How to unblock a contact depends on where you blocked them

The steps to unblock someone are different on each device and app. On an iPhone, you unblock contacts in the Phone app or in Messages. On Android, the process lives in your Contacts app or inside each messaging service. If you blocked someone on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or another third-party app, you'll unblock them within that app, not in your phone's settings.

The good news: unblocking is usually a two-step process — find the blocked list, select the person, and confirm. The person won't be notified that you unblocked them, and you won't see any record of messages they sent while blocked.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone, unblock contacts in the Phone app by going to Recents, swiping left on the contact, and tapping Unblock, or in Messages by selecting the conversation and choosing Unblock.
  • On Android, open Contacts, tap the menu, select Blocked Numbers, find the contact, and tap Unblock.
  • WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and other messaging apps have their own block lists inside the app settings, not in your phone's system settings.
  • Unblocking someone does not restore old messages or notify them — it simply allows them to contact you again.

Unblocking on iPhone

If you blocked someone in the Phone app, open Phone and tap Recents at the bottom. Find the contact you want to unblock, swipe left on their name, and tap the circle with three dots. Select Unblock and confirm. That person can now call or text you again.

If you blocked them in Messages instead, open Messages and find the conversation. Tap Edit in the top left, then tap the red minus sign next to their name. A menu will appear — tap Unblock and confirm. You can also go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts to see your full list and unblock from there.

Unblocking on Android

Open your Contacts app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top. Select Blocked Numbers or Blocked Contacts — the exact name varies by phone maker. You'll see a list of everyone you've blocked. Find the contact and tap Unblock next to their name, then confirm.

If you blocked them through your messaging app instead of your phone's system, you'll need to unblock them inside that app. Check the app's settings or contact list for a Blocked option.

Unblocking in WhatsApp

Open WhatsApp and tap the menu icon (three dots on iPhone, three lines on Android). Go to Settings, then Account, then Privacy. Tap Blocked Contacts to see your list. Find the person and tap Unblock next to their name. They can now message or call you through WhatsApp.

Note that unblocking in WhatsApp does not unblock them on your phone's system — if you also blocked their number in your phone's Contacts app, you'll need to unblock them there separately using the steps above.

Unblocking in Facebook Messenger

Open Messenger and tap your profile picture in the top left. Scroll down and tap People. Select Blocked. Find the person and tap Unblock next to their name. They can now send you messages on Messenger.

If you want to see their messages again, you may need to search for their name in Messenger after unblocking, since old conversations sometimes don't reappear automatically.

What happens when you unblock someone

When you unblock a contact, they can call, text, or message you again depending on where you unblocked them. They will not receive a notification that you unblocked them. Any messages they sent while you had them blocked will not appear in your conversation — those messages are gone from your phone.

If you unblock someone and then block them again later, the same thing happens: they won't know, and old blocked messages stay deleted. Unblocking is purely about letting them contact you going forward.

If you can't find your blocked list

On iPhone, if you don't see a Blocked Contacts option in Settings, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts, or Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts. The location depends on which app you used to block them.

On Android, the blocked list location varies by phone maker. If you can't find it in Contacts, try opening your phone's Settings app, searching for "blocked," and looking for Blocked Numbers or Blocked Contacts. You can also check inside individual messaging apps — many have their own block settings separate from your phone's system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the person know I unblocked them?

No. Unblocking someone does not send them a notification or any kind of alert. They will only know if they try to contact you and you respond, or if you tell them directly.

Can I see messages they sent while I had them blocked?

No. Messages sent while someone was blocked are deleted and do not reappear when you unblock them. The conversation history does not restore.

What if I blocked them on my phone but also in an app like WhatsApp?

You need to unblock them in both places. Unblocking them in WhatsApp only lets them message you on WhatsApp — if you also blocked their phone number in your Contacts app, they still cannot call or text you through your phone's messaging system.

How do I block someone again after unblocking them?

Use the same steps you used to unblock them, but select Block instead. On iPhone, swipe left and tap Block. On Android, tap the menu next to their name and select Block. In apps like WhatsApp, go to their contact, tap the menu, and select Block.

Can I unblock someone without them knowing I had blocked them in the first place?

Yes. There is no notification sent when you block or unblock someone. They will not receive any message or alert about either action. They will only realize they were blocked if they tried to contact you during that time and got an error, or if you tell them.