How to unblock a contact

The steps depend on whether you blocked the contact in your phone's system settings or within a specific app like Messages, WhatsApp, or Instagram. Most phones let you unblock from the same place you blocked — usually in your Contacts app, Phone app, or the messaging app itself. You will need to find the blocked contact's name or number, then select an "unblock" option. Once unblocked, they can call, text, or message you again, and you will see their messages that arrived while they were blocked.

The person you unblocked will not receive a notification that you have unblocked them. They straightforward regain the ability to reach you. If you want them to know you have unblocked them, you will need to contact them separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Unblocking happens in the same app or settings where you originally blocked the contact — usually your Contacts, Phone, or Messages app.
  • The blocked person will not be notified when you unblock them, but they will when ready be able to call, text, or message you again.
  • Messages sent while someone was blocked usually stay hidden even after you unblock them, depending on your phone's operating system.
  • If you unblock by accident, you can block again when ready using the same method.

Unblocking on iPhone

On iPhone, blocked contacts live in your phone's settings, not in the Messages app. Open Settings, then scroll down and tap Phone (or Messages if you blocked them there specifically). Tap Blocked Contacts or Blocked Messages. You will see a list of everyone you have blocked. Swipe left on the name you want to unblock, or tap Edit in the top left, then tap the red minus sign next to their name. Tap Unblock to confirm.

If you blocked someone in a specific app like WhatsApp or Instagram, you will need to unblock them inside that app instead. Open the app, go to Settings or the person's profile, find the block option, and select unblock.

Unblocking on Android

Android varies by phone maker and which app you used to block. For contacts blocked at the system level, open your Phone app and tap the three dots or menu icon, then look for Settings or Blocked numbers. You should see a list of blocked contacts. Tap the contact and select Unblock.

If you blocked someone in Messages, open the Messages app, find the conversation, tap and hold it, then look for a Block or Unblock option. For app-specific blocks (WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger), open that app, navigate to the person's profile or chat, and find the unblock button in their settings or info screen.

What happens to messages after you unblock

On iPhone, messages sent while someone was blocked usually remain hidden. You will not see a backlog of texts appear once you unblock them. On Android, the behavior depends on your phone and messaging app — some show blocked messages after unblocking, and some do not.

If you want to see what someone sent you while they were blocked, ask them to resend the message. This is especially important if you blocked someone by accident and need to catch up on time-sensitive information.

Unblocking in messaging apps

Each app handles blocking differently. In WhatsApp, open the chat with the person, tap their name at the top, scroll down, and tap Unblock [Contact]. In Facebook Messenger, go to your message list, find the conversation, swipe left (iPhone) or long-press (Android), and tap Unblock. In Telegram, open the chat, tap the person's name, scroll down, and tap Unblock User.

For Instagram or Instagram Direct Messages, go to your profile, tap the menu icon, select Settings and Privacy, then Blocking, find the person, and tap Unblock. These app-level blocks are separate from your phone's system-level blocks, so you may need to unblock in both places if you blocked them in multiple locations.

Blocking someone again if you change your mind

If you unblock someone and then decide you want to block them again, the process is the same as the first time. Go back to your phone settings or the app where you unblocked them, find their name, and select the block option. You can block and unblock the same person as many times as you need to.

Keep in mind that blocking is not permanent — it is a tool you control. If you are unsure about unblocking someone, you can always block them again within seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the person know I unblocked them?

No. The person you unblock will not receive any notification. They will straightforward be able to call, text, or message you again without knowing when or if you unblocked them. If you want them to know, you will need to contact them yourself.

Can I see messages they sent while they were blocked?

On iPhone, usually not — blocked messages typically stay hidden. On Android, it depends on your phone and app. If you need to see what they sent, ask them to resend it. This is the most reliable way to catch up on missed communication.

What if I blocked them in multiple places?

You may have blocked them in your phone's system settings and also in a specific app like WhatsApp or Instagram. You will need to unblock them in each place separately. Check both your phone settings and any apps where you communicate with that person.

Can I unblock someone by accident?

Yes, but you can block them again when ready. There is no waiting period or limit to how many times you can block and unblock the same person. If you unblock by mistake, just go back and block them again right away.

Do I need to do anything else after unblocking?

No. Once you unblock, they can reach you normally. You do not need to confirm anything or take any other steps. If you want to resume contact with them, you can reach out to them directly.