Block a Number on iPhone

Are you tired of receiving unwanted calls on your iPhone? Whether it’s a persistent telemarketer, an ex who can’t take a hint, or an annoying spam caller, your iPhone gives you the power to block them all. It’s a simple process, but it can provide a huge relief from the constant interruptions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to block a number on your iPhone.

We’ll also delve into some lesser-known tips and tricks to help you manage blocked numbers and maintain your peace of mind. Let’s dive right in!

How to Block a Number on iPhone: Basic Steps

1. Blocking a Recent Caller

Did you just receive a call from an unknown number or a pesky telemarketer? Here’s how you can block them:

1. Open the ‘Phone’ app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on ‘Recents’ at the bottom of the screen.
3. Find the number you want to block and tap the ‘i’ symbol next to it.
4. Scroll down and tap ‘Block this Caller’. Voila! You won’t be bothered by calls from this number again.

2. Blocking a Contact

If you have a contact that you no longer wish to receive calls from, follow these steps:

1. Open the ‘Phone’ app.
2. Tap on ‘Contacts’ at the bottom of the screen.
3. Find and select the contact you want to block.
4. Scroll down and tap ‘Block this Caller’. That’s it! This contact will no longer be able to call you.

3. Blocking a Number via Messages

Annoying text messages can be just as disruptive as unwanted calls. Here’s how to block them:

1. Open the ‘Messages’ app.
2. Open the conversation from the number you want to block.
3. Tap on the number at the top of the screen and then tap on ‘info’.
4. Tap on ‘info’ again and then scroll down and tap ‘Block this Caller’. Done! You won’t receive any more messages from this number.

4. Blocking a Number via FaceTime

If someone’s bothering you via FaceTime, you can block them too. Here’s how:

1. Open the ‘FaceTime’ app.
2. Find the recent call from the number you want to block and tap the ‘i’ symbol next to it.
3. Scroll down and tap ‘Block this Caller’. And there you have it! This number won’t be able to FaceTime you anymore.

How to Blocking Spam Calls on iPhone

1. Using Built-in Features

Your iPhone comes equipped with a handy feature to help you deal with spam calls. Here’s how you can activate it:

1. Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone’.
3. Look for the ‘Call Silencing and Blocked Contacts’ section.
4. Toggle on ‘Silence Unknown Callers’.

Now, any call from a number that isn’t in your contacts, messages, or mail will be sent directly to voicemail, reducing the number of spam calls you receive.

2. Using Third-party Apps

If you’re still struggling with spam calls, you might want to consider using a third-party app. These apps can identify and block spam calls, even if the numbers are constantly changing. Here are a few popular options:

1. Robo Shield: This app identifies and blocks spam calls, providing you with a more peaceful calling experience.
2. Truecaller: Truecaller identifies unknown callers and blocks unwanted calls. It also allows you to search for unknown numbers.
3. Robokiller: Robokiller not only blocks spam calls but also answers them with pre-recorded messages, wasting the spammer’s time so they’re less likely to call you again.

Remember to check the privacy policies of these apps before downloading, as they will have access to your call data.

How to Block Callers Not in Your Contacts List

If you’re receiving too many calls from unknown numbers, your iPhone has a feature that can help. Here’s how you can block calls from anyone who’s not in your contacts list:

1. Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone’.
3. In the ‘Call Silencing and Blocked Contacts’ section, you’ll find an option titled ‘Silence Unknown Callers’.
4. Toggle on ‘Silence Unknown Callers’.

Now, any call from a number that isn’t saved in your contacts will be sent directly to voicemail. This means you’ll only receive calls from numbers you’ve saved, helping to reduce the number of unwanted calls. Please note that this feature won’t block these calls entirely, but it will prevent them from ringing on your iPhone. You can still check any missed calls in your recent calls list.

Important Notes About Blocking Numbers on iPhone

Blocking numbers on your iPhone can provide a lot of relief from unwanted calls, but there are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. Blocked Contacts Can Still Leave Voicemails: Even though a blocked number can’t call you directly, they can still leave voicemails. These voicemails will be stored in a separate section of your voicemail box labeled “Blocked Messages”.
2. Blocked Contacts Won’t Be Notified: When you block a number on your iPhone, the blocked contact won’t receive any notification or indication that they’ve been blocked. They will simply be unable to call you.
3. Blocking Affects All Communication: When you block a contact, it doesn’t just block their calls. It also blocks all text messages, FaceTime calls, and emails (if you’re using an iCloud email).
4. Blocking is Synced Across Devices: If you use the same Apple ID across multiple devices, any numbers you block on one device will also be blocked on all your other devices.
5. Emergency Calls Can’t Be Blocked: You can’t block emergency numbers like 911. This is a safety feature to ensure you can always reach emergency services when needed.

Remember, you can always unblock a number if you change your mind later. The process is simple and can be done through the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.

How to Unblock a Number on iPhone

If you’ve blocked a number on your iPhone and want to unblock it, the process is quite straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone’.
3. In the ‘Calls’ section, tap on ‘Blocked Contacts’.
4. You’ll see a list of all the numbers and contacts you’ve blocked. Find the number you want to unblock and swipe left on it.
5. Tap the red ‘Unblock’ button that appears.

That’s it! The number is now unblocked and the contact will be able to call, text, and FaceTime you again. Remember, you can block and unblock numbers as often as you need to, so don’t hesitate to use these features to manage your calls.

Extra Tips for Blocking Numbers on iPhone

Managing unwanted calls on your iPhone doesn’t stop at just blocking numbers. Here are some extra tips that can help you maintain a more peaceful and controlled calling experience:

1. Filter Messages from Unknown Senders: Just like calls, you can filter messages from unknown senders into a separate list. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Messages’ and toggle on ‘Filter Unknown Senders’. This will create a new tab in your Messages app for unknown senders, and you won’t receive notifications for these messages.
2. Report Spam Messages: If you receive a spam message, you can report it directly from the Messages app. Open the message, tap on the name or number at the top, tap ‘info’, and then tap ‘Report Junk’.
3. Do Not Disturb: If you’re getting too many calls and need some peace, you can use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Do Not Disturb’ and toggle it on. You can also schedule ‘Do Not Disturb’ for specific times of the day.
4. Third-Party Call Blocking Apps: If you’re still struggling with unwanted calls, consider using a third-party app. These apps can provide more advanced call blocking features, like blocking area codes or identifying spam calls.
5. Contact Your Carrier: Some carriers offer services to help manage unwanted calls. Contact your carrier to see if they offer any call blocking services.

Remember, these features are there to help you manage your calls and maintain your peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to use them as needed.

The Impact of Blocking a Number on iPhone

Blocking a number on your iPhone has several impacts that are worth understanding. Here’s what happens when you block a number:

1. Calls: When a blocked number tries to call you, the call is immediately sent to voicemail. On their end, it will seem as though your phone is turned off or not answering. They won’t receive any notification or indication that they’ve been blocked.
2. Messages: If a blocked number tries to send you a text message, you won’t receive it. The sender won’t get a delivery confirmation, and they won’t know that their message didn’t reach you.
3. FaceTime: Similar to calls, any FaceTime calls from a blocked number will not come through. The caller will not receive any notification that their call was blocked.
4. Voicemails: Blocked numbers can still leave voicemails, but these messages are automatically moved to a separate “Blocked Messages” section in your voicemail box. You won’t receive a notification for these voicemails.
5. Emails: If you’re using an iCloud email and you block a contact, their emails will go directly to your trash folder.

Remember, the blocked contact won’t know they’ve been blocked. They won’t receive any notification or indication of being blocked. However, if they frequently contact you and suddenly can’t reach you, they might suspect that they’ve been blocked.

Differences in Blocking Numbers on Different iPhone Models

While the process of blocking numbers is generally consistent across different iPhone models, there can be slight variations due to different iOS versions. Here’s a simple table to illustrate:

iPhone Model	iOS Version	Blocking Process
iPhone 6s	iOS 13	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Call Blocking & Identification’, tap ‘Block Contact’, and select the number you want to block.
iPhone 7	iOS 14	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’, tap ‘Add New’, and select the number you want to block.
iPhone 8	iOS 15	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’, tap ‘Add New’, and select the number you want to block.
iPhone X	iOS 15	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’, tap ‘Add New’, and select the number you want to block.
iPhone 11	iOS 15	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’, tap ‘Add New’, and select the number you want to block.
iPhone 12	iOS 15	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’, tap ‘Add New’, and select the number you want to block.
iPhone 13	iOS 15	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’, tap ‘Add New’, and select the number you want to block.

Please note that the process might vary slightly based on the specific iOS version your iPhone is running. Always make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version to have the most recent features and security updates.

Differences in Blocking Numbers on Different iOS Versions

The process of blocking numbers on an iPhone has remained relatively consistent across different iOS versions. However, the location of the settings might vary slightly. Here’s a table to illustrate:

iOS Version	Blocking Process
iOS 9	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked’, tap ‘Add New’, and select the number you want to block.
iOS 10	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Call Blocking & Identification’, tap ‘Block Contact’, and select the number you want to block.
iOS 11	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Call Blocking & Identification’, tap ‘Block Contact’, and select the number you want to block.
iOS 12	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Call Blocking & Identification’, tap ‘Block Contact’, and select the number you want to block.
iOS 13	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’, tap ‘Add New’, and select the number you want to block.
iOS 14	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’, tap ‘Add New’, and select the number you want to block.
iOS 15	Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’, tap ‘Add New’, and select the number you want to block.

Remember, the process might vary slightly based on the specific iOS version your iPhone is running. Always make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version to have the most recent features and security updates.

How to Block a Number on iPhone Without Opening the Phone App

If you want to block a number on your iPhone without opening the Phone app, you can do so through the Settings app. Here’s how:

1. Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone’.
3. Tap on ‘Blocked Contacts’.
4. Tap on ‘Add New…’ at the bottom.
5. You’ll see a list of all your contacts. Scroll through and tap on the contact you want to block.

That’s it! The selected contact is now blocked and won’t be able to call, text, or FaceTime you. Remember, you can unblock a contact at any time by going back to the ‘Blocked Contacts’ list and tapping ‘Edit’.

How to Block All Unknown Numbers on iPhone

If you’re receiving a lot of calls from unknown numbers and you’d like to block them all, your iPhone has a built-in feature that can help. Here’s how you can block all unknown numbers:

1. Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone’.
3. In the ‘Call Silencing and Blocked Contacts’ section, you’ll see an option titled ‘Silence Unknown Callers’.
4. Toggle on ‘Silence Unknown Callers’.

Now, any call from a number that isn’t in your contacts, messages, or mail will be sent directly to voicemail. This means you’ll only receive calls from numbers you’ve saved, helping to reduce the number of unwanted calls. Please note that this feature won’t block these calls entirely, but it will prevent them from ringing on your iPhone. You can still check any missed calls in your recent calls list.

How to Block a Number on iPhone When the Phone is Locked

When your iPhone is locked, you can’t directly block a number. However, you can quickly access the settings to block a number after unlocking your iPhone. Here’s how:

1. If you receive a call from the number you want to block, decline or ignore the call.
2. Unlock your iPhone and open the ‘Phone’ app.
3. Tap on ‘Recents’ at the bottom of the screen.
4. Find the number you want to block and tap the ‘i’ symbol next to it.
5. Scroll down and tap ‘Block this Caller’.

That’s it! The number is now blocked and won’t be able to call you again. Remember, you can unblock a number at any time by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’.

How to Block a Number on iPhone from Call History

Blocking a number from your call history on your iPhone is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the ‘Phone’ app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on ‘Recents’ at the bottom of the screen.
3. You’ll see a list of all your recent calls. Find the number you want to block.
4. Next to the number, you’ll see an ‘i’ symbol in a circle. Tap on this symbol.
5. Scroll down and tap on ‘Block this Caller’.
6. A confirmation message will appear. Tap ‘Block Contact’ to confirm.

That’s it! The number is now blocked and won’t be able to call you again. Remember, you can unblock a number at any time by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’.

Troubleshooting Tips When You Can’t Block a Number on iPhone

If you’re having trouble blocking a number on your iPhone, there could be a few reasons why. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help:

1. Update Your iPhone: Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Software Update’ to check for updates.
2. Restart Your iPhone: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor software glitches. Press and hold the power button (or the power and volume buttons on some models), then slide to power off. After your iPhone turns off, press and hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo.
3. Check Blocked List: If you can’t block a new number, check your blocked list to make sure it’s not full. There’s no official limit to the number of contacts you can block on an iPhone, but if you’re experiencing issues, try removing some old numbers from the list.
4. Contact Your Carrier: Some carriers offer additional call blocking services. If you’re unable to block a number on your iPhone, contact your carrier for assistance.
5. Reset All Settings: If all else fails, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Reset’ > ‘Reset All Settings’. Note that this will remove all your saved settings, but it won’t delete any data or apps.

Remember, if you’re receiving threatening or harassing calls, you should report them to your local law enforcement agency.

How to Block a Number on iPhone from Different Countries

Blocking a number from a different country on your iPhone follows the same process as blocking any other number. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the ‘Phone’ app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on ‘Recents’ at the bottom of the screen.
3. Find the international number you want to block and tap the ‘i’ symbol next to it.
4. Scroll down and tap ‘Block this Caller’.

That’s it! The international number is now blocked and won’t be able to call you again. Remember, you can unblock a number at any time by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Blocked Contacts’.

If you’re receiving a lot of unwanted calls from international numbers, consider contacting your carrier. Some carriers offer services to block international calls or specific country codes.

How to Block a Number on iPhone That Keeps Changing

Blocking a number that keeps changing can be a bit tricky, as the standard blocking methods might not work. However, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Silence Unknown Callers: This feature sends calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail. To enable it, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ and toggle it on.
2. Third-Party Apps: Consider using a third-party app like Hiya, Truecaller, or RoboKiller. These apps can identify and block spam calls, even if the numbers are constantly changing.
3. Contact Your Carrier: Some carriers offer services to help manage unwanted calls. Contact your carrier to see if they offer any call blocking services.

Remember, if you’re receiving threatening or harassing calls, you should report them to your local law enforcement agency.

How to Check Your List of Blocked Numbers

Checking your list of blocked numbers on an iPhone is a simple process. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone’.
3. In the ‘Calls’ section, tap on ‘Blocked Contacts’.

You’ll now see a list of all the numbers and contacts you’ve blocked on your iPhone. If you want to unblock a number, simply swipe left on it and tap ‘Unblock’.

How to Block Calls from Telemarketers and Robocallers

The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States. Registering your number with this service can reduce the number of unwanted sales calls you receive. Here’s how you can register:

1. Visit the National Do Not Call Registry website at www.donotcall.gov.
2. Click on ‘Register Your Phone’.
3. Enter the phone number you want to register and your email address (for confirmation).
4. Click ‘Submit’.
5. You’ll receive a confirmation email. Click on the link in the email to complete your registration.

Once you’ve registered, most legitimate telemarketers should stop calling you within 31 days. Please note that this won’t stop all unwanted calls. You might still receive calls from charities, political groups, debt collectors, and surveys.

If you continue to receive unwanted calls after registering, you can report them to the FTC through the same website. The FTC can take action against companies that violate the registry rules.

For robocalls, consider using the built-in features on your iPhone to silence unknown callers or use a third-party app that identifies and blocks robocalls. Always be wary of giving out your number online to avoid attracting more unwanted calls.

How to Block Email and Social Media Contacts

Blocking unwanted contacts extends beyond just phone calls and messages. You can also block contacts on email and social media platforms. Here’s how:

Email (using Apple Mail):

1. Open the ‘Mail’ app on your iPhone.
2. Open an email from the sender you want to block.
3. Tap on the sender’s name or email address at the top of the email.
4. Tap ‘Block this Contact’.
5. Confirm by tapping ‘Block this Contact’ again.

Facebook:

1. Open the Facebook app and go to the profile of the person you want to block.
2. Tap on the three dots under their profile picture.
3. Tap ‘Block’.
4. Confirm by tapping ‘Block’ again.

Instagram:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to the profile of the person you want to block.
2. Tap on the three dots in the top right corner.
3. Tap ‘Block’.
4. Confirm by tapping ‘Block’ again.

Twitter:

1. Open the Twitter app and go to the profile of the person you want to block.
2. Tap on the three dots in the top right corner.
3. Tap ‘Block’.
4. Confirm by tapping ‘Block’ again.

Remember, blocking someone on social media or email will prevent them from contacting you through that platform. They won’t be able to see your posts, send you messages, or interact with your content. You can unblock them at any time if you change your mind.

How to Handle Harassment or Stalking: Steps to Protect Yourself

If you’re experiencing harassment or stalking, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. Here’s what you can do:

1. Document Everything: Keep a record of all interactions, including calls, texts, emails, and social media messages. This can be useful evidence if you decide to report the harassment to the authorities or to the platform where the harassment is occurring.
2. Block the Harasser: Use the blocking features on your iPhone and on any other platforms where the harassment is occurring. This can help to limit the person’s ability to contact you.
3. Report to the Platform: If the harassment is happening on a social media platform, report it to the platform. Most platforms have policies against harassment and can take action against the person’s account.
4. Contact Your Local Law Enforcement: If the harassment continues or if you feel threatened, contact your local law enforcement agency. Provide them with all the information and evidence you have.
5. Report to Apple: If the harassment is happening through an Apple service like iMessage or FaceTime, you can report it to Apple. You can contact Apple Support for assistance.
6. Get a Restraining Order: If the harassment continues, you might want to consider getting a restraining order. This is a legal order that prevents the person from contacting you. The process for getting a restraining order varies by location, so you might want to consult with a legal professional.

Remember, it’s important to take harassment seriously. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for help, whether it’s law enforcement, a legal professional, or a counselor. You’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you.

Carrier-Specific Options for Blocking Calls

Different carriers offer various options to help their customers manage and block unwanted calls. Here’s a brief overview of what some major carriers offer:

1. AT&T: AT&T offers a service called AT&T Call Protect. It has automatic fraud blocking and suspected spam warnings. There’s also a Plus version with additional features like custom call controls.
2. Verizon: Verizon offers a service called Call Filter that identifies spam calls and provides a risk level, ranging from low risk to high risk. It also allows you to report numbers, and the premium version offers a personal block list.
3. T-Mobile: T-Mobile provides Scam Shield, which includes scam ID, scam block, and caller ID. It also allows you to change your number once per year if you’re getting too many unwanted calls.
4. Sprint: Sprint customers are now part of T-Mobile, so they have access to the Scam Shield service.

Remember to check with your specific carrier for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Some of these services may be free, while others might require a monthly fee. Always read the terms and conditions before signing up for any service.

Signs You’ve Been Blocked by Someone Else

If you suspect that someone has blocked your number on their iPhone, there are a few signs you can look for. However, none of these signs are definitive proof on their own, as they could also be caused by other factors like network issues or phone settings. Here’s what you might notice:

1. Calls Go Straight to Voicemail: When you call the person, your call is immediately directed to voicemail. You won’t hear a ring before the call goes to voicemail.
2. No Delivery Confirmation for Texts: If you send an iMessage to the person, you won’t see a “Delivered” confirmation under the message. However, this could also happen if the person has turned off read receipts or if there’s a problem with your or their network.
3. FaceTime Calls Don’t Connect: If you try to FaceTime the person, the call will never connect. It will just keep ringing on your end without any response.
4. No Last Seen or Online Status in iMessage: If the person has blocked you, you won’t be able to see their last seen or online status in iMessage.
5. You Can’t Add Them to a Group Text: If you try to add the person to a group text, you might get a notification that you can’t add them.

Again, these signs could be due to other reasons, so don’t jump to conclusions. If you’re unsure, the best course of action might be to reach out to the person through another method or platform to check if they’re receiving your calls and messages.

Conclusion

Dealing with unwanted calls on your iPhone can be a nuisance, but thankfully, there are several ways to manage them. From blocking specific numbers to silencing all unknown callers, your iPhone provides a range of options to help you maintain control over who can reach you. Third-party apps and carrier services can also offer additional support if needed.

Remember, the blocking features on your iPhone are there to help you. Don’t hesitate to use them to create a more peaceful and controlled calling experience. After all, your phone is a tool for your convenience. It’s there to serve you, not to disturb you. Happy blocking!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common FAQs about blocking a number on an iPhone: