Block a number directly from a text message
The fastest way to block someone is to open the text thread from that person, tap "Details" in the top right corner, scroll down, and tap "Block this Caller." Your iPhone will immediately stop delivering texts from that number to your Messages app.
Once you block a number, that person's texts won't appear in your inbox, won't trigger notifications, and won't show a preview on your lock screen. The messages still arrive on Apple's servers, but your phone filters them out before you see them. If you change your mind later, you can unblock the same number by going back to "Details" and selecting "Unblock this Caller."
Key Takeaways
- You can block a number directly from any text thread by tapping Details and selecting Block this Caller.
- Blocked texts still arrive but your iPhone hides them from your inbox and turns off notifications for that sender.
- You can block up to 1,000 numbers on a single iPhone, though most people never need more than a handful.
- Blocking someone prevents their calls and FaceTime requests too — it is not limited to text messages alone.
- If you block someone by accident, you can unblock them the same way you blocked them, and they will resume appearing normally.
Block a number from your Contacts app
If you have the person's number saved in your Contacts, you can block them without opening a text thread. Open the Contacts app, find the person's name, tap "Edit" in the top right, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Block this Caller." This method works the same way as blocking from a text — it stops texts, calls, and FaceTime requests from that contact.
This approach is useful if you want to block someone before they text you, or if you have already deleted their text thread but still have their number saved. The blocking takes effect immediately.
Use the Settings app to manage your blocked list
You can see all the numbers you have blocked and add new ones through Settings. Open Settings, tap "Phone," scroll down to "Blocked Contacts," and tap "Edit" to add or remove numbers. You can also reach this same list by going to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts or Settings > FaceTime > Blocked Contacts — all three point to the same master list.
If you want to block a number you do not have saved as a contact, this is where you do it. Tap the plus sign, enter the phone number or email address, and tap "Save." The block takes effect right away. This method also works for blocking email addresses if someone is sending you iMessages through their Apple ID instead of a phone number.
What happens when you block someone
When you block a number on iPhone, that person cannot reach you by text message, phone call, or FaceTime. Their messages will not appear in your inbox, and you will not receive a notification when they try to contact you. From their perspective, their texts may appear to send normally — they will not see an error message — but you will never receive them.
Blocked calls go straight to voicemail, and blocked FaceTime requests fail silently. The person will not know for certain that you blocked them, though they may suspect it if their calls and texts go unanswered while your social media shows you are active. There is no notification that tells them they have been blocked.
If you block someone and later unblock them, your previous text threads with that person will still be there. Unblocking does not restore deleted messages — it only resumes normal contact with that number going forward.
Unblock a number if you change your mind
To unblock someone, open Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts (or Messages > Blocked Contacts, or FaceTime > Blocked Contacts — they are all the same list). Swipe left on the name or number you want to unblock, and tap "Unblock." You can also tap "Edit" and then the minus sign next to a blocked contact.
Once you unblock a number, that person's texts and calls will reach you normally again. You will start receiving notifications from them, and their messages will appear in your inbox like any other contact. There is no waiting period — the unblock is instant.
Block unknown senders and filter spam
If you are getting texts from numbers you do not recognize, you can turn on "Filter Unknown Senders" to separate them from your main inbox. Open Settings > Messages and toggle on "Filter Unknown Senders." Texts from people not in your Contacts will go to a separate "Unknown Senders" tab instead of your main message list, though you can still read them if you want.
This is different from blocking — the messages still arrive and you can see them if you check that tab. It just keeps your main inbox cleaner. If you find a specific unknown number is bothering you, you can still block it individually using the steps above. Many people use this filter for spam texts while blocking only numbers that are clearly harassing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the person I blocked tell that I blocked them?
They will not receive a notification saying they are blocked. However, if their texts seem to send but you never respond, and their calls go straight to voicemail every time, they may figure it out. There is no technical way for them to know for certain without trying to contact you.
What if I block someone and they text me from a different number?
Blocking only affects that specific phone number or email address. If someone texts you from a different number, it will come through normally. You would need to block each number separately. If someone is harassing you across multiple numbers, contact your carrier or local police.
Do blocked messages take up storage space on my iPhone?
No. Blocked messages are filtered out before they reach your device, so they do not use your iPhone's storage. They sit on Apple's servers but never sync to your phone. Unblocking someone does not restore old blocked messages — those are gone.
Can I block someone from iMessage only, or does it block calls too?
Blocking on iPhone blocks texts, calls, and FaceTime all at once. You cannot block just text messages while allowing calls through. If you need to allow calls but not texts, you would need to use a different method like Do Not Disturb with exceptions, though that is more complicated.
How many numbers can I block on my iPhone?
Your iPhone can handle up to 1,000 blocked contacts. In practice, most people never need more than a few. If you are hitting the limit, you likely have a spam or harassment problem that your carrier should know about.