What Happens When You Unblock Someone on iMessage? Answered

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Understand what happens when you block and unblock someone on iPhone Messages

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: September 1, 2025 Fact Checked

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If I unblock someone on Messages, what happens?

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Will I receive old texts sent while they were blocked?

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Will someone know if I unblock them?

When you block someone on your iPhone, you're blocking someone from messaging you on Messages and calling your phone number. While you can't retrieve any messages sent while a user is blocked, you can find blocked voicemails if the blocked user leaves any. If you choose to unblock someone, you'll see their notifications again. This wikiHow will answer all your questions about blocking and unblocking someone on iMessage on your iPhone.

Things You Should Know

Blocked users won't be notified that they are unblocked.
Blocked users may see "Delivered" on sent messages, and calls can ring without going straight to voicemail.
You won't be able to retrieve blocked messages, but you can find blocked voicemails.^{[1]
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Section 1 of 3:

If I unblock someone on Messages, what happens?

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Blocking a user prevents them from contacting you via Messages or Phone. When you unblock a number, these features will be accessible again. You can still ignore any received messages or calls, but you'll see every notification.^{[2]
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Section 2 of 3:

Will I receive old texts sent while they were blocked?

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Blocked messages will not come through when unblocked. While someone is blocked, any sent text messages will be blocked by Messages. You won't be able to retrieve them. If you decide to unblock the person, you will receive the texts normally.^{[3]
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- However, if the blocked person calls and leaves you a voicemail, you can check it.^{[4]
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  Research source} It can be found in the Blocked Messages section of the Phone app.
  - To find it: open the Phone app. Tap Voicemail → scroll down to the bottom → Blocked Messages.

Section 3 of 3:

Will someone know if I unblock them?

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Blocked users won't get a notification that they are unblocked. If the user contacts you persistently, they may notice that their messages are now labeled as Delivered, and calls may be able to ring without going straight to voicemail. Undelivered messages and instant voicemail are ways to check if someone blocked you. However, these aren’t consistent factors, so users won't necessarily know for sure that they are blocked or unblocked.^{[5]
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- If you want to unblock someone but want to avoid seeing their notifications, consider using Do Not Disturb.^{[6]
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