We all know the frustration of receiving annoying or unwanted calls and messages. Whether it’s spam, telemarketers, or people you’d rather not hear from, blocking numbers becomes a go-to solution. But what if you need to reconnect with someone after blocking them? In this article, we’ll show you how to unblock a number.
Here, we will discuss the steps for unblocking a number on both iPhone and Android devices. We’ll cover the exact procedures for each device, along with alternative methods and important considerations to keep in mind.
Table of Contents
How to Unblock a Number on an iPhone
If you’re using an iPhone, unblocking a number is straightforward. Apple has made it easy to manage blocked numbers, whether you’re dealing with calls, texts, or FaceTime.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unblock a Number on iPhone
- Open the Settings app: The first step is to open the Settings app on your iPhone. You can manage many functions related to the device here.
- Scroll and Tap on Phone: Scroll down the settings menu and tap on Phone. This will open a page with options related to calling and communication.
- Choose Blocked Contacts: You will be able to see blocked contacts in the phone settings. Tap on it, and this will lead to a list of all the numbers you have blocked.
- Tap Edit in the Top Right Corner: Once you are on the Blocked Contacts screen, tap on Edit in the top right corner.
- Unblock the Number: Next, there is a red minus button next to the blocked number you want to unblock. Tap on the red button, and then confirm by selecting Unblock.
By completing these steps, you have successfully unblocked the number, and they will be able to call you by text or FaceTime again.
Alternative Methods to Unblock a Number from iPhone
There are alternative ways to unblock a number on an iPhone if you prefer not to go through the Settings menu:
- Unblocking from the Messages App: If you have an ongoing conversation with the blocked person, you can unblock them directly from the Messages app. Open the conversation, tap on the contact’s name at the top, and then tap Unblock. It will instantly remove the block and restore communication.
- Unblocking from the Phone App: Another method is to go to the Phone app and open the recent calls list. Find the number you’ve blocked, tap on the “i” icon next to it, and choose Unblock.
How to Unblock a Number on Android?
Android phones offer a variety of options for unblocking numbers. While the steps may vary slightly depending on the model and manufacturer, the process remains similar across most Android devices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unblock a Number on Android
- Open the Phone app: To begin, open the Phone app on the Android device. It is a central hub for managing calls, contacts, and call settings.
- Tap the Three Dots in the Top Right Corner: In the Phone app, tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Thus, this will open a menu that gives you more settings options.
- Choose Settings: Tap Settings in the dropdown to access the call settings.
- Select Blocked Numbers: Look for an option called Blocked Numbers or Call Blocking & Identification and tap on it. It will show you the list of blocked numbers.
- Tap into Unblock Number: Locate the number you would like to unblock and click on the X or Unblock button next to it. It will instantly unblock the contact, where they can call and message you.
Alternative Methods to Unblock a Number on Android
There are other options available to unblock a number:
- Unblocking from the Messages App: If you blocked the number within the Messages app, you can unblock it there, too. Open the conversation, tap the contact’s name, and uncheck the box that says Block.
- Unblocking from Contacts: If you have the blocked number saved in the contacts, open the contact’s profile. Tap the three dots in the top right corner and select Unblock.
Things to Keep in Mind on Android
Re-blocking: You can always block the number again if necessary. The steps to do so are the same as the unblocking process.
No Notifications: Similar to the iPhone, Android does not notify you when a number is unblocked. Still, it will allow that contact to reach you again.
Why Do People Block Numbers?
Understanding the reasons why people block numbers can provide additional context for unblocking. Here are some common reasons why numbers are blocked:
- Spam Calls: Telemarketers, robocalls, and unsolicited calls are a frequent reason people block numbers.
- Harassment: Unwanted calls from individuals who persist despite requests to stop may lead to blocking.
- Wrong Numbers: Accidental misdialing or calls from unknown individuals may prompt someone to block a number.
- Privacy Concerns: Some people block unknown callers to protect their privacy and avoid potential scams.
Hence, regardless of the reason for blocking, unblocking can help restore necessary communication.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even though unblocking a number is typically a simple process, sometimes it may not work as expected. Here’s how to troubleshoot the issue if unblocking doesn’t seem to be effective.
Unblocking Not Working on iPhone
Check Multiple Block Locations: Sometimes, a number can be blocked in both the Phone and Messages apps. Make sure the number isn’t blocked in both places.
Check for iOS Updates: Outdated software can cause glitches. Make sure the iPhone is running the latest version of iOS by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Unblocking Not Working on Android
Check Block Settings in Multiple Apps: Numbers may be blocked in more than one app, such as the Phone app, Messages app, or even third-party apps. Double-check all relevant settings.
Clear Cache or Data: Clearing the app cache or data for the Phone or Messaging app(s) sometimes helps with unblocking issues.
Update Your Device: Make sure the Android phone is updated. It’s also possible that you might run into glitches due to outdated software causing issues with blocking and unblocking contacts.
Conclusion
If you have an iPhone or an Android device, knowing how to unblock a number is a useful skill. Each system has straightforward instructions to unblock calls, texts, and other communications, with a few platform-specific differences. Whether you’re unblocking someone to reconnect with a family member, accept an important call, or even undo a previous decision to block someone, unblocking is simple once you know the right steps.
Remember to check the block list regularly to ensure you’re not missing out on important communications. And if you ever want to re-block someone, it’s as simple as unblocking them. You now know how to unblock a number on both iPhone and Android, and you can regain control over the phone’s communication.
FAQs
For landlines, unblocking a number depends on the phone service provider. You usually have to reach out to them or use the phone’s settings to manage blocked numbers.
Calls will go straight to voicemail if the caller has a blocked number, or the call may not connect at all. Text messages from blocked numbers also will not be delivered.
Yes, you can block a number again after unblocking. With this, you can block them for future interactions if required using the same method.
No, once a number is unblocked, any messages received while the number was blocked will not reappear. They will only be able to contact you moving forward.
If calls continue despite the number being blocked, confirm that the number is blocked in all necessary apps, including the Phone, Messages, and any third-party applications. Sometimes, you may need some additional settings.
