Blocking a phone number prevents that person from calling, texting, or contacting you through your device. However, if you decide to restore communication, unblocking the number is a quick process that can be done directly through your phone’s settings or within specific messaging apps.
To unblock a number, you simply need to access your device’s blocked contacts list, locate the number, and remove it from the list. The exact steps vary slightly depending on whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, but the process generally takes less than a minute. If the contact was blocked inside an app such as WhatsApp or Instagram, you will also need to remove the block within that app’s privacy settings.
Unblocking a number immediately allows future calls and messages to come through. However, any calls or texts sent while the number was blocked will not be recovered. Once the number is removed from the blocked list, communication resumes as normal unless other restrictions are in place.
What Happens When You Block a Number?
Before learning how to unblock a number, it’s helpful to understand what blocking actually does. When you block someone on your smartphone, the device prevents their calls and messages from reaching you. However, the exact behavior can vary slightly depending on your phone model and carrier.
First, blocked calls are automatically rejected. In many cases, they are sent directly to voicemail without your phone ringing. You won’t receive any notification of a missed call. This gives you uninterrupted privacy.
Second, text messages from the blocked number will not appear in your inbox. Whether it’s SMS or platform-based messaging like iMessage, the messages are filtered out. Importantly, most devices do not notify the sender that they have been blocked. From their perspective, messages may appear sent but not delivered.
Third, blocking works independently across apps. Blocking a number in your phone settings does not automatically block that person on apps like WhatsApp or Instagram. Each app maintains its own block list.
Understanding these mechanics helps you see why unblocking requires checking both your phone settings and sometimes your apps as well.
How to Unblock a Number on iPhone
If you’re using an iPhone, unblocking a number is straightforward. Devices made by Apple centralize blocked contacts within system settings, making them easy to manage.
Unblock a Number from Phone Settings
The most common method is through the Phone section of your settings. Begin by opening the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down until you find Phone, then tap it. Inside the Phone settings menu, locate and select Blocked Contacts. This screen displays every number you’ve blocked.
To unblock a number, find the contact in the list. Swipe left on the number, and you will see an Unblock button appear. Tap it. The number is immediately removed from the blocked list, and the person can now call or message you again.
Unblock from Messages Settings
If you originally blocked someone through the Messages app, the process is similar but accessed slightly differently. Open Settings, scroll to Messages, and tap it. Inside, select Blocked Contacts. You’ll see the same list of blocked numbers. Swipe left on the contact and tap Unblock.
Unblock from FaceTime Settings
Blocking can also occur within FaceTime settings. To reverse it, open Settings, tap FaceTime, then select Blocked Contacts. Swipe left on the number and tap Unblock.
Important Notes for iPhone Users
Unblocking a number does not restore old messages that were sent while the number was blocked. Those messages are permanently lost. Additionally, the person will not receive any notification that they’ve been unblocked. Communication simply resumes as normal. If needed, you can re-block the number at any time using the same menu.
How to Unblock a Number on Android
Android phones vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but the overall process for unblocking a number is similar across devices.
Unblock Using the Phone App
Most Android phones store blocked numbers inside the Phone app. Open the Phone app and tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner. From the dropdown menu, select Settings. Next, tap Blocked numbers.
You will see a list of all numbers currently blocked. To unblock one, tap the X icon or select Unblock next to the number. Once removed, the contact can call and message you again.
Unblock Through Contacts
Some Android devices also allow you to unblock a number directly through the Contacts app. Open Contacts, select the person’s name, tap the menu or “More” option, and choose Unblock Contact.
Samsung Devices
If you are using a device made by Samsung, the steps may look slightly customized. Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings, and then select Block numbers. From there, remove the number you want to unblock.
Google Pixel Devices
Phones made by Google, such as Pixel models, follow a similar structure. Open Phone, go to Settings, tap Blocked numbers, and remove the contact from the list.
Important Notes for Android Users
Just like on iPhone, unblocking does not recover previously blocked messages. If the person tried contacting you while blocked, those communications are not retrievable. Additionally, if you previously enabled carrier-level blocking services, you may need to adjust those settings separately.
How to Unblock a Number on Popular Messaging Apps
Blocking on your phone does not automatically remove blocks inside messaging apps. If someone still cannot reach you after you’ve unblocked them on your device, check your app settings.
Unblocking on WhatsApp
WhatsApp maintains its own blocked contact list.
Open WhatsApp and tap Settings. Select Privacy, then tap Blocked Contacts. You will see all contacts you’ve blocked within the app. Tap the person’s name and select Unblock. Once completed, they can send messages and call you through WhatsApp again.
Unblocking on Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger also uses a separate blocking system.
Open Messenger and tap your profile picture in the top corner. Navigate to Privacy, then select Blocked Accounts. Choose the contact you wish to unblock and confirm your selection. Messenger may allow you to unblock calls, messages, or both.
Unblocking on Instagram
Instagram blocks users at the account level rather than by phone number.
Open Instagram and go to your Profile. Tap the menu icon (☰), then select Settings and Privacy. Scroll to Blocked under the Privacy section. Select the account you want to unblock and tap Unblock.
If your profile is private, the user may need to send a follow request again after being unblocked.
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How to Check If a Number Is Still Blocked
After unblocking, it’s important to confirm that the process worked correctly. Start by reviewing your blocked contacts list to ensure the number is no longer present.
Next, try sending a message or placing a call. If the message sends normally or the call connects, the block has been removed successfully.
If communication still fails, verify that the person isn’t blocked within any messaging apps. It’s also possible that the other person may have blocked you.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes unblocking a number does not immediately resolve communication issues. If that happens, consider the following possibilities.
If you cannot locate the blocked list, ensure your phone’s operating system is updated. You can also use the search bar within Settings and type “blocked” to quickly locate the correct section.
If the contact still cannot reach you, they might be blocked within a third-party app rather than your phone settings. Additionally, some carriers offer call-blocking services that override device-level settings. Contact your carrier if necessary.
Finally, restart your phone after unblocking someone. A simple reboot can resolve minor software glitches that may prevent calls or messages from going through.
Tips Before Unblocking Someone
While unblocking is technically simple, the decision itself deserves thoughtful consideration.
First, evaluate your privacy and safety. If the block was placed due to harassment or unwanted contact, think carefully before reversing it.
Second, consider alternatives such as muting notifications instead of fully blocking the person. Most phones offer Focus or Do Not Disturb modes that silence specific contacts without preventing messages entirely.
Third, communicate boundaries clearly if you are reopening contact after a disagreement. Healthy communication and clear expectations can prevent future misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Unblocking a number is a simple yet important feature that gives you full control over your communication. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android device, or messaging apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, the process involves navigating to your blocked contacts list and removing the number.
By understanding how blocking works, checking both device and app settings, and troubleshooting if necessary, you can ensure smooth communication when you decide to reconnect.
Technology is designed to serve you. With the steps outlined in this guide, you now have complete confidence in managing blocked contacts and restoring communication safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, smartphones do not notify users when they are unblocked. Whether you are using an iPhone or an Android device, the person will not receive any alert or message indicating that they have been removed from your blocked list. Communication will simply resume as normal if they attempt to call or text you again.
No, messages and calls that were sent during the time the number was blocked cannot be recovered. Once a number is blocked, your device filters out incoming communication from that contact. Unblocking only allows future messages and calls to come through; it does not restore anything that was previously blocked.
Yes, you can block and unblock a number as many times as you want. There are no limits on how often you can use this feature. If you decide later that you no longer want to receive communication from the person, you can simply return to your blocked contacts list and block the number again.
If someone is still unable to contact you after you have unblocked their number, there may be another issue involved. The person could still be blocked within a messaging app such as WhatsApp or Instagram, or your mobile carrier may have a call-blocking service enabled. In some cases, the other person may have blocked your number instead. Restarting your phone and checking app-specific blocking settings can often resolve the problem.
Unblocking restores the ability to communicate moving forward, but it does not bring back deleted chats or missed messages. Any texts or calls that were attempted while the number was blocked will not reappear in your message history. You will only receive new communication after the block has been removed.
