Blocking a person’s phone number on your iPhone is a straightforward process. Simply go to your recent calls, click on the ‘i’ icon next to the number, scroll down and hit ‘Block this Caller’. The blocked individual will not be notified they’ve been blocked, and you will no longer receive calls or texts from that number.
After you complete the action, the blocked number will be unable to call or text you, and their calls will go straight to voicemail. They can still leave a message, but it won’t show up in your regular voicemail—instead, it goes to a separate folder for blocked messages.
Introduction
Have you ever been pestered by unwanted calls or texts on your iPhone? Maybe it’s a relentless telemarketer, an ex-partner who doesn’t get the message, or even a prankster that won’t leave you alone. Whatever the case may be, sometimes the best course of action is to block their number. In today’s mobile-first world, the ability to control who can contact us is crucial for our peace of mind and privacy.
For iPhone users, blocking a phone number is a built-in feature that can be used for a variety of reasons. It could be for personal security, mental well-being, or simply to avoid nuisances. And the good news is, the person on the receiving end of the block won’t have a clue. This article is particularly relevant for those who wish to maintain their boundaries without causing additional drama or confrontation. So, let’s get into how to block a phone number on your iPhone without the other person knowing.
Step by Step Tutorial to Block a Phone Number on iPhone
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, it’s important to know that once you’ve blocked a number on your iPhone, you won’t be receiving any calls, messages, or FaceTime requests from that number. So, make sure you truly want to block the person before proceeding.
Step 1: Open the Phone App
Open the ‘Phone’ app on your iPhone.
This is the app you use to make calls and view recent call history.
Step 2: Go to Recent Calls
Tap on the ‘Recents’ tab at the bottom of the screen.
Here you’ll see a list of all the calls you’ve received and made recently.
Step 3: Select the Number You Want to Block
Find the number you want to block and tap the ‘i’ icon next to it.
If the number isn’t in your recent calls, you can also block a number from your contacts list by selecting the contact and scrolling down to ‘Block this Caller’.
Step 4: Scroll Down and Tap ‘Block this Caller’
After tapping the ‘i’ icon, scroll down and select ‘Block this Caller’.
This will add the number to your block list.
Step 5: Confirm Your Decision
A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm that you want to block the contact. Tap ‘Block Contact’ to proceed.
Once confirmed, the number is officially blocked and they will not be able to reach you.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Privacy | Blocking a number ensures that your personal space is not violated by unwanted calls or texts. It’s a simple way to protect your privacy without having to change your number. |
| Focus | Without interruptions from unwanted calls, you can focus on what’s important, be it work, family time, or relaxation. |
| Control | You have full control over who can reach you. This empowers you to minimize negative interactions and reduce stress. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No Notifications | When you block someone, you won’t receive any notification of attempted calls or messages, which may be an issue if the blocked person has an emergency. |
| Voicemails | Blocked callers can still leave voicemails, and while they’re in a separate folder, it might still be a nuisance to some users. |
| Possible Confrontation | If the blocked individual realizes they have been blocked, it may lead to a confrontation, especially if they can contact you through other means. |
Additional Information
While blocking a number on your iPhone is easy and effective, there are a few other things to keep in mind. First, if the person you’ve blocked uses a different number or an anonymous number to contact you, those calls and texts will still come through. So, stay vigilant about numbers you don’t recognize.
Also, remember that blocking someone from calling or texting you doesn’t stop them from contacting you through other channels like email or social media. If you’re dealing with a stalker or someone who’s persistently bothering you, you may need to take additional measures, such as changing your phone number or seeking legal help.
Lastly, if you ever decide to unblock a number, the process is just as simple as blocking it. All you need to do is go to your settings, then to ‘Phone’, ‘Call Blocking & Identification’, where you’ll find your list of blocked contacts. From there, you can swipe left on the number and tap ‘Unblock’.
Summary
- Open the ‘Phone’ app.
- Tap on ‘Recents’.
- Select the number and tap the ‘i’ icon.
- Scroll down and select ‘Block this Caller’.
- Confirm your decision by tapping ‘Block Contact’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the blocked person tell they’ve been blocked?
No, they won’t receive any notification about being blocked.
Will I see missed calls from the blocked number?
No, any calls from the blocked number will not show up in your list of recent calls.
Can a blocked number leave a voicemail?
Yes, they can, but it goes into a separate ‘Blocked Messages’ folder.
Can I still receive texts from a blocked number?
No, any texts from a blocked number will not be delivered to your phone.
Is it possible to block texts but not calls from a number?
No, blocking a contact on iPhone blocks both calls and texts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blocking a phone number on your iPhone is an easy and effective way to manage who can contact you. It’s crucial for maintaining boundaries, privacy, and peace of mind.
Remember that while the person you’ve blocked won’t know they’ve been blocked directly, they may eventually deduce it from the lack of response. Stay cognizant of how you manage your blocked list and enjoy the serenity that comes from controlling your communication channels.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.