Unblocking a contact on your iPhone using iOS 17 is simple and quick. All you need to do is go to your settings, select ‘Phone,’ then tap on ‘Blocked Contacts.’ Find the contact you wish to unblock and swipe left on their name—select ‘Unblock,’ and voilà! The contact is no longer blocked and can now call, text, or FaceTime you again.
After you unblock the contact, they will be able to communicate with you as they did before they were blocked. You will receive their calls, messages, and FaceTime requests just like any other contact.
You can also watch this video about how to unblock a contact on your iPhone for more on this subject.
Introduction
Are you wondering how to reconnect with someone you’ve previously blocked on your iPhone? Or maybe you’ve had a change of heart and decided to give that pesky telemarketer another chance? Whatever your reason might be, unblocking a contact on your iPhone is a straightforward process that anyone can do. It’s important to know how to manage your block list because, let’s face it, sometimes we block numbers in haste or by mistake.
Plus, you wouldn’t want to miss out on important calls or messages just because you forgot to manage your block list, would you? This article is for anyone who’s looking for a hassle-free step-by-step guide on unblocking contacts using the latest iOS 17 on their iPhone. So let’s dive in and get those numbers unblocked!
Related: iOS 17: How to Delete Contacts on iPhone Quickly and Easily
Step by Step Tutorial on Unblocking Contacts on iPhone using iOS 17
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly review what you’ll accomplish by following these steps. Simply put, you are reversing the action of blocking a contact. Now, let’s get started!
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
This is the app with the gear icon, typically found on your home screen.
Step 2: Tap on ‘Phone’
In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on the ‘Phone’ option.
This will take you to the phone settings where you can manage calls, contacts, and other related settings.
Step 3: Select ‘Blocked Contacts’
Within the Phone settings, find and select the ‘Blocked Contacts’ option.
Here you will find a list of all the contacts and numbers you’ve blocked.
Step 4: Swipe Left on the Contact
Find the contact you wish to unblock, then swipe left on their name.
This action will reveal more options to manage that specific contact.
Step 5: Tap ‘Unblock’
After swiping left, tap on the red ‘Unblock’ button that appears.
The contact will immediately be removed from your blocked list.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Improved Communication | Unblocking a contact allows you to communicate with them again, which can be important if you’ve accidentally blocked someone or have resolved past issues. |
| Easy to Do | The process is user-friendly and can be done in a matter of seconds, making it convenient for users of any tech level. |
| Control Over Contacts | You have the freedom to manage your block list at any time, giving you control over who can contact you. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Potential for Unwanted Communication | Unblocking someone means they can contact you, which might not be ideal if you’re unsure about removing them from the block list. |
| Limited Blocking Options | iOS 17 doesn’t allow for temporary blocking, so you must manually unblock and re-block contacts as needed. |
| Accidental Unblock | The process is so simple that you might accidentally unblock someone if you’re not careful. |
Video About Unblocking Contacts
Additional Information
While unblocking contacts on iPhone using iOS 17 is straightforward, there are a few additional things to keep in mind. For starters, once you unblock someone, there’s no notification sent to the contact to inform them—they will simply be able to reach you again without any indication of the change. Also, remember that when you block someone, it doesn’t just prevent calls; it blocks them from sending messages and FaceTime calls, too. Therefore, unblocking will reinstate all these communication methods.
If you have a change of heart after unblocking someone, just repeat the process to block them again. Keep in mind that your blocked contact list syncs across all your Apple devices, so if you unblock someone on your iPhone, they will also be unblocked on your iPad or Mac if you’re using the same Apple ID. Lastly, remember that the ability to block or unblock someone is a powerful tool in managing your digital wellbeing, so use it wisely!
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Tap on ‘Phone.’
- Select ‘Blocked Contacts.’
- Swipe left on the contact.
- Tap ‘Unblock.’
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I unblock a contact on my iPhone?
When you unblock a contact, they will be able to call, text, or FaceTime you as they did before you blocked them.
Will the unblocked contact know that they have been unblocked?
No, the contact will not receive any notification that they have been unblocked.
Can I re-block a contact after unblocking them?
Yes, you can block the contact again at any time by following the same steps and choosing ‘Block Contact.’
Does unblocking a contact restore old messages and calls?
No, unblocking a contact does not restore any previous messages or call logs that were missed while they were blocked.
If I unblock a contact on my iPhone, will they be unblocked on all my devices?
Yes, if you’re using the same Apple ID across devices, unblocking a contact on one device will unblock them on all your devices.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve had a change of heart or made an error in blocking someone, knowing how to unblock a contact on iPhone using iOS 17 is essential. The process is straightforward and gives you control over your communication.
Remember, unblocking someone is as significant as blocking them because it opens up lines of communication that you previously decided to close. Use this feature thoughtfully and remember that your iPhone is more than just a device; it’s your connection to the world. So, keep your block list up-to-date, and happy connecting!
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.