Block a number directly from the Phone app
The fastest way to block a mobile number on iPhone is through the Phone app while viewing a recent call or contact. Open the Phone app, find the number you want to block in your recents list, tap the information icon (the small "i" in a circle next to the number), scroll down, and tap "Block this Caller". iPhone will when ready stop calls and text messages from that number.
If you want to block someone who is already in your Contacts, open Contacts, select their name, tap "Edit" in the top right, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Block this Caller". The number goes into your blocked list right away.
Key Takeaways
- You can block a number in seconds through the Phone app by tapping the information icon next to a recent call and selecting "Block this Caller".
- Blocked callers cannot reach you by phone call or text message, and you will not see notifications when they try to contact you.
- You can view and unblock numbers at any time in Settings under Phone, then Blocked Contacts.
- Blocked numbers can still leave voicemails, but they will appear in a separate "Blocked Messages" folder that you can delete without listening.
- If you block someone in your Contacts, their number stays blocked even if they call from a different phone.
Manage your blocked list in Settings
To see all the numbers you have blocked, go to Settings, tap "Phone", then scroll down and tap "Blocked Contacts". This list shows every number you have blocked on your iPhone. You can add numbers here manually by tapping "Add New" at the top, or remove a number by swiping left on it and tapping "Unblock".
If you want to block a number that has never called you, this is the place to do it. Type or paste the full number, including the country code if it is international, and tap "Block". The number will be blocked when ready even though you have no call history with it.
What happens when you block a number
When you block a mobile number on iPhone, that person cannot call you or send you text messages. If they try to call, the call will not ring on your phone and they will hear a message saying the call cannot be completed. They will not know they are blocked — the experience is the same as if your phone were off.
Text messages from blocked numbers do not appear in your Messages app. If the person sends you an iMessage instead of a regular text, it will not deliver and they may see a "Not Delivered" message, which could tip them off that something is wrong. Blocked callers can still leave voicemails, but these go to a separate "Blocked Messages" folder in the Phone app that you can view or delete without listening.
Block numbers from unknown callers automatically
If you receive many calls from numbers not in your Contacts, you can turn on "Silence Unknown Callers" to automatically mute calls from people you do not know. Go to Settings, tap "Phone", then turn on "Silence Unknown Callers". Calls from unknown numbers will go straight to voicemail and will not ring or light up your screen.
This feature is different from blocking — the calls are not prevented, just silenced. You can still see them in your recent calls list and listen to voicemails. If you want to block a specific unknown number after it calls you, tap the information icon next to it in recents and select "Block this Caller".
Use Do Not Disturb to pause notifications without blocking
If you want to stop hearing from someone temporarily without permanently blocking them, you can use Do Not Disturb. Go to Settings, tap "Focus", then tap "Do Not Disturb". You can set it to allow calls only from your Favorites, or silence all calls and messages for a set amount of time. When Do Not Disturb is on, calls and texts still arrive, but you will not hear them or see notifications.
Do Not Disturb is useful when you need a break but might want to hear from the person later. You can turn it off anytime by going back to Focus settings or by swiping down from the top of your screen and tapping the Do Not Disturb icon. Blocking is permanent until you unblock, so use Do Not Disturb if you are unsure.
Block numbers across iCloud on all your devices
If you block a contact on your iPhone, that block syncs to your iPad and Mac through iCloud. When you block someone's number, it applies to all devices signed into the same Apple ID. This means if you block a number on your iPhone, calls and texts from that number will also be blocked on your iPad if it is set to receive calls and messages.
To check that your devices are syncing, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, tap "iCloud", and make sure "Contacts" is turned on. If you want to block a number on only one device, you will need to sign out of iCloud on that device first, but this is not recommended because it stops other important syncing.
Unblock a number if you change your mind
To unblock a number, go to Settings, tap "Phone", tap "Blocked Contacts", find the number you want to unblock, swipe left on it, and tap "Unblock". The number is when ready unblocked and can call and text you again. You will also start receiving notifications from them.
If you unblock someone who is in your Contacts, their contact card will still exist with all their information. Unblocking just removes the block — it does not delete the contact. If you want to remove them entirely, you would need to delete the contact separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a blocked number tell they are blocked?
No. When a blocked number tries to call you, they hear a message saying the call cannot be completed, which is the same message they would hear if your phone were off. They will not receive a notification that you blocked them. However, if they send an iMessage, they may see "Not Delivered", which could make them suspicious.
Will blocked numbers still reach me through other apps?
Yes. Blocking only stops calls and text messages through the Phone and Messages apps. If someone you blocked contacts you through WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, or another app, those messages will still come through. You would need to block them separately in each app.
What happens to voicemails from blocked numbers?
Blocked callers can still leave voicemails, but they go to a separate "Blocked Messages" folder in the Phone app instead of your main voicemail inbox. You can view, listen to, or delete them from there. You do not have to listen to them.
Can I block a number without adding it to my Contacts?
Yes. Go to Settings, tap "Phone", tap "Blocked Contacts", tap "Add New", and type the number you want to block. You do not need to create a contact for it. The number will be blocked when ready.
If I block someone, will they see my name as "Unknown" when they try to call?
No. Blocking does not change how your number appears to them. If they have your number saved in their phone, your name will still show. Blocking only prevents their calls and texts from reaching you — it does not hide your identity from them.