Guides

If I Unblock Someone on iMessage, What Happens?

Published

4 months ago

June 21, 2025

a green square with a white speech bubble

In today’s global world, it is necessary to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues. Apple IMessage service is a convenient way to connect with Apple users on all Apple devices like Macbooks, iPhone or iPad. Through this app the users can send text images, documents, videos and many more with Wi-Fi or cellular network.

IMessage also has end to end encryption with only the sender and receiver can see the messages. If you block someone on iMessage then you will not be able to receive text messages, calls and FaceTime requests from a person you blocked.

But there are many questions that come with the topic of what happens when you unblock someone. This article will explore in detail about what happens when you unblock a person on iMessage.

text, icon

Blocking Someone on iMessage Do

Firstly, it’s important to understand what happens when you block someone on an IMessage before going to the topic of unblocking. Blocking is like putting a barrier between you and the person you blocked. Some of the key things that occur when you block someone are

The blocked person cannot send you any text on iMessage or even regular text messages which is SMS.
The person will not be able to make phone calls or FaceTime calls.
You also would not get any notifications from them which means you are cutting communication from them in every possible way.
If they send you a message it will show to them that the message is delivered but you will not actually receive the message.

**Blocking vs. Unblocking on iMessage: Effects Overview**
Aspect	When Blocked	When Unblocked
Message Delivery	Sent messages appear “Delivered” to sender but never reach you	New messages go through normally; messages sent during block are not delivered
SMS/Text (Non-iMessage)	SMS from blocked contact not received	SMS delivered normally after unblocking; missed texts during block are lost
Phone Calls	Calls ring on sender side but you do not receive them	Calls ring normally; calls attempted during block do not appear
FaceTime Calls	FaceTime attempts do not reach you	FaceTime works normally after unblocking; missed attempts during block are lost
Notifications	No notifications from blocked contact in Messages, Phone, or FaceTime	Notifications resume normally for new interactions
Chat History	Existing conversation thread remains intact; no deletion occurs	Conversation thread remains; new messages append in same thread
Sender’s Awareness	No explicit notification; sender may infer block if repeatedly unreachable	No notification of unblocking; sender will notice when messages/calls succeed
Cross-Platform Impact	Blocking applies only to iMessage/Phone/FaceTime on your device	Unblocking applies only on this device/platform; other platforms remain unaffected

**Pre-Unblock Checklist & Post-Unblock Expectations**
Action/Setting	Before Unblocking	After Unblocking	Notes
Review Blocked List	Open Settings → Messages/Phone → Blocked Contacts	Confirm the contact is removed from blocked list	Ensure correct number/contact entry; no accidental blocks remain
Notify Contact (Optional)	Decide if you need to inform them via alternate channel	They can message/call without hindrance	Missed messages/calls during block must be resent manually if important
Check Conversation Thread	Existing chat remains frozen (no new incoming messages appear)	New incoming messages appear in same thread	Archived or hidden messages (if any) unaffected
Verify Do Not Disturb / Focus	Ensure no interfering focus mode accidentally blocks notifications	Notifications resume normally for this contact	Blocking/unblocking is separate; DND settings should be checked independently
Cross-App Blocks	Check if blocked on other platforms (social, email) if desired	iMessage unblocking does not auto-unblock elsewhere	Unblock separately on each platform if full communication restoration needed

**Reasons to Unblock Someone on iMessage & Outcomes**
Reason to Unblock	Expected Outcome	Considerations
Resolve Conflict	Communication via iMessage/SMS/Calls resumes	Missed messages during block are lost; clarify if needed via alternate channel
Accidental Block	Immediate restoration of messaging/calls	Confirm correct number; no further action needed other than removal from block list
Work/Essential Info Needed	Contact can send urgent details again via iMessage/SMS/FaceTime	Advise sender to resend anything sent during block period
Change of Mind	Full two-way communication restored	No trace of block/unblock notifications; sender only knows by successful contact
Testing or Temporary Block	You can re-establish contact when ready	Blocking/unblocking multiple times allowed; thread remains intact

**FAQ: Unblocking on iMessage**
Question	Answer Summary
Will they know I blocked/unblocked them?	No direct notification. They realize only when messages/calls begin to go through again.
Do I receive messages sent during block after unblocking?	No. Messages or calls attempted while blocked are not queued—sender must resend.
Does chat history get deleted?	No. Existing conversation thread remains intact; new messages append after unblocking.
Do I need to unblock on other apps?	Yes. iMessage unblocking only affects Apple’s Messages/Phone/FaceTime; unblock separately on other platforms.
How to unblock someone?	Settings → Messages (or Phone) → Blocked Contacts → swipe/delete or “Edit” → remove the contact
Any limit on block/unblock frequency?	No limit. You can block and unblock repeatedly; settings change instantly.
Will unblocking restore missed FaceTime calls?	No. Missed FaceTime attempts during block do not reappear; caller must call again.

**Step-by-Step Guide to Unblock on iPhone/iPad/Mac**
Platform	Steps to Unblock
iPhone / iPad	Open Settings → Messages → Blocked Contacts. Tap Edit or swipe left on the contact/number to reveal Unblock. Tap Unblock. No further steps needed; contact can now message/call.
Mac (Messages App)	Open Messages, go to Preferences → iMessage tab → Blocked list. Select the contact/number, click “–” (minus) to remove from block list. Close Preferences; contact can now send messages/calls.
FaceTime (Mac/iPhone)	Open Settings (iPhone) or FaceTime app Preferences (Mac) → Blocked Contacts. Remove the entry from the list to unblock. FaceTime calls resume normally from that contact.

https://youtu.be/kupO7N_MzTY?si=kT9J9joIo07ECmjQ

What Happens When You Block Someone On iPhone (https://youtu.be/kupO7N_MzTY?si=kT9J9joIo07ECmjQ)

Unblocking Someone On iMessage

After blocking a person, you decide to unblock them then it’s important to consider some changes that will happen. It is extremely easy to unblock someone but you should keep in mind some changes that will come.

Can Message you Again

It means that they can message you again just like before. The iMessage and the regular text messages (SMS) will come to you like usual. However there is nothing you have to do after unblocking them. You can read their messages and reply to them like normally.

The conversation will get to normal and there will be no effect of blocking on iMessage. If you have unblock someone then the messages they send while they were blocked by you will not be received by your phone.

About Receiving of Old Messages

The messages a person sends when they are blocked by you, they will not be delivered or received by your phone when you unblock them. For example, if they tried to send you a message while they are blocked, you won’t be able to receive those messages when you unblock them. These messages are gone and if they sent something important while being blocked then they have to send it again.

Can Call and FaceTime You Again

Unlocking someone means they can call you or FaceTime you again like normally. The simple call on your number will ring your phone and the FaceTime call will be like normal on your device. The calls that they have made while they were blocked by you will not show on your device like messages and they have to call you again, if they want to convey important information.

They Will Not be Notified About Blocking and Unblocking

If you block someone on iMessage and you are worried that they might get the notification or alert that you block them then don’t be. There are no notifications or alerts on IMessages that show a person that you block or unblock them. However from their perspective it might have seemed like you are not just responding to them.

The same thing happens when you unblock them. There are no messages or notifications that tell them that you have unblocked them. If they try to send you a message or call and it gets to you then they will get to know you unblocked them.

About Chat History

The chat history is not deleted when you block or unblock someone. The conversation you had with them before blocking will stay the same in the conversation thread. If you unblock them then the new messages will appear in the same chat. It means everything stays in the same place and it is not affected by blocking or unblocking someone.

Affect on Other Platforms

If you block a person on all the other platforms like Facebook or email, and you unblock them on iMessage means that they are only unblock by you on iMessage and won’t be unblock on any other social media platform. You have to unblock them on the specific apps in order to unblock them there as well. IMessage unblocking will only allow the person to call, FaceTime and text you.

Can Block and Unblock Anytime

It’s totally up to the person on when to unblock or block someone. There is no limit of how many times you can block. It is just simple to change the setting if you change your mind about blocking or unblocking.

https://youtu.be/Xk0AWlAjbKM?si=r4YZbYqHn71dKuUm

What happens when you block someone on iMessage then unblock them? (https://youtu.be/Xk0AWlAjbKM?si=r4YZbYqHn71dKuUm)

Why Should You Unblock Someone On iMessage?

There are several reasons to this question

To resolve conflicts

It usually happens that people block someone when they are angry or their emotions are high. Once the things cool down and you want to resolve conflict then unblocking someone will play a huge role. It helps people to easily communicate and resolve their issues on iMessage. iMessage has the facility of text messages, phone calls and FaceTimes.

Accidentally Blocked

It can happen that you might block someone while changing the setting or accidentally clicking the block option. It is also helpful that the people are not notified about blocking or unblocking. The unblock option allows people to change the settings easily if they block someone by mistake.

Change your Mind

It might happen that you decided to unblock someone because you changed your mind on continuing the conversation with them. Sometimes you unblock someone because you need them for work related information. This option easily allows you to make a decision whenever you change your mind.

It’s important for you to remember that if you block someone then the conversations and calls of the particular time when they were blocked will be lost forever. This availability of blocking and unblocking someone so easily on iMessage makes it flexible for users to simply manage their contacts and conversational settings.

space gray iPhone X

Conclusion

IMessage yas end to end encryption with only the sender and receiver can see the messages. If you block someone on iMessage then you will not be able to receive text messages, calls and FaceTime requests from a person you blocked. But there are many questions that come with the topic of what happens when you unblock someone that are unfolding in the article.

Unblocking someone means that they can message you again just like before. The iMessage and the regular text messages (SMS) will come to you like usual. However there is nothing you have to do after unblocking them. It’s totally up to the person on when to unblock or block someone.

There is no limit of how many times you can block. It is just simple to change the setting if you change your mind about blocking or unblocking.