confirms that you want to unblock the number. Any calls you received from the number while it was blocked will not appear in your list of recent calls.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 7:

T-Mobile

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  1. 1
    Use Family Allowance to unblock numbers. If your smartphone doesn’t have a built-in number-blocking feature, you may be able to use T-Mobile’s Family Allowances through My T-Mobile. [4] [5]
    • You can add Family Allowances for a monthly fee if you’re the Primary Account Holder. This service might be available for purchase through the T-Mobile app, https://t-mobile.com/ , or by contacting T-Mobile.
  2. 2
    Unblock a number with Family Allowance. Here are the steps for unblocking a number with T-Mobile’s Family Allowance service:
    • Go to https://my.t-mobile.com/ to login in to My T-Mobile.
    • Navigate to the Family Allowance section.
    • Go to the Never Allowed numbers option.
    • Find the number you want to unblock and remove it from the list.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 7:

Verizon Website

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  1. Go to https://www.verizon.com/ and log in. If your smartphone doesn’t have a built-in number-blocking feature, you may be able to use Verizon’s blocking service to unblock a number. You’ll log in to your My Verizon account to access the blocking feature. [6]
    • This method applies if you blocked a number through Verizon.
    • You can also log in using your phone number in place of your User ID.
  2. 2
    Navigate to Blocks. You can find this in Account > My plan > Blocks .
  3. 3
    Click the line you want to unblock numbers for. For example, click your own phone number if you want to unblock a number that you’ve previously blocked.
  4. 4
    Click Block calls & messages .
  5. 5
    Locate the “Currently blocked numbers section”. The blocked number, caller type, and block expiration date will be listed.
  6. 6
    Click Delete . This option is located to the right of each blocked number. Deleting a blocked number will allow that number to call you.
    • If you need additional assistance, call Verizon customer service to navigate the issue.
    • If you blocked calls from your phone, see the iPhone, Android, or Samsung methods above.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 7:

AT&T ActiveArmor

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  1. 1
    Use the AT&T ActiveArmor app to unblock numbers. If your smartphone doesn’t have a built-in number-blocking feature, you may be able to use the ActiveArmor app to unblock a number that you’ve previously blocked.
    • Open the app and navigate to the Personal Block List section.
    • Delete the blocked number that you want to unblock.
    • The number will now be able to call you.
Method 7
Method 7 of 7:

AT&T Landline Phone

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  1. You can use any touch-tone phone with AT&T service. This calls into AT&T's Selective Call Rejection System.
    • On a rotary phone, dial 1160 and follow the prompts.
  2. This is the menu option to unblock numbers that have been blocked in the Selective Call Rejection System.
  3. Use the keypad to enter the 10-digit number you want to unblock.
  4. This confirms that you want to unblock the number and unblocks the number from the Selective Call Rejection System. You can now receive calls from that number.
    • If you want to unblock all numbers simply dial *80 or 1180 after you call into the Selective Call Rejection System. [7]
    • If you need additional assistance, call AT&T customer service.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I unblock numbers from my infinix hot 4?
    Community Answer
    Tap on the app drawer and locate the XManager app. Launch the XManager app and tap on Harassment Block. Under the Harassment Block menu, tap on the blacklist tab and choose the option to add blacklist or "remove from blacklist".
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    I have a Nokia Cricket phone, and want to unblock a number but don't know how. Can you help?
    Gideon James
    Community Answer
    In either your Dialer or Messages app (it's different for each brand), go to settings and look for Blocking. Under this category, you should find Blocked Numbers, and in there you can remove the block.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do I unblock a number on a landline?
    Community Answer
    It depends, if you called your ISP to block it then call them back. If not then it will be different for every phone and it is best to consult the manual or manufacturer.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • If none of these methods work for you, or if you cannot find the blocked number, call the customer service number on your last billing statement. From there you should be able to inquire with a representative about whether the number is blocked and why calls may not be coming through.
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      • If you are trying to unblock a number using a landline, call the customer service number on your billing statement. Some landline providers allow you to manage your account online, but many others do not.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Blocked number
      • Password
      • A registered account with your service provider
      • Username

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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201229
      2. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00062352/
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/phoneapp/answer/6325463?hl=en
      4. ↑ https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/block-unwanted-calls
      5. ↑ https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/family-allowances
      6. ↑ https://www.verizon.com/onesearch/search?q=block%20a%20number&source=support&ES=support
      7. ↑ https://itstillworks.com/unblock-someones-number-att-phone-8342215.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the Phone app on your Android phone.
      2. Tap the menu.
      3. Tap the Blocked numbers option.
      4. Tap the icon next to the number(s) you want to unblock.
      5. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
      6 Tap the Phone option in the Settings menu.
      7. Tap Call Blocking & Identification .
      8. Tap the red icon with a minus sign (-) next to a blocked number.
      9. Tap Unblock next to the number at the top.

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Apr 25, 2018

        "I'm still a first-time user on the smartphone. Somehow I blocked a friend's number without even knowing ..." more
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