4 Easy Ways to Unblock Contacts on iPhone or iPad

PDF download Download Article
An easy-to-follow guide on unblocking someone's phone number on your iPhone
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to stop blocking a phone number or contact on your iPhone? Luckily, you can can unblock calls and messages in a few simple steps. If you want to unblock multiple numbers at once, you can use the Settings app on your device. You can also unblock individual people using iOS messaging apps such as Phone, Messages, and FaceTime. This wikiHow will show you how to remove a number from your blocked list any iPhone model, including an iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone SE 2022, and more.

Things You Should Know

  • When you block a number, you'll no longer receive texts or phone calls from that number.
  • To unblock a number, open Settings . Tap Phone , Blocked Contacts , then Edit . Tap the red circle next to each number you want to unblock.
  • When using the Phone app, tap the i next to the number. Scroll down and tap Unblock this Caller .
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using the Settings App

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the grey cog icon. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Be sure to update your iPhone .
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will be above Messages and FaceTime , next to the phone icon.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You may need to scroll down to find this option.
    • You'll see a list of your current blocked numbers.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will be in the top-right corner.
    • A red circle with a line in the center will appear to the left of the blocked numbers.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A red Unblock button will appear on the right side of the number.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The number will be unblocked.
    • You can now receive messages and phone calls from the number.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using the Phone App

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the app used to make calls on your iPhone .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will be on the bottom of the screen, between Favorites and Contacts .
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You may need to scroll through your Recents to find it.
    • A new window will open with the contact details.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will be in blue text on the very bottom.
    • The number will be unblocked. You can now receive messages and phone calls from the number.
    • On the other hand, you can also find out if you are blocked .
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using Messages

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the app used to send messages on your iPhone.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can scroll up and down to find the contact, or you can swipe down on your screen to use the search bar.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If they don't have an associated photo, you'll see a grey person icon.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will be below the number, underneath a person icon.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will be in blue text on the very bottom.
    • The number will be unblocked. You can now receive messages and phone calls from the number.
    6. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using FaceTime

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-17.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the app used to make FaceTime calls on your iPhone.
    • By default, you'll see a list of recent FaceTime calls.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-18.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You may need to scroll through your Recents to find it.
    • A new window will open with the contact details.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-19.jpg\/v4-728px-Unblock-a-Number-on-an-iPhone-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will be in blue text on the very bottom.
    • The number will be unblocked. You can now receive messages and phone calls from the number.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    When I come to step 4, there is no Edit.
    Minorite
    Community Answer
    You must have at least one contact in the block list, or there will be no Edit option.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
  • Question
    How can I search blocked calls on the iPhone 6?
    Community Answer
    You would have to block contacts individually to not receive calls from them.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 8
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Create a Group Chat on WeChat
      How to
      Hard Reset an iPhone
      Apple ID Sign Out Unavailable? Here's How to Fix It
      How to
      Fix the “iPhone Unavailable” Message: Explanation and Fixes
      10 Simple Ways to Fix an iPhone or Android That Won’t Send Pictures
      Turn Off Location Sharing on an iPhone Without Anyone Knowing
      2 Ways to Get a Still Image from Video on iPhone or iPad
      How to
      Fix "Notifications Silenced" on iPhone Messages
      How to
      Use the iPhone Hidden Album to Hide Private Photos
      How to
      Turn On MMS Text Messages on an iPhone
      6 Easy Steps to Reload Your Cash App Card at the Store
      4 Ways to Find Your Lost iPhone When It’s Offline or Dead
      Where to Find the Clipboard on an iPhone: 4 Simple Steps
      How to
      Automatically Forward Text Messages to Another Phone
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201229

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 304,426 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement