Blocking a contact on your iPhone is simple: go into your settings, click on ‘Phone’, ‘FaceTime’, or ‘Messages’, and hit ‘Blocked Contacts’. Then, swipe left on the contact you wish to unblock and tap ‘Unblock’. Voila! You’ve unblocked a contact on your iPhone.
After unblocking the contact, they will be able to call, text, and FaceTime you as normal. You’ll also be able to see any previous messages or missed calls that were blocked during the time they were in your blocked list.
You can also check out this video about how to unblock a contact on your iPhone for more on this subject.
Introduction
Have you ever accidentally blocked someone on your iPhone, or perhaps had a change of heart after blocking an old friend? Whatever the reason, unblocking a contact on your iPhone is a quick and painless process. In the age of constant digital communication, knowing how to manage your contacts and who can reach you through your iPhone is essential.
Whether you’re a parent managing your child’s phone use, or someone who needs to block and unblock contacts for personal reasons, this guide is for you. Stick around to learn not only how to unblock a contact on your iPhone but also the implications of doing so.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Unblock Contact on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what unblocking a contact will do. By following these steps, you’ll allow a previously blocked contact to call, text, and FaceTime you again. Ready? Let’s get started.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, go to the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
Opening the ‘Settings’ app is the gateway to adjusting all the preferences and controls on your iPhone, including managing your blocked contacts list.
Step 2: Select Phone, FaceTime, or Messages
Within ‘Settings’, scroll down and choose ‘Phone’, ‘FaceTime’, or ‘Messages’ depending on where the contact was blocked.
Each of these sections has its own blocked list, so you need to think about where you initially blocked the contact. For example, if you blocked them from messaging you, you’ll want to select ‘Messages’.
Step 3: Tap on ‘Blocked Contacts’
After selecting one of the options above, you’ll see ‘Blocked Contacts’. Tap on this to see your list of blocked contacts.
This list shows all the contacts you’ve decided to block from that particular communication method.
Step 4: Swipe Left and Unblock
Find the contact you wish to unblock, swipe left on their name, and tap ‘Unblock’.
Swiping left is a common gesture in iOS for actions like delete or unblock. Once you tap ‘Unblock’, that contact will be removed from the blocked list and will be able to contact you again.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Restored Communication | By unblocking a contact, you open the lines of communication again, which can be beneficial for mending relationships or ensuring important contacts can reach you. |
| Control Over Contacts | You have the ability to manage your contacts list and who can contact you, giving you greater control over your personal communication. |
| Easy to Reverse | If you change your mind, blocking the contact again is just as easy as unblocking them. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Potential Spam | Unblocking a contact could potentially open you up to unwanted communication or spam, especially if the contact was blocked for these reasons. |
| Accidental Unblock | If not careful, you could accidentally unblock the wrong contact, leading to potential issues or unwanted interactions. |
| Overlooking Blocked List | One might forget to review and update their blocked list, leading to outdated blocks that no longer serve a purpose. |
Additional Information
When you unblock a contact on your iPhone, it’s important to remember that any previous conversations or missed calls will not be restored to your history. This means that if the person tried to contact you while blocked, you will not see these attempts after unblocking them. Also, be aware that unblocking does not notify the contact that they have been unblocked.
They will only realize they can reach you once they attempt to contact you again. Finally, remember to consider the implications of unblocking someone, particularly if they were initially blocked for safety or privacy reasons.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Select Phone, FaceTime, or Messages
- Tap on ‘Blocked Contacts’
- Swipe left and Unblock
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unblock a contact from the ‘Contacts’ app directly?
No, you need to unblock contacts through the ‘Settings’ app under Phone, FaceTime, or Messages.
Will the contact know I’ve unblocked them?
No, the contact will not be notified when you unblock them. They will only realize when they can contact you again.
What if I can’t find the contact I want to unblock?
Make sure you’re looking in the right place. Check under ‘Phone’, ‘FaceTime’, and ‘Messages’ in your settings to find the correct blocked list.
Can I re-block a contact after unblocking them?
Yes, you can block the contact again at any time by following the same steps but choosing ‘Block Contact’ instead.
Will I receive messages or calls the contact made while they were blocked?
No, any communication the contact attempted while blocked will not be shown once they are unblocked.
Conclusion
Unblocking a contact on your iPhone allows you to re-establish communication with someone you may have had a fallout with, or if you’ve simply decided that having them blocked is no longer necessary. With iOS 17, the process remains straightforward, giving you control over who can contact you on your device.
Remember to use this feature thoughtfully and review your blocked contacts periodically to ensure they still warrant being on that list. Whether you’re reconciling with an old friend or opening the lines for necessary communication, now you know how to unblock a contact on your iPhone.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.