How to Unblock a Phone Number on Your iPhone

Blocking a phone number on your iPhone is a great way to stop spam calls and unwanted text messages. However, there may come a time when you need to reverse this action. Perhaps you blocked a friend during an argument, accidentally blocked a legitimate business, or resolved an issue with an ex-partner and need to communicate again. Apple makes it very simple to manage your blocked contacts list and unblock a number, immediately allowing calls, Messages, and FaceTimes from that person to come through once more.

How to Unblock a Number via the Settings App

The most comprehensive way to view and manage every number you have ever blocked is through the Phone settings.

1. Unlock your iPhone and open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down the list and tap on Phone.
3. Scroll down again to the “Calls” section and tap on Blocked Contacts.
4. You will now see a complete list of every phone number and email address you have currently blocked.
5. To unblock a number, tap the Edit button in the top right corner of the screen.
6. A red circle with a minus sign (–) will appear next to each contact.
7. Tap the red minus sign next to the specific number or name you wish to unblock.
8. A red Unblock button will slide out from the right side of that contact.
9. Tap Unblock.
10. The number will immediately disappear from the list. Tap Done in the top right corner when you are finished.

Note: Because Apple syncs your blocked list across communication apps, unblocking a number in the Phone settings also automatically unblocks them for Messages and FaceTime. You do not need to repeat the process in each app.

Alternative Method: Unblocking directly from a Contact Card

If the person you want to unblock is saved in your Contacts app, you can unblock them directly from their profile without digging through the blocked list.

1. Open the Phone app or the Contacts app.
2. Search for the person’s name and tap on their contact card to open it.
3. Scroll all the way down to the very bottom of their contact page.
4. If they are currently blocked, you will see blue text that says Unblock this Caller.
5. Tap Unblock this Caller.
6. The text will immediately change back to “Block this Caller,” indicating that the restriction has been lifted and they can now contact you.