Are you fed up with unwanted calls from an ex, a family member, or an annoying friend? Blocking the number will come in handy. You can block numbers on Android and iPhone. But what happens by blocking a number and will the other person know? Let’s find out.
What Happens When You Block a Number
When you block a number, you will not receive calls or SMS/MMS messages from it. Third-party apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, etc. will remain unaffected. Here’s what happens after blocking a number:
Calls
- The calls from the blocked number will be declined automatically. So you won’t receive regular phone calls from that number.
- On some networks, the incoming calls are sent to Voicemail but you won’t receive voicemail notifications either.
- Blocking a contact works towards your advantage – you can still call them even if you have blocked them.
Text Messages
- You will not receive text messages (SMS or MMS) from blocked numbers.
- The message will be sent from the sender’s side but you won’t receive the message.
- You can message the blocked person, but you won’t be able to receive a response from the blocked contact.
Other Messaging and Calling Apps
- Android: Blocking a number only affects regular calls and messages. The blocked number can still contact you on other apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. unless you block them there too. Basically, you need to block the person separately on these apps.
- iPhone:
- In addition to regular phone calls and SMS, the blocked number cannot FaceTime or iMessage you.
- You will not receive emails from the blocked contact on the Apple Email app, if an e-mail ID is associated with the blocked contact.
- No other app is affected. You will still receive messages and calls on other apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, etc., from the blocked person. You must separately block the users on these apps.
Will the Blocked Person Know or Be Notified
Not really. When the call is declined automatically, they will hear pre-recorded messages like the caller is busy or out of network area. Moreover, their text messages are also shown as sent. So they won’t know.
The blocked contact will not be notified or sent a message that you have blocked them. However, after a few attempts, they may be able to guess that something is fishy.
What Happens When the Blocked Person Calls You
When a blocked contact tries to call you, they will hear different things based on your carrier. For instance, some might be greeted by pre-recorded messages like the number is busy, the number is not reachable, the number cannot take calls, etc., Others will hear one ring before the call disconnects automatically.
FAQs
1. Does Blocking a Number Delete It From Your Contacts?
No. Blocking a number will not delete it from your contacts. If you decide to unblock the number in the future, it will still be available in your contacts.
2. How to Block a Number?
- Android: In the Phone app, tap on the contact you want to block. You might have to tap on the profile picture to open the contact. Tap on Block Numbers.
- Samsung Galaxy phones: Tap on the number and press the (i) icon. Tap the More (three-dot icon) and select Block.
- iPhone: Open the contact in the Contacts or the caller’s number from the Phone app and tap on Block this caller.
3. How to Unblock a Number?
- Android: In the Phone app, tap the three-dot icon and select Settings > Blocked numbers. Press the X icon next to the blocked number. Check out more ways to unblock a number on an Android phone.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. Tap on Edit at the top and hit the (-) Remove icon next to the number that you want to unblock.
4. What Happens After Unblocking a Number?
After you unblock a number, the contact will regain the normal capabilities of being able to call and message you. However, you won’t receive the messages that were sent when the number was blocked. Similarly, you cannot see call history details for the blocked number after unblocking it.
If you don’t want to take the harsh step of blocking someone, you can mute a number on iPhone and Android. Or, check other ways to stop receiving calls without blocking.
