Where to find your blocked numbers list
The steps to unblock a number depend on which device and app you use. On most phones, blocked numbers live in Settings rather than in the phone or messaging app itself. The exact path varies: iPhone users go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts, while Android users typically find it under Settings > Apps & Notifications > Notifications > Advanced > Do Not Disturb, or sometimes under Settings > Call Settings > Blocked Numbers. Some Android phones place it directly in the Phone app under a menu labeled "Blocked" or "Blocked numbers".
If you blocked someone through a messaging app like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger, the unblock option is usually in that app's settings or in your conversation history with that person. The blocked list is separate from your phone's system-level blocks, so you may need to check both places if you are not sure where you blocked them.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users unblock numbers in Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts, while Android paths vary by manufacturer but usually live in Settings > Call Settings or the Phone app itself.
- Messaging apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger keep their own separate blocked lists within each app.
- Unblocking a number does not automatically restore deleted messages or call history — those remain deleted.
- After unblocking, the person can call or text you again, and their messages will come through normally.
Unblocking on iPhone
Open Settings and tap Phone. Scroll down and select Blocked Contacts. You will see a list of all numbers you have blocked on your device. Swipe left on the number you want to unblock, or tap Edit in the top left corner and then tap the red minus icon next to the contact. Tap Unblock to confirm. The number is now unblocked and can call or text you again.
If you blocked someone through iMessage specifically, the process is the same — iMessage uses your phone's system block list. However, if you blocked them in a third-party messaging app, you will need to open that app and look for an unblock option in its settings or in your chat history with that person.
Unblocking on Android
The exact steps depend on your phone manufacturer and Android version. On most devices, open the Phone app and look for a menu icon (three dots or lines) in the top right corner. Tap it and select Settings, then look for Blocked Numbers or Blocked Contacts. Find the number you want to unblock and tap it, then select Unblock or Remove from Blocked List.
If you cannot find it in the Phone app, try Settings > Apps & Notifications > Phone > Permissions, or Settings > Call Settings > Blocked Numbers. Samsung phones often place it under Phone > More Options > Settings > Blocked Numbers. Google Pixel phones use Settings > Apps & Notifications > Notifications > Advanced > Do Not Disturb > Blocked Numbers. If you still cannot locate it, search your phone's Settings for the word "block" to jump directly to the right menu.
Unblocking in messaging apps
WhatsApp: Open the app, tap the menu icon (three dots), select Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked Contacts. Find the contact and tap Unblock.
Facebook Messenger: Open the app, tap your profile icon, select People, then find Blocked. Tap the person's name and select Unblock.
Google Messages: Open the app, tap the menu icon, select Settings > Blocked Numbers. Find the number and tap Unblock.
Telegram: Open the app, tap Settings > Privacy and Security > Blocked Users. Find the contact and tap Unblock.
What happens after you unblock
Once you unblock a number, that person can call or text you immediately. Their messages will appear in your inbox normally, and you will receive notifications for their calls and texts. However, any messages or calls they sent while they were blocked will not reappear — those are permanently deleted from your phone.
Unblocking does not send them a notification that you have unblocked them. They will not know unless they try to contact you and succeed, or unless you tell them directly. If they were blocked on your phone but not in a messaging app, they may still be blocked in that app and vice versa, so check both if you want to receive their messages through all channels.
If you cannot find the blocked list
On iPhone, make sure you are looking in Settings > Phone, not Settings > Messages. The Messages app does not have its own block list — it uses the system-level phone block. If the Blocked Contacts option does not appear, you may not have blocked anyone yet, or the list may be empty.
On Android, the location varies widely by manufacturer. Try searching your Settings for the word "block" using the search bar at the top of the Settings app. If that does not work, check your phone's user manual or contact the manufacturer's support line, as some older or custom Android versions may organize this differently. You can also try opening the Phone app, finding a contact you think you blocked, and looking for an unblock option directly on their contact card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the person know I unblocked them?
No, unblocking does not send a notification. They will only know if they try to contact you and you respond, or if you tell them yourself.
Can I see messages they sent while they were blocked?
No, messages sent while someone was blocked are deleted and do not reappear after you unblock them. You will only see messages sent after the unblock.
What if I blocked them in multiple places?
Your phone's system block and app-specific blocks are separate. If you blocked someone at the phone level and also in WhatsApp, you need to unblock them in both places. Check your phone settings and each messaging app individually.
Can I block and unblock someone repeatedly?
Yes, you can block and unblock the same number as many times as you want. There is no limit, and it does not affect your phone or account.
What if I forgot which number I blocked?
Go to your blocked list and you will see all the numbers or contacts you have blocked. If the contact is saved in your phone, it will show their name. If it is not saved, it will show only the phone number.