If you don't want to receive phone calls from someone, you can always block their number on your smartphone. But what if you blocked a wrong number by mistake? Or if you change your mind and decide to unblock someone?
Anyway, this article will show you how to remove someone's number from blocked list easily.
Unblock a phone number
The steps to follow to unblock a certain phone number depend on the operating system used by your smartphone. Feel free to scroll down to the tutorial that matches your phone's operating system.
Unblock a phone number on Android
Some of the following steps only work on Android 6.0 and newer. However, even if you have an older version of the Android operating system, the steps can be very similar. It is worth trying them.
Here is how you can unblock a certain number after blocking it on your Android:
- Open the Phone app on your smartphone. Make sure you are on the "Contacts" tab at the bottom.
- Tap the âMoreâ icon.
- Select the âSettingsâ option.
- Select âBlock numbersâ.
- Tap the minus sign next to the number you want to unblock.
Tap the minus sign to remove the number from the blocked numbers list, so you can receive calls and texts from it.
Unblock a phone number on iPhone
iPhone users need to follow different steps to unlock a certain number. However, these are also very simple. Again, you might find slight differences in older OS versions.
- Select "Settings" on your home screen.
- Scroll down and tap "Phone."
- Find and tap "Call blocking & identification".
- Select "Edit".
- Find the number you want to unblock.
Once you find the number, tap the Minus icon located right next to it. This will unblock the number and allow it to call you back.
Don't forget to press Unblock to confirm your action. After all this, tap on Done.
How to activate call forwarding on your cell phone
What if you wanted to redirect calls instead of blocking them? Here's how to activate the call forwarding feature on your smartphone. First make sure the number is unblocked.
Activate call forwarding on Android
- Tap the Phone app.
- Select the Action Overflow icon â usually represented by three dots.
- Tap "Settings" - this option is called "Call settings" on some Android phones.
- Select "Additional services".
- Select "Call forwarding".
- Tap "Voice calls".
- Choose an option you want to set â always forward, forward when busy, forward when not reached, etc.
- Enter the forwarding number.
- Tap "Enable" or "Activate".
Activate call forwarding on iPhone
- Tap on your phone settings.
- Scroll down and select Phone.
- Tap the Call forwarding option.
- To enable this feature, simply move the slider.
- Select Transfer to.
- Enter the phone number where you want to receive your phone calls.
- Press Back.
Frequently Asked Questions
It used to be incredibly difficult to block callers, especially on flip phones. But today, it's really simple. However, new technologies bring new questions. This section will answer some of your other questions.
How will someone know if I block their phone number?
Of course, there's no flashing alert to let a caller know you've blocked them. In most cases, when the blocked user calls your phone number, they will receive a message that the number they called is not currently accepting phone calls. Ultimately, your phone number will behave as if it has been disconnected.
The only way for a caller to know for sure that you have blocked them is to call you from another phone number.
Can I block an entire area code?
Unfortunately no. Blocking an entire area code is a highly requested feature that carriers and manufacturers have yet to create. More often than not, your spam calls will come from the same area code you're using anyway. This is an attempt by scammers to appear more legitimate.
But, some calls come from random area codes. While it's useful to block an entire area code, it's just not possible yet. However, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for reputable apps that can help block those unwanted phone calls.
Can a blocked caller leave me a voicemail?
Yes, but you will not receive a notification. When you follow the methods we've listed above, you're essentially only blocking notifications one way. This means that the caller will not be able to reach you and your phone will simply not recognize that they have already tried to make contact.
The caller will have the option to leave a voicemail, but you won't know that unless you check your phone's voicemail app.
How do I know if a blocked number called me?
Sometimes we block phone numbers but wonder if the caller tried to reach us. If that's you, there's really only one way to tell if the user called you and that's if they leave you a voicemail.
As mentioned earlier, you won't be informed about the caller's voicemail, so you'll have to check your phone's voicemail app.
If I block a phone number from calling me, will I still receive text messages?
No. At least not in your phone's native text messaging app. The other user can still message you on other platforms like WhatsApp, social media, etc.
If you want text messages from the other person, you will have to unblock them entirely.
Use all the features of your smartphone
Most users don't actually experience the full power of their smartphones. Since we practically carry small computers in our pockets, it is better to learn how to use all the features available to us.
This article showed you how to control the calls you want to receive. There's so much more to explore and use, so don't stop here.
