Block Someone on iMessage: iPhone & iPad Guide

Blocking someone on iMessage stops them from sending you messages, photos, or videos through Apple’s messaging service, and it also prevents them from calling you via FaceTime. This guide shows you how to block a contact or unknown sender directly from the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad, and how to manage your blocked list later.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or iPad with iOS 10 or later (the steps are the same for current versions).
• The Messages app (preinstalled).
• If you want to block a specific person, have their phone number or Apple ID saved in your Contacts, or have a recent message from them in your conversation list.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad. The icon is a white speech bubble on a green background.
2. Find the conversation with the person you want to block. It can be an active chat or an older one in your message list.
3. Tap the person’s name or number at the top of the conversation. This is usually shown in bold text. If you’re in a group chat, tap the group name instead.
4. Tap the “Info” button (the letter “i” inside a circle) in the top-right corner of the screen. This opens the details page for that contact or group.
5. Scroll down to the bottom of the details page. You’ll see a red “Block this Caller” option. Tap it.
6. Confirm the block by tapping “Block Contact” in the pop-up that appears. The person is now blocked.

That’s it. The blocked person won’t be notified that you blocked them. Their messages will not appear on your device, and they won’t be able to reach you via FaceTime either. You can still see their messages if you unblock them later, but you won’t receive anything new while they’re blocked.

Common Mistakes

• Blocking from the wrong place: Some people try to block from the contact’s card in the Contacts app. That works too, but if you don’t have the person saved, you must use the Messages app method above.
• Tapping the wrong “Info” button: In a group chat, tapping the group name at the top might show the group details, not the individual. You need to tap the specific person’s name in the conversation to see their individual options.
• Expecting a confirmation message: There’s no “You have been blocked” alert on the sender’s side. You won’t get a notification either. If you’re not sure it worked, check your blocked list (see Tips).
• Forgetting that blocking is device-specific: If you have an iPhone and an iPad, blocking on one device does not automatically block on the other. You need to repeat the steps on each device if you want to block everywhere.

Tips

• Block unknown senders: If you keep getting spam or unwanted messages from numbers not in your contacts, go to Settings > Messages and turn on “Filter Unknown Senders.” This puts messages from unknown numbers into a separate list, but it doesn’t block them. To block a specific unknown sender, open the message and follow the steps above.
• Manage your blocked list: Go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts to see everyone you’ve blocked. You can also unblock people from there.
• Block from a notification: If you get a message notification, you can swipe left on it (on iPhone with 3D Touch or Haptic Touch) and tap “Block” to quickly block that person without opening the conversation.
• Block from the contact card: In the Contacts app, open the contact, scroll down, and tap “Block this Caller.” This works the same as blocking from Messages.

Troubleshooting

I don’t see “Block this Caller” at the bottom of the details page. Make sure you’re on the details page for the person, not the group. If you’re in a group chat, you might need to tap the person’s name in the list of participants at the top of the details page. If you still don’t see it, try updating your iOS to the latest version.

I blocked someone, but I still get their messages. This can happen if the person is using a different Apple ID or phone number than the one you blocked. For example, if you blocked their phone number but they send from their Apple ID email, you’ll still get those. Go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts and add the other contact information. Also, make sure you’ve blocked them on every device you use.

I accidentally blocked someone and want to unblock them. Go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts, swipe left on the person, and tap “Unblock.” Or open the conversation in Messages, tap the name, tap “Info,” and then tap “Unblock this Caller.”

Blocking doesn’t stop them from leaving voicemails. Blocking in iMessage also blocks FaceTime calls, but it does not block regular cellular phone calls or voicemails. To block calls, you need to block the number in the Phone app as well. Go to Phone > Recents, tap the “i” next to the number, scroll down, and tap “Block this Caller.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the person know I blocked them? No, they won’t get a notification. Their messages will just show as “Delivered” or “Sent” on their end, but you won’t receive them.

Can I still see messages from a blocked person? No, you won’t receive any new messages from them. However, if you unblock them later, you’ll see any messages they sent while blocked (they’ll appear as new).

Does blocking on iMessage also block FaceTime? Yes, blocking a contact in Messages also blocks them from calling you on FaceTime.

Can I block someone who isn’t in my contacts? Yes, you can block any number or Apple ID that has sent you a message. Just open the conversation and follow the steps.

If I block someone on my iPhone, will they be blocked on my iPad too? No, blocking is per device. You need to block the person on each device separately.

How do I unblock someone? Go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts, swipe left on the person, and tap “Unblock.” Or open a conversation with them and tap “Unblock this Caller” in the details page.

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