How to Manage Blocked Numbers on iPhone and Android

Telephone spam has become a prevalent nuisance, leading many of us to block an increasing number of unwanted callers. But how do you keep track of the numbers you’ve already blocked? Whether you want to create a watchlist to share with friends or simply stay informed, we’ll guide you on how to do it, on both iPhone and Android devices.

lady checking her phone

On the iPhone:

  1. Start by tapping “Settings” in your iPhone’s menu, the gear-shaped application icon, which is easily recognizable.
  2. Scroll down within the settings menu to find the “Phone” section.
  3. Under “Phone,” locate the “Calls” section, and within that, you’ll find “Blocked Contacts.” Tap this option to access the list of numbers you’ve blocked over time.
  4. You can also add new numbers to your blocked list from this menu. Blocking a contact ensures you no longer receive their calls, messages, or emails.
  5. Be aware that those who engage in telephone spam frequently use different numbers, so you may need to keep adding new numbers to your block list regularly.

For Messages on iPhone:

  1. If you specifically want to manage blocked contacts in the Messages app, return to “Settings” and select “Messages.”
  2. Scroll down and you’ll see “Blocked Contacts” under the “Email Address” section. Tap this option to view and modify your blocked contacts list.

For FaceTime on iPhone:

  1. For managing blocked contacts in FaceTime, go to FaceTime settings within the “Settings” app.
  2. Scroll down and under the “Calls” section, you’ll find the “Blocked Contacts” option. Similar to the previous sections, you can manage your blocked contacts here.

On Android:

Managing blocked numbers on an Android device is a similar process:

  1. Open the “Phone” app on your Android device and tap the three vertical dots in the upper right corner.
  2. Select “Settings” and navigate to the “Settings” menu.
  3. Inside the settings menu, you’ll find the “Blocked numbers” option. Tap this to access a comprehensive list of the numbers you’ve blocked on your device.
  4. Removing a block is as simple as clicking on the “X” next to the number, and you can also add new numbers to your block list from this section.

This comprehensive guide ensures you can keep track of the numbers you’ve blocked on both iPhone and Android, making it easy to manage and maintain your call and message privacy.