How to Unblock a Number on an Android Phone

Restore callers to your good graces

By
Susan J. Owens
Susan Owens
Susan J. Owens
Writer
  • Ohio State University
Former Lifewire writer Susan J. Owens is a tech writer focused on AI, blockchain, and virtual machines. Her work appears in InformationWeek, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company.
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Updated on May 9, 2021

What to Know

  • To unblock a number, Phone > More > Settings > Blocked Numbers > tap the X next to the contact you want to unblock > Unblock.
  • Steps may differ on modified versions of Android, such as a Samsung device, but should be similar.

This article explains how to unblock a phone number on an Android smartphone. Instructions apply to Android 6 and up.

Unblock a Phone Number on an Android

Here's how to unblock a number on an Android device and get those calls and text messages back:

  1. Open the Phone app.

  2. Tap the More icon, which looks like three vertical dots.

  3. Tap Settings > Blocked Numbers.

  4. Tap the X next to the contact you want to unblock.

    Unblock a contact in the Phone app's settings.

  5. Select Unblock.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What happens when you block a number on Android? The person will not receive any notification that you blocked their number. If someone calls from a blocked number, the caller will hear one ring before going to voicemail. Text messages sent from a blocked number will not go through to your phone.
  • How can I see the numbers I've blocked? On Androids, tap the Phone icon > More > Settings > Blocked Numbers to view a list of blocked numbers.
  • How can I see messages from blocked numbers? In the upper-right corner of the Android Messaging app, tap the menu icon (three vertical dots) > Settings > Blocked messages.
  • How can I stop blocked numbers from leaving voicemails? While there is no Android setting to prevent someone from leaving a voicemail, you can contact your wireless carrier and ask them to block a specific number from getting through.
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