How to Stop Blocked Calls on iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to let those calls through again? There are several ways to unblock numbers on your iPhone, depending on why they were blocked in the first place. You can manually unblock numbers in your iPhone’s settings, check call filtering apps, and review your carrier’s block list.

Unblocking Numbers on Your iPhone: Getting Started

The most straightforward way to stop blocked calls is to remove the numbers from your iPhone’s block list directly. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Phone.”
3. Select “Blocked Contacts.”
4. You’ll see a list of numbers you’ve blocked. To unblock a number, swipe left on the number you wish to unblock.
5. Tap “Unblock” that appears. The number will now be removed from your block list, and calls from that number will come through.

Alternative Method to Unblock Contacts

There’s another way to reach your blocked contacts list and unblock numbers:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap “Contacts” at the bottom of the screen.
3. Find the contact you want to unblock.
4. Scroll down to the bottom of their contact card. If they are blocked, you will see “Unblock This Caller.”
5. Tap “Unblock This Caller” to allow calls from that number again.

Checking Call Filtering Apps: The Hidden Blockers

Sometimes, call filtering apps can be the culprit behind blocked calls. These apps, designed to identify and block spam calls, might mistakenly block legitimate numbers. Here’s how to check them:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Phone.”
3. Select “Call Blocking & Identification.”
4. Here, you’ll see a list of apps that are actively filtering calls.
5. Review each app to see if any legitimate numbers are being blocked. You’ll typically need to open the app itself to manage its block list. Many apps allow you to whitelist specific numbers to ensure they always get through.

Identifying Call Filtering Apps

If you aren’t sure which apps are filtering calls, look for apps on your phone that are designed to block spam or robocalls. Common examples include Nomorobo, Truecaller, and Hiya. Check the settings within these apps to ensure they aren’t blocking numbers you want to receive calls from.

Reviewing Your Carrier’s Block List: Going to the Source

Some mobile carriers offer services that block unwanted calls at the network level. If you’ve used your carrier’s services to block a number, you’ll need to manage the block list directly through your carrier.

1. Contact your mobile carrier’s customer support. You can usually do this through their website, mobile app, or by calling them directly.
2. Ask about any call blocking services you may have enabled.
3. Request a list of numbers currently blocked by the carrier.
4. Ask them to remove any numbers you want to unblock. The specific steps for doing this will vary depending on your carrier.

Carrier-Specific Blocking Services

Popular carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer services to block unwanted calls. These services sometimes have dedicated apps or require you to log into your account online to manage blocked numbers. Be sure to check the specific instructions provided by your carrier to manage your call blocking preferences.

Addressing Underlying Issues: Why Were They Blocked?

Before unblocking numbers, consider why they were blocked in the first place. Was it intentional, or was it a mistake? Understanding the reason can help you decide whether to unblock the number permanently or use other features like silencing unknown callers.

Silencing Unknown Callers

If you are receiving a lot of spam calls, consider using the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature on your iPhone. This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts to voicemail. This can help reduce interruptions from unwanted callers without completely blocking numbers. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Phone.”
3. Scroll down and tap on “Silence Unknown Callers.”
4. Toggle the switch to turn the feature on.

Identifying and Reporting Spam

Continue to identify and report spam calls to your carrier and relevant authorities. This helps them improve call filtering services and reduce the overall number of unwanted calls everyone receives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What happens when I unblock a number on my iPhone?

Unblocking a number allows calls and text messages from that number to go through to your phone. They will no longer be automatically blocked or sent to voicemail.

Q2: How can I tell if someone has blocked my number on their iPhone?

There’s no definitive way to know for sure if someone has blocked your number. However, common signs include your calls going directly to voicemail every time, without the phone ringing, or if your texts are never delivered.

Q3: Can I block calls without adding the number to my contacts?

Yes, you can block calls directly from your call history even if the number isn’t saved as a contact. Open the Phone app, go to Recents, tap the “i” icon next to the number, scroll down, and tap “Block this Caller.”

Q4: How do I unblock a number if I don’t remember the exact number?

If you don’t remember the number, try to recall when you might have blocked it. Look through your recent call history or text message history for a number that seems familiar. You can also check any call filtering apps you use, as they might display a list of blocked numbers.

Q5: Does blocking a number also block text messages?

Yes, blocking a number on your iPhone blocks both calls and text messages from that number.

Q6: Will the person I unblock know that I unblocked them?

No, the person you unblock will not receive a notification that you have unblocked them. They will only know if they try to call or text you and the communication goes through.

Q7: Can I block international calls on my iPhone?

While you can’t block all international calls collectively through your iPhone settings, you can block individual international numbers. Consider using your carrier’s services or third-party apps designed to block international spam calls.

Q8: What is the difference between blocking a number and silencing unknown callers?

Blocking a number prevents all calls and texts from that number from reaching you. Silencing unknown callers sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail without ringing your phone.

Q9: How often should I review my blocked contacts list?

It’s a good practice to review your blocked contacts list periodically, perhaps once a month or every few months, to ensure you aren’t accidentally blocking important numbers.

Q10: Can I block a number temporarily on my iPhone?

The iPhone doesn’t have a built-in feature for temporary blocking. You can block the number and then unblock it later when needed. Alternatively, consider using the “Do Not Disturb” feature or third-party apps that offer temporary call blocking.

Q11: What if I’m still receiving calls from a blocked number?

If you’re still receiving calls from a number you’ve blocked, it could be due to number spoofing, where spammers disguise their number. Report this to your carrier. You may also want to consider using a more robust call filtering app.

Q12: Can I block private or unknown numbers on my iPhone?

You can’t directly block “private” or “unknown” numbers through the iPhone’s built-in settings. However, the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature effectively handles these calls by sending them to voicemail, and several third-party apps offer more advanced features for dealing with private or unknown callers.