It's a common frustration: you accidentally blocked a number, then deleted it from your contacts, making it seem impossible to unblock. Don't worry, it's usually recoverable, though the exact steps depend on your phone's operating system and the apps you use. This guide will walk you through the process for both Android and iOS devices.
Unblocking on Android
Unblocking a deleted number on Android involves a few different scenarios, depending on whether you used the built-in blocking feature or a third-party app.
Method 1: Using the Built-in Android Call Blocking Feature
If you blocked the number using your phone's default call blocking settings, the process is relatively straightforward. Note that the exact location of these settings might vary slightly depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer. Look for settings related to "Blocked numbers," "Call blocking," or similar terminology.
- Locate your call settings: Open your phone's settings app (usually a gear icon).
- Find the call blocking section: Search for "call blocking," "blocked numbers," or similar. The exact name and location might differ based on your device.
- View blocked numbers: You should see a list of blocked numbers. Even if the contact is deleted, the number itself might still be listed here.
- Unblock the number: Find the number you want to unblock and select the option to unblock it. This typically involves tapping on the number and selecting "Unblock."
Important Note: If the number isn't in the blocked numbers list after checking thoroughly, it's likely you did not block it using the built-in Android feature. Proceed to Method 2.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party Caller ID or Blocking App
Many apps like Truecaller, Hiya, or others provide call blocking and identification features. If you used one of these apps, the unblocking process will vary.
- Open the app: Launch the third-party app you used for blocking.
- Find blocked numbers: Look for a section dedicated to blocked contacts or numbers.
- Unblock the number: Locate the desired number and follow the app's instructions to remove it from the blocked list. This often involves a simple tap or swipe.
- Check app settings: Some apps have separate settings where blocked numbers are managed. Explore the settings menu to ensure you haven't missed a hidden list.
Unblocking on iOS (iPhone)
Unblocking deleted numbers on iPhones is similar to Android, but with its own unique interface.
- Open the Phone app: Launch the default Phone application on your iPhone.
- Access Recents: Go to the "Recents" tab. This displays your recent calls.
- Locate the number: Scroll through your recent calls to find the number you previously blocked, even if the contact is deleted. The number itself might be displayed here.
- Access Blocked Contacts: Tap "Info" next to the number. Then scroll to the bottom and find the option to "Unblock this caller".
If you can't find the number in your recent calls or cannot locate the “Unblock this caller” option, there's a chance it was not blocked using Apple's built-in phone app.
If you used a third-party app on your iPhone, repeat the steps outlined in Method 2 above for Android.
If You Still Can't Find the Number
If you've tried all these methods and still can't locate the number to unblock it, there are a few other possibilities:
- The number wasn't actually blocked: Double-check your memory and any messages or call logs to confirm the number was indeed blocked.
- The number has changed: It's possible the person changed their phone number.
- Software glitch: A rare software issue could be affecting your device's settings. Consider restarting your phone or contacting your carrier for assistance.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully unblock that deleted number. Remember to always double-check your settings and the apps you use to manage your blocked contacts.
