Where to find your blocked calls list on iPhone

Your blocked calls list lives in the Phone app under Settings. Open Phone, tap the three dots in the bottom right corner, then select Blocked Contacts. This shows everyone you have blocked from calling or texting you. If you do not see a three-dot menu, swipe left on any contact name in your recents list and tap the block icon instead — this takes you directly to your blocked list.

On older iPhone models running iOS 16 or earlier, the blocked list is in Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts instead. The location changed slightly with iOS 17, but the information is the same either way. You can view this list anytime to see who you have blocked and unblock them if you change your mind.

Key Takeaways

  • Blocked calls list is in the Phone app under Settings on iOS 17, or in Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts on older versions.
  • When you block a number, that person cannot call or text you, and their calls go straight to voicemail without ringing your phone.
  • You can block a contact from the Phone app, Messages app, FaceTime, or directly from a recent call or text.
  • Unblocking a contact is as simple as finding them in your blocked list and tapping Unblock.

How to block a number from the Phone app

Open the Phone app and find the number you want to block in your recent calls. Swipe left on the number and tap the block icon (it looks like a circle with a line through it). A confirmation message appears — tap Block Contact to confirm. The number is now blocked immediately.

If the number is already saved as a contact, you can also open Contacts, find the person, tap Edit, scroll down, and select Block This Caller. Both methods do the same thing — the person cannot reach you by phone or FaceTime.

Blocking numbers from Messages and FaceTime

You can block a number directly from a text message or FaceTime call without opening the Phone app. In Messages, swipe left on the conversation and tap More (three dots), then select Block. In FaceTime, swipe left on the call in your recent list and tap the block icon.

When you block someone in Messages or FaceTime, they are also blocked from calling you in the Phone app — blocking works across all three apps at once. If you block a contact in one place, you do not need to block them again elsewhere.

What happens when you block a call

A blocked caller cannot reach you by phone, text, or FaceTime. Their calls go straight to voicemail, but they do not hear a busy signal or a message saying they are blocked. To them, it appears as if your phone is off or you are not answering. They can still leave voicemails, but you will not receive notifications for them.

Blocked text messages are not delivered to you, and the sender does not know the message failed to arrive. If you block someone who is already in your contacts, their name still appears in your contact list, but you will not see any calls or messages from them.

How to unblock a contact

Open the Phone app, tap Settings, and select Blocked Contacts. Find the person you want to unblock and swipe left on their name. Tap Unblock and confirm. They can now call and text you again, and you will see their calls and messages normally.

You can also unblock someone by opening Contacts, finding their name, tapping Edit, scrolling down, and selecting Unblock This Caller. Either method works — once unblocked, the person has full access to reach you again.

Blocking unknown or spam numbers

If you receive a call from an unknown number, you can block it the same way you block a contact. Swipe left on the number in your recent calls and tap the block icon. You do not need the person's name or contact information — blocking works on phone numbers alone.

For repeated spam or robocalls, consider enabling Filter Unknown Callers in Settings > Phone. This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts to voicemail automatically. You can still see these calls in your recent list, but they will not ring your phone. This setting does not block specific numbers — it filters all unknown callers at once.

Checking if someone has blocked you

iPhone does not tell you directly whether someone has blocked you, but there are signs. If your calls go straight to voicemail every time, if your text messages show as delivered but never read, or if FaceTime calls always fail, the person may have blocked you. However, these things can also happen if their phone is off, they have poor signal, or they simply are not answering.

The only way to know for certain is to ask them directly. Apple does not provide a notification or confirmation when you have been blocked, so you cannot check a list of people who have blocked you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a blocked person still leave me voicemails?

Yes. Blocked callers can leave voicemails, but you will not receive notifications for them. You can still listen to their voicemails if you go to the Voicemail tab in the Phone app, but you will not be alerted when they arrive.

If I block someone, do they know I blocked them?

No. Blocked callers do not receive a message saying they are blocked. Their calls go to voicemail, and they see no difference from a call that went unanswered. They may suspect they are blocked if it happens repeatedly, but iPhone does not notify them.

Can I block a number that is not saved as a contact?

Yes. You can block any phone number from your recent calls list, even if it is not saved in your contacts. Find the number in Phone > Recents, swipe left, and tap the block icon.

What is the difference between blocking and silencing a contact?

Blocking prevents all calls and texts from reaching you. Silencing a contact (by setting their notifications to silent in Contacts) lets their calls and texts through, but you do not hear a sound or see a banner. You can still see their messages and calls in your app.

If I unblock someone, do they know?

No. Unblocking a contact is silent — they receive no notification that you have unblocked them. They can simply call or text you again as if nothing happened.