Learn how to block contacts or phone numbers on iPhone or iPad or even on iPod Touch. For all iOS device, there is an option for you to block phone numbers or contacts without using any third-party apps. It can easily be done within the apps such as Phone, iMessage, and FaceTime.

When you block a phone number or contact, they can still leave a voicemail, but you won’t get a notification. Messages won’t be delivered. Also, the contact won’t get a notification that the call or message was blocked and there is no way they can know that they have been blocked except if they look at your phone.

On the other hand, if you get an iMessage from someone who’s not saved in your Contacts, you can report iMessages that look like spam or junk from the Messages app. Under the message, you’ll see a Report Junk link. tap the link to forward the sender’s information and the message to Apple.

See also how to identify if iPhone is a new, refurbished or replacement set.

How to block phone calls

To block a phone number:

1. Go to Phone app.
2. Under Recents, tap “i” icon next to the phone number or contact that you want to block.
3. Scroll to the bottom of your screen, then select Block this Caller.

To manage blocked phone numbers: 

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Phone.
3. Select Call Blocking & Identification.
   • From these screens, you can add or unblock contacts or unblock phone numbers. 
4. To add a contact:
   • scroll to the bottom of the Blocked list
   • select Add New
   • select the contact that you want to block.
5. To unblock a contact or phone number from the Blocked list:
   • select Edit in the upper-right corner
   • tap Delete icon
   • select Unblock.

How to block FaceTime calls or messages

To block a phone number:

1. Go to the FaceTime app or Message.
2. Tap “i” icon next to the phone number or contact that you want to block.
3. Scroll to the bottom of your screen, then select Block this Caller.

To manage blocked phone numbers: 

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select FaceTime.
3. Select Blocked.
   • From these screens, you can add or unblock contacts or unblock phone numbers. 
4. To add a contact:
   • scroll to the bottom of the Blocked list
   • select Add New
   • select the contact that you want to block.
5. To unblock a contact or phone number from the Blocked list:
6. Select Edit in the upper-right corner
7. Tap Delete icon
8. Select Unblock.

How to filter iMessages from unknown senders

You can filter iMessages from people who aren’t saved in your Contacts. To filter iMessages:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Message.
3. Turn on Filter Unknown Senders.

Then, in Messages, you’ll see a new tab for Unknown Senders but you won’t get notifications for all messages coming from these numbers.

Alternatively, you can use third-party apps in helping to detect and automatically block spam phone calls.