If you keep getting calls or texts from a spam number, an ex, a telemarketer, or just someone you no longer want to hear from, your iPhone gives you a fast way to stop it. Blocking a number takes only a few taps, and once it is done, that contact will not be able to call, text, or FaceTime you through the blocked number.
This guide walks you through exactly how to block a number on iPhone, whether the number is in your contacts, in your recent calls, or inside a text message. You will also learn how to unblock someone later, plus a few helpful alternatives if the number keeps coming back from a different line. The process is quick, simple, and built into iPhone, so you do not need any extra app or service.
Quick Summary
- Open the phone number in Phone, Messages, or Contacts.
- Tap Info or the contact name.
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
- Confirm if prompted.
Tutorial – Block a Number on iPhone
The main method below works for most iPhone users and covers the easiest way to block unwanted callers directly from the number itself. You can do this from recent calls, a text thread, or a saved contact.
Step 1: Open the app where the number appears
Go to Phone, Messages, or Contacts, depending on where you found the number you want to block.
If the person called you, open the Phone app and tap Recents. If they texted you, open Messages and find the conversation. If the number is saved as a contact, open Contacts or the Phone app and go to the contact list.
Step 2: Tap the number or contact name
Select the phone number, the small Info button, or the contact name to open the details screen.
On most iPhones, you will see a screen with the person’s name or number at the top, along with options such as calling, texting, or adding to contacts. This is the menu where iPhone keeps all the actions for that number.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap Block this Caller
Swipe down until you see Block this Caller, then tap it.
After you tap it, iPhone will usually ask you to confirm. This is normal. It helps prevent accidental blocks. Once confirmed, the number is added to your blocked list, and calls, texts, and FaceTime requests from that number will be stopped.
Step 4: Confirm the block
If a confirmation pop-up appears, tap Block Contact or Block Number.
After this, the number should be blocked immediately. If you go back to the contact or call details, you may still see the number, but it will no longer be reachable via normal calls, messages, or FaceTime.
Step 5: Check your blocked list if needed
If you want to review or manage blocked numbers later, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
Depending on your iPhone and iOS version, this path may also appear as Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. From there, you can see who is blocked and remove someone if you change your mind.
Alternative Methods and Edge Cases
Not every call is handled the same way, so here are a few useful variations if the number is coming through another path.
Block a number from a text message
- Open the conversation in Messages.
- Tap the number or name at the top.
- Tap Info.
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
Block a number from recent calls
- Open Phone.
- Tap Recents.
- Tap the Info button next to the number.
- Tap Block this Caller.
Block a saved contact
- Open Contacts or the contact card from Phone.
- Select the person’s name.
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
Silence unknown callers instead of blocking each number
- Go to Settings > Apps > Phone.
- Turn on Silence Unknown Callers.
- This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail.
Block spam calls that keep changing numbers
- Blocking one number may not help if the caller uses many lines.
- In that case, use Silence Unknown Callers, carrier spam protection, or a call-filtering app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the blocked person know I blocked them?
No, iPhone does not send a notice that says you blocked them. They may notice their calls go to voicemail or their texts do not seem to get through, but they will not get a direct alert from Apple.
Can blocked numbers still leave voicemail?
Yes, in many cases they can still leave voicemail, but their calls will not ring on your iPhone. Blocked voicemail messages usually appear in a separate blocked section, depending on your carrier and iPhone settings.
Can I block a number without opening the Phone app?
Yes. You can block a number from Messages or Contacts too. The easiest path is usually from the app where the number already appears.
How do I unblock a number on iPhone?
Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts, then swipe left on the number and tap Unblock. You can also open the contact and remove it from the blocked list if it appears there.
Does blocking a number stop texts, calls, and FaceTime?
Yes. Blocking a number on iPhone prevents that number from contacting you through calls, text messages, and FaceTime.
What if the person uses another number?
Blocking only stops the specific number you selected. If they call from a different number, you will need to block that new number as well, or use a broader filter like Silence Unknown Callers.
Tips
- Block the number from the source screen, like Recents or the text thread, because it is faster than searching for it later.
- Use Silence Unknown Callers if spam is constant, especially if the callers keep rotating numbers.
- Check your blocked list occasionally in case you blocked a number by mistake.
- Pair blocking with carrier spam tools if you get repeated robocalls. Many carriers offer call filtering at no extra cost.
- Remember that blocking is number-based, not person-based. If someone uses a second line, you need to block that number too.
- Unblock carefully, especially for work or family contacts, since they may not realize they were blocked.
Troubleshooting
I do not see “Block this Caller.”
- Make sure you tapped the number or contact details first. On some screens, the block option only appears after you open the full info page.
The number still appears to call me.
- The caller may be using a different number. Block the new number too, or turn on Silence Unknown Callers.
I blocked the number, but messages still show up in the thread.
- Blocking stops future messages, but old messages stay in the conversation history. That is normal.
I cannot find my blocked list.
- Check Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts. On some iPhones, it may be under Settings > Phone.
The block option looks different on my iPhone.
- Apple changes menu paths slightly between iOS versions. Look for any option that says Block, Block this Caller, or Block Contact.
The caller keeps leaving voicemail.
- That can still happen with some carriers. If it is a serious spam issue, contact your carrier or use a spam-blocking service.
Conclusion
Blocking a number on iPhone is one of the fastest ways to cut off annoying calls and texts. Whether the number appears in Recents, Messages, or your contacts, the process is simple and usually takes less than a minute.
If the same caller keeps coming back from different numbers, use the block feature along with Silence Unknown Callers or your carrier’s spam protection. That gives you a stronger shield and keeps your phone a lot quieter.
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.