Where to find the block option depends on what device and app you use
The steps to block a contact vary by phone type and which app you are using. On an iPhone, you block through the Phone app, Messages, or FaceTime depending on how that person usually reaches you. On Android, the process is similar but the menu locations differ. If you use a messaging app like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Instagram, each has its own block feature inside that app.
Blocking prevents someone from calling, texting, or reaching you through that specific app. They will not receive a notification that you blocked them, but they may notice they can no longer reach you. The block stays in place until you remove it.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone, open the Phone, Messages, or FaceTime app, find the contact, and tap the info icon to access the block option.
- On Android, open the Phone or Messages app, long-press the contact, and select block from the menu that appears.
- Blocking someone in one app does not block them in others — you must block them separately in each app you use.
- A blocked contact cannot call, text, or reach you through that app, but they can still see your social media profile unless you block them there too.
How to block a contact on iPhone
To block someone in the Phone app, open it and tap Recents or Contacts. Find the person you want to block, tap the info icon (the small circle with an "i"), scroll down, and tap Block this Caller. Confirm by tapping Block Contact.
To block someone in Messages, open the app, find the conversation, swipe left on it (or long-press it), and tap Block. If you want to block them while reading a message, tap their name at the top of the conversation, then tap info, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller.
To block someone in FaceTime, open the app, find their name in Recents, tap the info icon, and tap Block this Caller. The same person blocked in one app is not automatically blocked in the others, so repeat this step for each app where you want to block them.
How to block a contact on Android
To block someone in the Phone app, open it and go to Recents or Contacts. Long-press the contact name and tap Block number. Some Android phones may say Block contact or Block caller instead, depending on the manufacturer.
To block someone in Messages, open the app, find the conversation, long-press it, and tap Block. If you are reading a message, tap the three dots at the top right, then tap Block and report spam or Block number.
The exact wording and menu location can differ between Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android phones, but the general process is the same: find the contact, long-press it, and select the block option from the menu.
How to block a contact in messaging apps
In WhatsApp, open the app, find the contact in your chat list, long-press their name, and tap Block. You can also open their chat, tap their name at the top, scroll down, and tap Block Contact.
In Facebook Messenger, open the conversation, tap their name at the top, scroll down, and tap Block. In Instagram, open the direct message, tap their username at the top, scroll down, and tap Block.
Each app stores its block list separately. Blocking someone in WhatsApp does not block them in Messenger or Instagram. If you want to prevent someone from reaching you across multiple apps, you must block them in each one individually.
What happens when you block someone
When you block a contact, they can no longer call or text you through that app or service. Their calls will go to voicemail (on phone calls), and their messages will not appear in your inbox. They will not see a notification saying they are blocked, but they may figure it out when their calls and texts stop going through.
A blocked contact can still see your public social media profile, your phone number in their contacts, and any messages you sent before you blocked them. They simply cannot send you new messages or calls through that specific app. If you want to prevent them from contacting you on social media too, you must block them separately on those platforms.
How to unblock a contact
On iPhone, go to Settings, tap Phone (or Messages or FaceTime), scroll down to Blocked Contacts, find the person, and tap Edit, then Unblock.
On Android, open the Phone or Messages app, tap the three dots or menu icon, go to Settings, find Blocked numbers or Blocked contacts, find the person, and tap Unblock.
In messaging apps, the unblock option is usually in the same place you found the block option. Open the app, find the contact's name or conversation, and look for an Unblock option in the menu.
Blocking vs. reporting spam
Blocking stops someone from reaching you, but reporting spam tells your phone company or app that the contact is sending unwanted messages or calls. Some apps offer both options in the same menu. If someone is harassing you or sending spam, reporting them in addition to blocking can help prevent them from reaching other people too.
On iPhone, you can report a caller as spam when you block them in the Phone app. On Android and in most messaging apps, there is usually a separate Report spam option next to Block. Using both gives you the most protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a blocked contact see that I blocked them?
No, they do not receive a notification. However, they may realize it when their calls go to voicemail and their messages do not get responses. Some people figure it out by trying to call or message and noticing the behavior change.
If I block someone on my phone, are they blocked in my email too?
No. Blocking a phone contact only blocks them in the Phone, Messages, or FaceTime apps. To block them in email, you must use your email app's block or spam feature separately. Gmail, Outlook, and other email services have their own block lists.
What if someone I blocked tries to call me?
Their call will go straight to voicemail without your phone ringing. They will hear a message or the call will fail, depending on your phone and carrier. They will not know for certain that you blocked them, but repeated failed calls may make them suspect it.
Can I block someone without them knowing my phone number?
If they already have your number saved in their contacts, blocking them will prevent them from using it to reach you. If they do not have your number, they cannot contact you anyway. Blocking is most useful when someone already has your contact information.
If I unblock someone, will old messages reappear?
No. Unblocking simply allows them to contact you again going forward. Messages they sent while blocked will not suddenly appear in your inbox. You can view old conversations if you saved them, but new contact from them starts fresh.