How to Unblock a Number on iPhone (Step-by-Step Guide)

Are you missing important calls because a number was blocked? In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to unblock a number on iPhone using different methods, including Phone settings, How to Unblock a Number on iPhone (Step-by-Step Guide)

Are you missing important calls because a number was blocked? In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to unblock a number on iPhone using clear methods in Phone settings, Contacts, and Messages. Additionally, we’ll cover common issues and smart tips to avoid future mistakes.Table of contents

  1. Why numbers get blocked on iPhone
  2. How to Unblock a Number on iPhone via Phone Settings
  3. Unblock a Number on iPhone Using Contacts
  4. Steps to Unblock a Number in Messages
  5. Unblock a Number in FaceTime
  6. Check with Your Carrier if Unblocking Fails
  7. Troubleshooting: Why you can’t unblock
  8. FAQs

Why numbers get blocked on iPhone

Blocking a number stops unwanted calls, texts, and FaceTime requests. However, you might accidentally block friends, family, or clients. Therefore, knowing how to unblock numbers on iPhone ensures you do not miss important conversations.

  • Sometimes you block a spam caller yet include the wrong number by mistake.
  • Moreover, iOS applies blocks across Phone, Messages, and FaceTime.
  • Carrier-level blocking can still silence a caller even after you unblock them on the phone.

How to Unblock a Number on iPhone via Phone Settings

  1. Open Settings → Phone.
  2. Scroll down and tap Blocked Contacts.
  3. Find the number you want to unblock.
  4. Swipe left on the number and tap Unblock.
How to unblock a number on iPhone from Phone settings
Use Phone settings to manage blocked contacts quickly; afterward, calls and texts will arrive normally.

For Apple’s official instructions, see Apple Support: Block or unblock a phone number. Additionally, you can review our related guide: How to Unhide Apps on iPhone for managing visibility and access.

Unblock a Number on iPhone Using Contacts

When the number belongs to a saved contact, unblocking directly from the contact card is fast and reliable.

  1. Open the Contacts app or Phone → Contacts tab.
  2. Find and open the blocked contact.
  3. Scroll down and tap Unblock this Caller.
iPhone Contacts app showing unblock option
Unblock specific people directly on their contact card; as a result, future calls and messages will come through.

Meanwhile, confirm the contact does not appear multiple times. If duplicates exist, merge them to prevent confusion.

Steps to Unblock a Number in Messages

Sometimes you prefer to start from a conversation thread. In that case, you can unblock right from Messages.

  1. Open the Messages app.
  2. Find the conversation with the blocked number.
  3. Tap the contact at the top → Info.
  4. Select Unblock this Caller.
How to unblock a number on iPhone in Messages
Unblock from within the Messages thread; afterward, replies arrive in real time.

Additionally, open Settings → Messages → Unknown & Spam to ensure no third-party filters keep blocking the number.

Unblock a Number in FaceTime

If FaceTime still blocks the caller, adjust the FaceTime list as well.

  1. Go to Settings → FaceTime.
  2. Tap Blocked Contacts.
  3. Swipe left on the number → tap Unblock.
FaceTime settings blocked contacts list
FaceTime maintains its own blocked list; therefore, remove the number here if video calls still fail.

Check with Your Carrier if Unblocking Fails

If you still cannot receive calls, your carrier may have blocked the number at the network level. Therefore, contact your carrier’s support and request removal of any server-side blocks. For example, some spam-filtering services keep a separate block list.

Troubleshooting: Why you can’t unblock

Even after you follow the steps above, the number may remain blocked. The following issues often cause persistent blocking; fix them and test again.

  • Outdated iOS: Update your iPhone; newer builds often resolve call and messaging glitches.
  • Duplicate contact cards: Merge or delete duplicates; otherwise, one duplicate can remain blocked.
  • Carrier or third-party filters: Disable or adjust apps and carrier spam filters that continue to block the caller.

Additionally, restart the iPhone after changes. Finally, ask the caller to try again to confirm the fix.

FAQs

How do I see all blocked numbers on my iPhone?

Open Settings → Phone → Blocked Contacts. You can review the full list and quickly unblock entries as needed.

Does unblocking a number restore old texts or calls?

No. Unblocking only allows new calls and messages to arrive. As a result, old blocked texts and calls will not reappear.

Can I temporarily unblock a number?

iOS does not include a temporary unblock feature. However, you can unblock now and block the number again later if necessary.

What happens when I unblock someone?

They can call, text, and FaceTime you again immediately. Therefore, you should receive notifications normally going forward.

Related: How to Unhide Apps on iPhone  |  How to See Deleted SMS on iPhone  |  How to Block a Number on iPhone

Further reading: Apple Support: Block or unblock a phone number

Explore more iPhone help: Block a Number on iPhone and Unhide Apps on iPhone for complete control over calls and apps.