The basic steps depend on which device and app you're using

Unblocking a contact means removing them from your block list so they can call, text, or message you again. The steps are different on iPhone, Android, and different messaging apps — but they all follow the same pattern: open settings, find the block list, and remove the person's name.

You don't need to do anything else. Once you unblock someone, they'll be able to reach you the same way they could before you blocked them. They won't get a notification that you unblocked them.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone or Messages, scroll to Blocked Contacts, and swipe left on the name to unblock.
  • On Android, the steps vary by phone brand — Samsung uses Contacts > Menu > Settings > Block List, while Google Pixel uses Phone > Settings > Blocked Numbers.
  • Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram have their own block lists separate from your phone's system block list.
  • Unblocking someone does not notify them, and they can contact you immediately once you remove them from the block list.

Unblocking on iPhone

On iPhone, blocked contacts are stored in two places depending on how you blocked them: the Phone app (for calls and SMS), or the Messages app (for iMessage and SMS).

To unblock someone from calls and text messages, open Settings, then tap Phone. Scroll down and tap Blocked Contacts. Find the person's name, swipe left on it, and tap the red Unblock button. Repeat this in the Messages app if you blocked them there separately.

If you blocked someone in a third-party app like WhatsApp or Instagram, you'll need to unblock them inside that app instead — the iPhone system settings won't show those blocks.

Unblocking on Android

Android phones vary by manufacturer, so the exact path depends on whether you have a Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, or another brand.

On Samsung phones: Open the Contacts app, tap the menu icon (three lines), select Settings, then tap Block List. Find the contact and tap Unblock.

On Google Pixel and most other Android phones: Open the Phone app, tap the menu icon, go to Settings, then Blocked Numbers. Find the contact and tap Unblock.

If you're not sure which Android phone you have, look in your system Settings under About Phone — it will show the manufacturer name.

Unblocking in messaging apps

Each messaging app keeps its own separate block list. Unblocking someone in WhatsApp doesn't unblock them in Facebook Messenger, for example.

WhatsApp: Open the app, tap Settings (or the menu icon), go to Privacy, then Blocked Contacts. Swipe left on the name and tap Unblock.

Facebook Messenger: Open the app, tap your profile picture, scroll to Privacy, then Blocked People. Find the person and tap Unblock.

Instagram: Open the app, tap your profile icon, go to Settings and Privacy, then Blocking. Find the account and tap Unblock.

iMessage (on Mac or iPad): Open Messages, go to Preferences (or Settings on newer versions), find Blocked, select the contact, and click the minus button to unblock.

What happens after you unblock someone

Once you unblock a contact, they can immediately call, text, or message you. Any messages they sent while they were blocked will not appear — those are permanently deleted from your device.

The person you unblocked will not receive a notification that you unblocked them. They won't know unless you tell them or they try to contact you and succeed.

If you blocked someone by accident, unblocking them is the only step you need to take. You don't need to send them a message or do anything else to restore the connection.

If you can't find the block list

If you're looking for a block list and can't find it, the contact may have been blocked in a different app than you think. Check the messaging app where you originally blocked them — WhatsApp, Messenger, or Instagram all have separate block lists from your phone's system settings.

On older Android phones, the block list might be in a different location. Try opening the Phone app, tapping the menu, and looking for Call Settings or Block List. If that doesn't work, search your phone's Settings app for the word "block" — most phones will show you the right page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the person know I unblocked them?

No. Unblocking someone does not send them a notification. They will only know if they try to contact you and the message goes through, or if you tell them directly.

Can I see messages someone sent me while they were blocked?

No. Messages sent while someone was blocked are deleted and cannot be recovered. Once you unblock them, you'll only see messages they send after that point.

Do I need to unblock someone in multiple places?

Yes, if you blocked them in more than one place. If you blocked them in both your phone's system settings and in WhatsApp, you'll need to unblock them in both places separately.

What if I blocked someone by their phone number instead of their contact name?

The unblocking process is the same. Go to your block list, find the phone number, and unblock it. After that, calls and texts from that number will come through again.

Can I unblock someone temporarily and then block them again?

Yes. You can unblock and block someone as many times as you want. There's no limit to how many times you can change your block list.