How to Unblock a Number

Sometimes you’ll decide you don’t want to hear from a specific person or business anymore, so you’ll block their number. But what happens when things change and you need to start receiving calls and texts from them again? This article will show you how to unblock a number, which can be done a few different ways depending on what type of phone you have.

How to unblock a number on iPhone

There are three different ways to unblock a number on an iPhone, but you only need to do one of them for it to take effect across all communication options. Here are the different methods for unblocking a number on an iPhone and the steps for completing each one:

Unblock using the Phone App

• Open the Phone app
• Tap Recents at the bottom of the screen
• Find the number you want to unblock and tap the Info (i) icon next to it
• Scroll down and tap Unblock this Caller

Unblock using the Settings App

• Go into your iPhone Settings
• Scroll down and select Phone
• Tap Blocked Contacts
• Swipe left on the number you want to unblock and tap Unblock

Unblock using the Messages or FaceTime App

• Go into your iPhone Settings 
• Scroll down and tap Messages or FaceTime
• Select Blocked Contacts
• Swipe left on the number you want to unblock and tap Unblock

How to unblock a number on Android

Similar to iPhone, Android phones let you unblock a number a few different ways, but you only need to do one of them to unblock the number everywhere on your phone. Keep in mind, the menus on Android phones vary a bit by make & model, so these steps may not be exact for your specific phone. 

Unblock using the Phone App (should work on most Android phones)

• Open the Phone app
• Tap the More options (or three dots) in the top-right corner.
• Select Settings
• Tap Block numbers
• Scroll to the number you want to unblock and tap the X, – or Unblock button next to it

Unblock using the Contacts App

• Open your Contacts list
• Search for or scroll to the blocked contact
• Tap on the contact, then tap More options (three dots)
  • You may have to tap the Info (i) icon to fully open the contact
• Select Unblock

Unblock using Messages App

• Open your Android Messages app
• Tap More options (three dots) and select Spam & Blocked
• Select the number you wish to unblock and tap Unblock

How to unblock text messages

If you followed any of the instructions above, the number should already be unblocked for text messaging as well as calls, but here are the steps you can take depending on which make & model of smartphone you have to make sure the number is not blocked from texting you. 

How to unblock text messages on iPhone

• Go into your iPhone Settings 
• Scroll down and tap Messages
• Select Blocked Contacts
• Swipe left on the number you want to unblock and tap Unblock

How to unblock text messages on Android

• Open your Android Messages app
• Tap More options (three dots) and select Spam & Blocked
• Select the number you wish to unblock and tap Unblock

What happens after you unblock a number?

Unblocking a number only happens on your end, and essentially starts the connection from scratch. You won’t receive any messages that were sent to you while the number was blocked, nor will you see any missed calls in your call log. They were not automatically notified that they had been blocked, and they also will not be notified that they were just unblocked. And it’s important to note that if they had you blocked as well, you won’t be able to call or text them until they follow these same instructions to unblock your number, too.

More number knowledge courtesy of Ultra Mobile

Mastering the art of unblocking a number on iPhone or Android is important for ensuring you receive important calls and texts. If you blocked the number by accident or just need a refresher on how to block a number, we have another article for that, too. Here’s hoping you don’t have to use it too often.