How to Unblock Incoming Calls on iPhone

If your iPhone is not receiving calls from a specific person or number, it is likely that the number is blocked. This guide will show you how to find and unblock those numbers so you can receive calls and messages again. You will need your iPhone with the latest iOS version installed, and you should know the phone number or contact you want to unblock.

What You’ll Need

Your iPhone with iOS 14 or later (the steps are similar on older versions).
The phone number or contact name you want to unblock.
Your passcode or Face ID/Touch ID to access Settings if you have restrictions enabled.

Step-by-Step

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. It is the gray gear icon on your home screen.
Scroll down and tap Phone. This is where all call-related settings are managed.
In the Phone settings, scroll down and tap Blocked Contacts. This will show a list of all numbers and contacts that are currently blocked from calling, messaging, and FaceTiming you.
You will see a list of blocked numbers and contacts. Find the one you want to unblock. If the list is long, you can swipe down to search or scroll through.
Tap Edit in the top-right corner of the screen. The list will enter edit mode, and you will see red minus buttons next to each entry.
Tap the red minus button next to the number you want to unblock. A red Unblock button will appear on the right side of that entry.
Tap Unblock to confirm. The number will be removed from the blocked list immediately.
Tap Done in the top-right corner to exit edit mode. The number is now unblocked, and you will start receiving calls, texts, and FaceTime from that contact again.

If you are trying to unblock a number that you blocked from the Phone app directly (by tapping the “i” info button and selecting “Block this Caller”), the same steps above will work. The number will appear in the Blocked Contacts list in Settings.

Common Mistakes

Blocking the wrong number: Sometimes you might block a number that is similar but not exactly the one you intend. Always double-check the number before unblocking, especially if you have multiple entries.
Forgetting to unblock from other apps: Blocking a number in the Phone app also blocks it in FaceTime and Messages. Unblocking from Settings will unblock it across all these services, so you don’t need to do anything else.
Confusing “Silence Unknown Callers” with blocking: If you have “Silence Unknown Callers” enabled in Settings > Phone, calls from numbers not in your contacts will go to voicemail and won’t ring. This is not the same as blocking, and unblocking a specific number won’t change this behavior. You may need to add the number to your contacts or disable that feature.
Expecting immediate delivery of missed calls: Unblocking does not retroactively deliver calls or messages that were sent while the number was blocked. You will only receive new calls and messages after unblocking.

Tips

To block a number quickly, open the Phone app, go to Recents, tap the “i” icon next to the number, scroll down, and tap “Block this Caller.”
If you frequently block numbers, consider using a third-party call-blocking app that can manage more complex rules, but for simple blocking, the built-in feature is sufficient.
You can also block a contact from the Messages app by opening the conversation, tapping the contact at the top, then tapping “Info,” and selecting “Block this Caller.”
Check your voicemail after unblocking—some carriers may still deliver voicemails left while the number was blocked, depending on your carrier settings.

Troubleshooting

If you have followed the steps and the number is still not receiving calls, try the following:

Restart your iPhone: A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. Press and hold the power button and either volume button until the slider appears, then slide to power off. Turn it back on after a few seconds.
Check if the number is blocked in another app: Some third-party call-blocking apps (like Truecaller or Hiya) have their own block lists. Open those apps and check if the number is blocked there.
Check “Silence Unknown Callers”: Go to Settings > Phone and see if “Silence Unknown Callers” is toggled on. If it is, turn it off or add the number to your contacts.
Check Do Not Disturb or Focus: If you have a Focus mode (like Do Not Disturb) enabled, calls from certain people may be silenced. Go to Settings > Focus and check if any Focus is active and if the contact is allowed through.
Contact your carrier: In rare cases, the issue may be on the carrier side. Contact your carrier to ensure there is no network-level blocking or issue with your account.
Reset network settings: If nothing else works, you can reset network settings by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will not delete your data, but it will reset Wi-Fi passwords and cellular settings. You will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords after this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will unblocking a number notify the person?

No, the person will not be notified when you unblock them. They will simply be able to call and message you again.

Can I unblock a number from the Phone app itself?

Yes, you can go to the Phone app, tap Recents, find the number, tap the “i” icon, and if the number is blocked, you will see “Unblock this Caller” instead of “Block this Caller.”

What happens to messages that were sent while the number was blocked?

Messages sent while the number was blocked will not be delivered. You will not receive them after unblocking. The sender may see “Delivered” but you won’t get it.

Does unblocking a number also unblock FaceTime?

Yes, the block list is shared across Phone, Messages, and FaceTime. Unblocking a number will allow FaceTime calls and messages from that person as well.

Why can’t I find the number in my Blocked Contacts list?

If the number is not in the list, it might be blocked by a third-party app or by your carrier. Check your call-blocking apps and contact your carrier if necessary.

Can I block a number that is not in my contacts?

Yes, you can block any number, even if it is not saved in your contacts. The number will appear in the Blocked Contacts list with the number itself.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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