To unblock a telephone number, open your phone’s settings and remove it from the blocked contacts list. The exact steps depend on whether you use an iPhone or an Android device, and whether the block was applied by your device or your carrier.
How to unblock a telephone number on iPhone
Apple documents two paths to unblock a number on an iPhone, plus a swipe-left shortcut. All three methods work for numbers you blocked on the device itself. On iPhone, you can block a number from the Recents tab by tapping the 'i' icon and selecting 'Block this Caller'.
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Blocked Contacts. Tap Edit, then tap the delete button (a red minus) next to the contact, and tap Unblock.
- On iPhones with iOS 18-style navigation, open Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts. Tap Edit, tap the delete button next to the contact, and tap Unblock.
- In either blocked list, swipe left on a blocked number and tap Unblock.
The same flow applies to blocked contacts in Messages. If you are blocking calls and numbers to manage spam or unwanted callers, the unblocking process is identical.
How to unblock a telephone number on Android
Google’s Phone app on Android provides a direct path to remove a number from your block list. Third-party apps like Mr. Number and Truecaller can manage blocked numbers and unblock contacts. For Google Fi Wireless subscribers, a separate carrier-based method is available.
Using the Google Phone app
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap More (three dots) > Settings > Blocked numbers.
- Next to the number you want to unblock, tap Clear or Unblock.
Using Google Fi Wireless
- Open the Google Fi app or go to the Google Fi website.
- Go to the Account tab > Privacy & security > Spam and contact settings > Block phone numbers.
- Next to the number, select Remove and then choose Unblock.
When you need to contact your service provider
On-device blocking and carrier-level blocking are different. Apple’s support page notes that blocked contacts can be managed on the iPhone itself, but numbers blocked by the carrier must be handled by the carrier. If you cannot find the number in your device’s blocked list, or if calls from that number still do not come through after you unblock it on the phone, the block may be at the carrier level. Before calling support, have the blocked number and your account information ready. The representative can confirm whether the block is on their side and remove it. This is also the correct process for anyone looking to unblock phone number on landline, as landline blocking is always managed by the service provider, not the handset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unblock a telephone number that I previously blocked?
Yes, you can unblock a number you previously blocked on any device. All documented paths, iPhone, Android, and carrier-based, allow you to remove a number from the blocked list and restore calls and messages.
Will unblocking a telephone number notify the person whose number was previously blocked?
No. Unblocking a number does not send any notification to the unblocked party. The process is private and does not alert the contact.
Can I unblock a number that has been blocked by my service provider?
Yes, but you must contact your service provider directly. Apple does not provide a carrier-based unblocking path in its support documentation. For Google Fi Wireless, the carrier path is documented in the Fi app or website under Privacy & security.
Are there any limitations to the number of times I can unblock a telephone number?
No. None of the official support pages from Apple or Google state a maximum number of blocked entries or limit how often you can unblock a number. You can block and unblock the same number as needed.
Can I unblock a telephone number on a landline phone?
Yes, but the process varies by landline model and service provider. Since landline blocking is carrier-managed, you will need to contact your service provider to unblock a number on a landline.
