Getting unwanted calls is annoying. Whether it’s a persistent telemarketer, an ex who won’t stop calling, or a scammer trying to get your information — your iPhone gives you several ways to block them. This guide walks you through every method available in 2026, step by step.
How to Block a Number from the Phone App
This is the most straightforward way to block someone. If you have a recent call from the number you want to block, here’s what to do:
- Open the Phone app on your iPhone
- Tap Recents at the bottom of the screen
- Find the number you want to block and tap the “i” icon next to it
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller
- Confirm by tapping Block Contact
Done. That number can no longer call, text, or FaceTime you.
Blocking Someone from Your Contacts
If the person is already in your contacts list, the process is slightly different:
- Open the Phone app and go to Contacts
- Find and tap on the contact you want to block
- Tap Block this Caller at the bottom of their contact card
- Confirm by tapping Block Contact
How to Block a Number from Messages
Getting spam texts or unwanted messages? You can block directly from the Messages app:
- Open the Messages app
- Open the conversation with the person you want to block
- Tap the contact name or number at the top of the screen
- Tap the “i” icon
- Tap Block this Caller
- Confirm by tapping Block Contact
Once blocked, you won’t receive any new messages from that number. The conversation will still appear in your list, but you won’t get notifications for it.
How to Block a Number from FaceTime
Unwanted FaceTime calls are just as frustrating. Here’s how to stop them:
- Open the FaceTime app
- Find the recent call from the number you want to block
- Tap the “i” icon next to the call
- Tap Block this Caller
- Confirm by tapping Block Contact
Important: When you block someone through any of these methods — Phone, Messages, or FaceTime — it blocks them across all three. You don’t need to block them separately in each app.
How to Block Unknown Callers on iPhone
If you’re getting bombarded with calls from numbers you don’t recognize, iOS has a built-in feature that sends all unknown callers straight to voicemail:
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and tap Phone
- Tap Silence Unknown Callers
- Toggle it ON
Here’s how it works: anyone who isn’t in your contacts, hasn’t been in a recent outgoing call, or isn’t in your Siri Suggestions gets silenced. They can still leave a voicemail, and the call shows up in your recents list — your phone just doesn’t ring.
Tip: This feature is incredibly useful if you get a lot of spam calls, but keep in mind that legitimate callers you haven’t saved (like a doctor’s office or delivery driver) will also be silenced.
How to View and Manage Your Blocked Contacts
Want to see everyone you’ve blocked? Or maybe remove someone from the list? Here’s where to find your blocked contacts:
- Open Settings
- Tap Phone
- Tap Blocked Contacts (you might need to scroll down)
You’ll see a complete list of every number and contact you’ve blocked. From here you can manage the list — swipe left on any entry to unblock them, or add new numbers to the block list by tapping Add New at the bottom.
You Can Also Access Blocked Contacts From:
- Settings → Messages → Blocked Contacts
- Settings → FaceTime → Blocked Contacts
- Settings → Mail → Blocked (for email blocking)
All of these lead to the same master list. Block someone once, and they’re blocked everywhere.
How to Unblock a Number on iPhone
Changed your mind? Unblocking is just as easy as blocking:
- Open Settings
- Tap Phone → Blocked Contacts
- Find the number or contact you want to unblock
- Swipe left on the entry
- Tap Unblock
The person will immediately be able to call, text, and FaceTime you again. You won’t receive any messages they sent while blocked — those are gone for good.
What Actually Happens When You Block Someone
A lot of people wonder what the blocked person experiences. Here’s the truth:
Phone Calls
- Their call goes straight to voicemail — your phone never rings
- They won’t get any notification that they’ve been blocked
- It looks like your phone is off or you’re declining the call
Text Messages (iMessage/SMS)
- Messages they send to you will not be delivered
- On their end, it may look like the message was sent, but it won’t show “Delivered” underneath
- You will never see these messages
FaceTime
- Their FaceTime call will ring endlessly on their end but never connect
- You won’t see any notification
What Doesn’t Happen
- The blocked person is not notified that they’ve been blocked
- Blocking doesn’t delete previous conversations or call history
- They can still leave a voicemail (it goes to a separate “Blocked Messages” section)
- If you’re in a shared group chat, they can still see your messages there
Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
While iOS has solid built-in blocking features, third-party apps can add an extra layer of protection — especially against spam and robocalls. These apps use databases of known spam numbers and can block them before your phone even rings.
Top Call Blocking Apps for iPhone in 2026
- Truecaller — Probably the most popular caller ID and spam blocking app. It identifies unknown callers and automatically blocks known spam numbers. Free with ads, or premium for an ad-free experience.
- RoboKiller — Goes beyond blocking by answering spam calls with AI-powered bots that waste the scammer’s time. Satisfying and effective. Subscription-based.
- Hiya — Simple, clean interface with good spam detection. Free version works well for most people.
- Nomorobo — Focuses specifically on robocalls and telemarketers. It also works with your carrier to block spam before it reaches your phone.
- Call Control — Uses a community-driven block list. You contribute to the database every time you report a spam number.
How to Set Up a Third-Party Blocking App
- Download your preferred app from the App Store
- Open the app and follow its setup instructions
- Go to Settings → Phone → Call Blocking & Identification
- Toggle on the app under Allow These Apps to Block Calls and Provide Caller ID
Once enabled, the app works alongside iOS’s built-in blocking. Calls from known spam numbers get filtered automatically.
Blocking vs. Silencing: What’s the Difference?
This trips people up. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Blocking — The person cannot reach you at all. Calls go to voicemail, texts don’t arrive, FaceTime doesn’t connect.
- Silencing Unknown Callers — Only numbers not in your contacts are silenced. They can still leave voicemails, and the calls show in your history.
- Do Not Disturb — Silences everyone (except your favorites, if you set it up that way). Temporary, not permanent.
Choose based on your situation. If one specific person is the problem, block them. If spam calls are driving you crazy, silence unknown callers. If you just need some peace and quiet, use Do Not Disturb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a blocked number tell they’ve been blocked?
No. Apple doesn’t send any notification. The only clue is that their calls always go to voicemail and their iMessages never show “Delivered.” But that could also mean your phone is off.
Do blocked contacts know they’re blocked on iMessage?
Not directly. Their messages won’t show “Delivered” status, but there’s no explicit “you’ve been blocked” message.
Can I block someone who’s not in my contacts?
Absolutely. You can block any number from your recent calls or messages list, even if they’re not saved as a contact.
Will blocking someone delete our conversation?
No. Your existing messages and call history remain untouched. Blocking only prevents future communication.
What happens if a blocked number calls me?
The call is sent straight to voicemail. Your phone won’t ring, and you won’t see a missed call notification. The call does appear in your recents list, though.
Final Thoughts
Blocking unwanted callers on your iPhone is quick, effective, and completely private — the other person never knows. Whether you’re dealing with a specific person or a flood of spam calls, iOS gives you the tools to take back control of your phone. Use the Phone app for quick blocks, Silence Unknown Callers for spam protection, and third-party apps if you want extra filtering power. Your peace of mind is worth the two taps it takes.