To block a phone number on iPhone that hasn’t called or texted you yet, save it as a contact first, then block the contact. Open the Contacts app (or Phone > Contacts), tap +, enter the number and a name like “Spam,” and tap Done. Then scroll down on the contact card, tap Block this Caller, and confirm with Block Contact. Calls, texts, and FaceTime from that number are now blocked.
iPhone doesn’t let you type a number directly into the blocked list, so this contact trick is the standard workaround. Here are the steps, how to block many numbers, and other ways to stop unwanted calls.
How to block a number that hasn’t contacted you
- Open Contacts, or open Phone and tap Contacts.
- Tap the + button.
- Type a name, such as Spam or Blocked 1.
- Tap add phone and enter the full number, including the area code.
- Tap Done.
- On the new contact’s card, scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
- Tap Block Contact.
You can also add it from Settings > Phone (or Settings > Apps > Phone on iOS 18) > Blocked Contacts > Add New, which lets you pick from your contacts.
How to block several numbers at once
You can add multiple numbers to one contact. Edit the “Spam” contact, tap add phone for each number, and tap Done. Every number on a blocked contact is blocked. This is handy for spammers who rotate numbers.
What happens when you block a number
- Calls go straight to voicemail. Voicemails may appear in a Blocked Messages section.
- iMessages and texts aren’t delivered to you. The sender isn’t notified.
- FaceTime calls don’t ring.
For more detail, see how to block a call on iPhone.
Other ways to stop unwanted calls
- Silence Unknown Callers: Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers sends calls from numbers not in your contacts to voicemail.
- Filter unknown senders in Messages: Settings > Messages > Unknown & Spam (or Filter Unknown Senders).
- Call-blocking apps: Install one from the App Store, then turn it on in Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
- Your carrier: Most carriers offer free spam call filtering and can block specific numbers on your account.
- Private or No Caller ID: See how to block No Caller ID on iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Will the person know I blocked them?
No. They won’t get a notification, though they may notice their calls always go to voicemail.
Can I block a number without saving it as a contact?
Only if it has already called, texted, or FaceTimed you. Then you can block it from Recents or the Messages conversation.
How do I unblock it later?
Open the contact and tap Unblock this Caller, or remove it in Blocked Contacts. See how to unblock a phone number on iPhone.
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.