To block a call on an iPhone 5, open the Phone app, tap Recents, tap the ⓘ info button next to the number, then tap Block this Caller and confirm with Block Contact. The number can no longer call, text, or FaceTime you. You can review or undo blocks anytime in Settings > Phone > Blocked (called Call Blocking & Identification on iOS 10).
The iPhone 5 can only update to iOS 10.3.4, but the steps below are nearly the same on newer iPhones. Where menus differ, the newer names are noted.
Ways to block a number on iPhone
| Where | Path | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Phone app | Recents > ⓘ > Block this Caller | A number that just called you |
| Contacts | Open contact > Block this Caller | Someone saved in your contacts |
| Messages | Open conversation > tap name or number > Info > Block this Caller | Spam texts |
| FaceTime | ⓘ next to the call > Block this Caller | Unwanted FaceTime calls |
How to block a caller from Recents
- Open the Phone app and tap Recents at the bottom.
- Find the number and tap the blue ⓘ button on the right.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Block this Caller.
- Tap Block Contact to confirm.
How to block someone from Contacts
- Open Contacts (or Phone > Contacts).
- Tap the person’s name.
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller, then Block Contact.
Blocking a contact blocks every phone number and email address saved on that card.
How to block a number that texts you
- Open Messages and tap the conversation.
- Tap the number or name at the top (on iOS 10, tap Details or the ⓘ in the top-right corner).
- Tap Info if you see it, then tap Block this Caller and confirm.
How to see and unblock blocked numbers
- Open Settings > Phone.
- Tap Call Blocking & Identification (iOS 10) or Blocked Contacts (newer iOS). On iOS 18 and later, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
- Tap Edit, then the red minus button next to a number, and tap Unblock.
You can also tap Block Contact… on this screen to add someone from your contacts. To block a number that isn’t saved, add it as a contact first or block it from Recents.
What happens when you block a caller
- Calls go straight to voicemail. The caller isn’t told they’re blocked, though they may hear only one ring or none.
- Voicemails can still be left. On newer iOS versions they appear in a Blocked Messages section at the bottom of the Voicemail list, and you won’t get a notification. This depends on your carrier’s visual voicemail support.
- Texts and iMessages aren’t delivered. The sender doesn’t get an error, and their message won’t show “Delivered.”
- FaceTime calls from that number or email don’t ring.
Blocking works only on your iPhone and any devices signed in with the same Apple Account. It doesn’t block the number with your carrier.
Other ways to cut down on unwanted calls
- Silence Unknown Callers (iOS 13 and later, so not on an iPhone 5): Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. Calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri suggestions go to voicemail.
- Do Not Disturb: On iOS 10, open Settings > Do Not Disturb and set Allow Calls From to All Contacts or Favorites to silence everyone else.
- Call-blocking apps: iOS 10 added support for apps that identify and block spam calls. Turn them on in Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
- Your carrier: Most US carriers offer free spam-call filtering through their own app or account settings.
- Changed your mind? See how to unblock a contact on iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Will the person know I blocked them?
No. iOS doesn’t notify them. They may figure it out if their calls always go to voicemail and their texts never show as delivered.
Can I block a “No Caller ID” call?
Not individually, because there’s no number to block. Use Do Not Disturb, Silence Unknown Callers on newer iOS, or ask your carrier about anonymous call rejection.
Does blocking a number delete past messages?
No. Old calls and texts stay on your iPhone until you delete them.
Why don’t I see Block this Caller?
It won’t appear for hidden or private numbers. If it’s missing for a regular number, make sure you’re on iOS 7 or later, which is when call blocking was added.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.