How to Deactivate Call Blocking: A Comprehensive Guide for Every Device

Call blocking is a useful feature that helps filter out unwanted calls, such as those from telemarketers, spammers, or specific individuals you’d rather not hear from. However, there might be times when you accidentally block a number you need to receive calls from, or you simply want to disable call blocking altogether. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods for deactivating call blocking on different devices and platforms, ensuring you never miss an important call again.

Understanding Call Blocking Methods

Before diving into the specific steps, it’s crucial to understand the different ways call blocking can be implemented. This will help you identify the method you used and, consequently, the correct way to deactivate it.

* **Carrier-Level Blocking:** Many mobile carriers offer call blocking services that operate at the network level. These services often allow you to block specific numbers or entire categories of callers (e.g., robocalls). Deactivating this type of blocking usually involves contacting your carrier or using their app/website.
* **Device-Level Blocking:** Smartphones have built-in features that allow you to block numbers directly on the device. This blocking is managed by the phone’s operating system (iOS or Android) and is specific to that device.
* **Call Blocking Apps:** Numerous third-party apps are available for download that provide advanced call blocking and filtering capabilities. Deactivating call blocking through these apps involves configuring the app settings or uninstalling the app entirely.
* **VoIP Service Blocking:** If you use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service for your phone calls, you’ll likely have access to call blocking features through their platform. Deactivation will require logging into your VoIP account and adjusting the settings.
* **Landline Blocking:** Landline phones often have features to block the last number that called, or even set up a blocking list through the phone service provider.

Deactivating Call Blocking on iPhones (iOS)

If you’ve blocked a number directly on your iPhone, follow these steps to unblock it:

1. **Open the Phone App:** Locate and tap the green Phone app icon on your home screen.
2. **Navigate to the Recent Calls or Contacts:** If you remember the number you blocked, you can find it in the ‘Recents’ tab. Alternatively, if the number is associated with a contact, go to the ‘Contacts’ tab.
3. **Access Blocked Contacts:**
* **Method 1 (iOS 13 and later):** Go to **Settings** > **Phone** > **Blocked Contacts**. This will display a list of all the numbers you’ve blocked.
* **Method 2 (Older iOS versions):** The location might vary slightly depending on the iOS version. Look for a ‘Blocked’ or ‘Block List’ option within the Phone settings.
4. **Unblock the Number:** Find the number you want to unblock in the list. Swipe left on the number and tap the ‘Unblock’ button (red color). Alternatively, tap ‘Edit’ in the top right corner, then tap the red minus icon next to the number, and finally tap ‘Unblock’.
5. **Verify the Unblocking:** After unblocking, the number should disappear from the Blocked Contacts list. You can now receive calls and messages from that number.

**Deactivating Silence Unknown Callers (iOS 13 and later):**

iOS 13 introduced a feature called ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ that sends calls from numbers not in your contacts list directly to voicemail. While not technically call blocking, it can have a similar effect. To deactivate this feature:

1. **Open Settings:** Tap the gray Settings app icon on your home screen.
2. **Go to Phone:** Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone’.
3. **Toggle Off ‘Silence Unknown Callers’:** Look for the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ option and toggle the switch to the ‘Off’ position (so it’s gray instead of green).

**Troubleshooting on iPhone:**

* **Number Not in Blocked List:** If you can’t find the number in the Blocked Contacts list, it might be blocked through a different method (e.g., your carrier or a third-party app).
* **Still Not Receiving Calls:** Even after unblocking, you might still not receive calls if the number is also blocked on your carrier’s network. Contact your carrier to verify.

Deactivating Call Blocking on Android Devices

The process for deactivating call blocking on Android devices can vary slightly depending on the phone manufacturer and Android version. However, the general steps are usually similar.

**Method 1: Through the Phone App**

1. **Open the Phone App:** Locate and tap the Phone app icon on your home screen (usually a phone receiver icon).
2. **Access Call History or Contacts:** Depending on whether the blocked number is in your recent calls or a contact, navigate to the ‘Recents’ or ‘Contacts’ tab.
3. **Access Blocked Numbers:**
* **Option 1 (Three-Dot Menu):** Tap the three vertical dots (or three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner of the Phone app. This opens a menu. Look for options like ‘Settings’, ‘Call Settings’, or ‘Blocked Numbers’. Tap on the relevant option.
* **Option 2 (Within Settings):** Go to your phone’s main **Settings** app. Then, navigate to **Apps** (or **Applications**), find the **Phone** app, and tap on it. Within the Phone app settings, look for options like ‘Call Blocking’, ‘Blocked Numbers’, or ‘Call Settings’.
4. **Unblock the Number:** You should see a list of blocked numbers. Tap the ‘X’ or minus icon next to the number you want to unblock. Some phones might require you to select the number and then tap an ‘Unblock’ button.
5. **Confirm Unblocking:** A confirmation prompt might appear. Confirm that you want to unblock the number.

**Method 2: Through the Contacts App (If Applicable)**

1. **Open the Contacts App:** Locate and tap the Contacts app icon (usually a person or group of people icon).
2. **Find the Contact:** Find the contact that corresponds to the blocked number.
3. **Access Contact Options:** Tap on the contact to open its details.
4. **Unblock the Contact:** Look for a ‘Block contact’ or similar option (it might be represented by three dots or lines, or a menu icon). If the contact is blocked, this option will likely say ‘Unblock contact’ or ‘Remove from block list’. Tap on this option to unblock the contact.

**Troubleshooting on Android:**

* **Settings Menu Differences:** The exact location of call blocking settings can vary significantly between Android versions and phone manufacturers. If you can’t find the settings using the steps above, try searching for ‘blocked numbers’ in your phone’s settings search bar.
* **Clear Phone App Cache:** Sometimes, issues with the Phone app can prevent you from unblocking numbers. Try clearing the Phone app’s cache: Go to **Settings** > **Apps** > **Phone** > **Storage** > **Clear Cache**. (Note: This path may vary slightly depending on your Android version).
* **Restart Your Phone:** A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches that might be interfering with call blocking.

Deactivating Call Blocking via Your Mobile Carrier

Many mobile carriers offer call blocking services directly through their network. These services can be managed through your online account or by contacting customer support.

**Steps to Deactivate Carrier-Level Blocking:**

1. **Identify Your Carrier’s Blocking Service:** Many carriers have specific names for their call blocking services (e.g., AT&T Call Protect, Verizon Call Filter, T-Mobile Scam Shield). Knowing the name will help you find the relevant information.
2. **Access Your Online Account:** Go to your carrier’s website and log in to your account using your username and password.
3. **Navigate to Call Blocking Settings:** Look for sections like ‘Call Features’, ‘Blocking’, ‘Spam Protection’, or similar. The exact location will depend on your carrier’s website design.
4. **Disable Call Blocking or Unblock Specific Numbers:** You should see options to disable the call blocking service entirely or to manage a list of blocked numbers. Unblock the specific number you want to receive calls from.
5. **Save Changes:** Make sure to save any changes you make to the settings.
6. **Check Carrier App:** Many carriers also have mobile apps where you can manage call blocking settings. Download your carrier’s app and look for blocking options there.

**Alternative Method: Contact Customer Support:**

If you’re having trouble deactivating call blocking through your online account, you can contact your carrier’s customer support. They can assist you in disabling the service or unblocking specific numbers.

* **Call Customer Support:** Call your carrier’s customer service number. You can usually find this number on their website or on your bill.
* **Explain Your Issue:** Explain that you want to deactivate call blocking or unblock a specific number.
* **Follow Their Instructions:** The customer support representative will guide you through the necessary steps.

**Things to Keep in Mind:**

* **Service Availability:** Carrier-level call blocking services might not be available in all areas or for all plans.
* **Charges:** Some carriers may charge a fee for call blocking services. Be aware of any potential charges before enabling or disabling the service.

Deactivating Call Blocking on VoIP Services

If you use a VoIP service like Google Voice, Skype, or Vonage, the process for deactivating call blocking will vary depending on the specific service you use.

**General Steps for Deactivating VoIP Call Blocking:**

1. **Log in to Your VoIP Account:** Go to the website or open the app for your VoIP service and log in using your username and password.
2. **Navigate to Settings:** Look for a ‘Settings’ or ‘Preferences’ option. This is usually located in the menu or profile section of the website or app.
3. **Find Call Blocking Settings:** Within the settings, look for options related to ‘Call Management’, ‘Call Blocking’, ‘Spam Filtering’, or similar.
4. **Disable Call Blocking or Unblock Specific Numbers:** You should see options to disable call blocking altogether or to manage a list of blocked numbers. Unblock the specific number you want to receive calls from.
5. **Save Changes:** Make sure to save any changes you make to the settings.

**Specific Examples:**

* **Google Voice:**
1. Go to the Google Voice website (voice.google.com) or open the Google Voice app.
2. Click on the menu (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
3. Select ‘Settings’.
4. Go to the ‘Blocked numbers’ section.
5. To unblock a number, click the ‘X’ next to the number.
* **Skype:**
1. Open the Skype app.
2. Click on your profile picture.
3. Select ‘Settings’.
4. Go to ‘Calling’ > ‘Blocked contacts’.
5. To unblock a contact, click the ‘Unblock’ button next to their name.
* **Vonage:**
1. Log in to your Vonage account on the Vonage website.
2. Go to the ‘Features’ tab.
3. Look for ‘Call Blocking’ or ‘Privacy Features’.
4. Manage your blocked numbers and settings from there.

**Troubleshooting with VoIP Services:**

* **Refer to Help Documentation:** Each VoIP service has its own specific interface and settings. Refer to the service’s help documentation or support resources for detailed instructions.
* **Contact Support:** If you’re having trouble, contact the VoIP service’s customer support for assistance.

Deactivating Call Blocking on Landline Phones

Call blocking on landline phones can be managed through features provided by your telephone service provider or through devices connected to your landline. The specific methods depend on the type of blocking you’ve enabled.

**Caller ID Blocking (*67):**

* The most common form of temporary blocking on landlines is preventing your Caller ID from being displayed on outgoing calls. This is usually done by dialing *67 before the number you wish to call.
* This type of blocking does *not* prevent you from receiving calls. Therefore, there’s nothing to “deactivate” in the sense of unblocking a number from calling *you*.
* To ensure your Caller ID is displayed on outgoing calls, simply stop dialing *67 before making calls.

**Call Blocking Services (Provided by Phone Company):**

* Many landline providers offer call blocking services for a fee. These services often allow you to block specific numbers or types of calls.
* **Contact Your Provider:** The best way to deactivate this type of blocking is to contact your phone company’s customer service. They can remove the blocking service from your account or help you manage your blocked numbers list.
* **Online Account (If Available):** Some providers may offer online account management where you can view and modify your call blocking settings.

**Call Blocking Devices:**

* You can purchase devices that connect to your landline and block unwanted calls. These devices often have features to block specific numbers, area codes, or even calls with no Caller ID.
* **Consult the Device’s Manual:** To deactivate call blocking on a device, consult the user manual that came with the device. The manual will provide instructions on how to manage the blocked numbers list or disable the blocking feature altogether.

**Returning a Call After Using *67:**

If you called someone while blocking your number with *67 and they are now blocking *your* number because they didn’t recognize it, you need to inform them that you were the one who called. The best approach is often to send a text message (if possible) or call them *without* using *67 so your number is displayed. Explain the situation and ask them to unblock your number.

Deactivating Call Blocking Apps

If you’re using a third-party call blocking app on your smartphone, deactivating call blocking usually involves adjusting the app’s settings or uninstalling the app entirely.

**Method 1: Adjusting App Settings:**

1. **Open the Call Blocking App:** Locate and tap the app icon on your home screen.
2. **Navigate to Settings:** Look for a ‘Settings’ or ‘Preferences’ option within the app. This is usually located in the menu or profile section.
3. **Disable Call Blocking:** Look for options to disable the app’s call blocking features. This might be a toggle switch, a checkbox, or a setting that allows you to turn off the blocking function.
4. **Manage Blocked Numbers:** If you want to unblock specific numbers without disabling the entire app, look for a list of blocked numbers within the app’s settings. Remove the numbers you want to unblock from the list.
5. **Save Changes:** Make sure to save any changes you make to the settings.

**Method 2: Uninstalling the App:**

If you no longer want to use the call blocking app at all, you can uninstall it from your phone.

* **On iPhone:**
1. Find the app icon on your home screen.
2. Press and hold the app icon until it starts to wiggle.
3. Tap the ‘X’ icon that appears in the corner of the app icon.
4. Confirm that you want to delete the app.
* **On Android:**
1. Go to **Settings** > **Apps** (or **Applications**) > **[Name of the App]**.
2. Tap ‘Uninstall’.
3. Confirm that you want to uninstall the app.

**Important Considerations:**

* **App Permissions:** When you uninstall a call blocking app, it no longer has access to your phone’s call logs or contacts.
* **Reverting to Default Settings:** After uninstalling the app, your phone’s call management will revert to its default settings.

Preventing Accidental Call Blocking

To avoid accidentally blocking important numbers in the future, consider these tips:

* **Double-Check Before Blocking:** Before blocking a number, double-check that it’s the correct number and that you actually want to block it.
* **Use a Contacts App with Notes:** Use a contacts app that allows you to add notes to contacts. This can help you remember why you might have blocked a number in the past.
* **Periodically Review Blocked Lists:** Regularly review your blocked numbers list on your phone, carrier account, or call blocking apps to ensure you haven’t accidentally blocked any important contacts.
* **Be Cautious with ‘Silence Unknown Callers’:** While the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ feature can be helpful, be aware that it might send calls from legitimate businesses or service providers to voicemail. Consider disabling it if you’re expecting calls from unknown numbers.
* **Educate Family Members:** If other family members use your phone or manage call blocking settings, make sure they understand how to avoid accidentally blocking important numbers.

Final Thoughts

Deactivating call blocking is essential for ensuring you don’t miss important calls from friends, family, or businesses. By understanding the different call blocking methods and following the appropriate steps for your device and service, you can effectively manage your call filtering and stay connected. Remember to periodically review your blocked lists and be cautious when blocking numbers to avoid accidental blocking.