Accidentally blocking someone on your iPhone can be a panic-inducing moment, but don’t worry, it’s an easy fix. All you need to do is unblock the contact from your settings, and they’ll be back in your good graces in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Unblock Someone on an iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what unblocking someone will do. When you unblock a contact, they’ll be able to call, text, and FaceTime you just like before. You’ll also be able to see any messages or calls they sent while they were blocked.
Step 1: Open your iPhone’s settings
Open the settings app on your iPhone by tapping the gear icon on your home screen.
The settings app is where you can control all the functions of your iPhone, including your privacy settings.
Step 2: Scroll down to ‘Phone’
Once you’re in settings, scroll down until you see the ‘Phone’ option and tap on it.
The ‘Phone’ option is where you can manage all your call settings.
Step 3: Tap on ‘Call Blocking & Identification’
In the ‘Phone’ settings, look for the ‘Call Blocking & Identification’ option and tap on it.
This is the section where you can manage your blocked contacts.
Step 4: Find the contact you blocked
In ‘Call Blocking & Identification’, you’ll see a list of all the contacts you’ve blocked. Find the one you want to unblock.
If you’ve accidentally blocked multiple people, you can unblock them all from this list.
Step 5: Swipe left on their name and tap ‘Unblock’
To unblock a contact, swipe left on their name and tap the red ‘Unblock’ button that appears.
Swiping left is a common gesture on the iPhone to reveal additional options.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the contact will be unblocked immediately. They’ll be able to reach you just like they used to, and any previously blocked communication will now come through.
Tips: How to Avoid Accidentally Blocking Someone on an iPhone
- Double-check before you confirm any block. A prompt will always ask if you’re sure you want to block someone.
- Familiarize yourself with the swipe gestures on your iPhone to avoid accidental swipes.
- Keep your contacts list organized, so you don’t mistake one contact for another.
- Regularly review your blocked contacts list to make sure it’s up to date.
- Consider adding a note to a contact’s info if you’re prone to blocking them accidentally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to texts from a blocked number?
Texts from a blocked number will not be delivered to your iPhone, and you won’t be notified of any attempts to contact you.
Can I see missed calls from a number I unblocked?
Yes, after unblocking a number, you will be able to see any missed calls they made while they were blocked.
Does unblocking a contact notify them?
No, contacts are not notified when you block or unblock them. It’s a silent process.
Can I retrieve messages sent while a contact was blocked?
No, unfortunately, any communication made while a contact was blocked cannot be retrieved.
How can I prevent accidental blocks in the future?
Take your time when managing your block list and consider adding notes to contacts you frequently communicate with to prevent confusion.
Summary
- Open your iPhone’s settings.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone’.
- Tap on ‘Call Blocking & Identification’.
- Find the contact you blocked.
- Swipe left on their name and tap ‘Unblock’.
Conclusion
Accidental blocks can happen to the best of us, but thankfully, the fix is quick and painless. Remember, your iPhone is a powerful tool with many settings and features, and it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with them to prevent any mishaps. Whether you’re managing privacy settings or looking for ways to optimize your phone usage, taking the time to learn about your device can save you a lot of stress. And now that you know what to do if you accidentally block someone on an iPhone, you can handle any accidental blocks like a pro. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll never have to worry about losing touch with your contacts again.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.