Usually, when you block someone’s number on your iPhone or iPad, that number can’t call, text, or FaceTime you. Sometimes, however, you may receive phone calls or text messages from someone you blocked on your iPhone or iPad. This can be a problem if you want complete privacy and safety. You blocked that number for a reason, and if you still continue to get phone or FaceTime calls, something is not working as expected. If you’re still getting calls and texts from blocked numbers on your iPhone or iPad, here’s what you should do to stop it.
Blocked numbers not working?
When you receive texts or calls from blocked numbers on your iPhone or iPad, you may think that it is impossible to block numbers, but you can definitely block people on device. Below, I will explain what you can do to ensure that your blocked numbers are really blocked so that you do not get these unwanted calls or texts.
What to do if a blocked number is still calling on iPhone and iPad
Before trying the troubleshooting steps below, ensure that your device has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and check if there is an update; if there is, update your device.
Further, check if there’s a carrier settings update. To do this, ensure that your device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network, then go to Settings > General > About. A popup will appear if there is an update. Tap Update. If a popup doesn’t appear, your carrier settings are up-to-date.
If everything is up-to-date and you’re still getting calls from blocked numbers on your iPhone or iPad, follow the troubleshooting steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. Or, tap Settings > FaceTime > Blocked Contacts.
Step 2: Find the blocked number or contact name that still manages to call or text you. We will temporarily unblock this number (or name). If this is a number, tap the number and tap Create New Contact to create a contact for this blocked number by saving it on your device. If this was already a contact, move to the next step.
Step 3: Find the contact you’ve just saved, then swipe left over the name, this will reveal a button and then tap the red Unblock button.
Step 4: Go to Settings > General > Shut down.
Drag the slider from left to right to shut down your iPhone. Now, turn your iPhone back on by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Step 5: Now you need to re-add the contact you just unblocked to your list of blocked callers. Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. Or, tap Settings > FaceTime > Blocked Contacts.
Step 6: Scroll to the bottom and tap Add New button.
Step 7: Scroll through your contact list and tap the contact you just unblocked. Now you have blocked it again. This problem is now fixed. If it isn’t, see the section below.
If a blocked number is still calling you on your iPhone or iPad:
- If you still receive voicemails from your blocked contacts, this is totally normal. The blocked contact can leave a voicemail even after they are blocked, but you won’t get a notification.
- Some spammers may spoof the Caller ID. It is possible that they are not calling from a real number. Spoofing means spammers can make any number or name display on your phone. Check out this Apple documentation to learn how to handle these types of calls.
- There’s a good chance that you are getting texts or calls not from the same number but from a number that looks very similar. Block this number as well.
- Blocking a number on your iPhone can’t prevent that person from reaching out via third-party apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram, unfortunately. Block them on third-party apps as well.
- The same person may still FaceTime you using their Apple ID. Ensure that their Apple ID is blocked as well.
- Contact your wireless carriers as they may be able to block numbers for you on the carrier level.