The fastest way to unblock a number on Samsung
To unblock a number on a Samsung phone, open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu icon, select Settings, then Blocked numbers. Find the number you want to unblock in the list, tap it, and select Unblock. The number will be removed from your blocked list when ready, and calls and texts from that contact will come through again.
The exact steps vary slightly depending on your Samsung model and Android version, but the Phone app is the standard place where Samsung stores blocked numbers. If you cannot find a Blocked numbers option in your Phone app settings, the number may have been blocked through your contacts app instead — check there as a second location.
Key Takeaways
- Open your Phone app, tap the menu icon, go to Settings, then Blocked numbers to see your full list of blocked contacts.
- Tap any number in the blocked list and select Unblock to restore calls and messages from that contact.
- If you do not see a Blocked numbers option in Phone settings, check your Contacts app — some Samsung phones store blocks there instead.
- Unblocking happens when ready; there is no confirmation period or delay before the contact can reach you again.
Where Samsung stores blocked numbers
Samsung phones keep blocked numbers in two possible locations depending on how you blocked them. Most blocks are stored in the Phone app under Settings > Blocked numbers. However, if you blocked a contact directly from your Contacts app by opening their entry and selecting Block, that block lives in the Contacts app instead.
To check both places, start with your Phone app since that is where most blocks end up. If you do not find the number there, open Contacts, search for the person's name, tap their entry, and look for an Unblock option in their contact card. Some older Samsung models may label this differently — look for "Block contact" or "Block number" as the option to toggle.
Unblocking through the Phone app (most common)
Open the Phone app on your Samsung home screen. At the bottom right, tap the three-dot menu icon (or sometimes labeled as More). Scroll down and tap Settings. Look for Blocked numbers or Block list — the exact wording depends on your Android version.
Once you are in the blocked numbers list, you will see every number you have blocked. Tap the number you want to unblock. A menu will appear with options; select Unblock or Remove from block list. The number is now unblocked and can call or text you again.
Unblocking through Contacts if the Phone app does not show it
If the number you want to unblock does not appear in your Phone app's blocked list, it was likely blocked through your Contacts app. Open Contacts, search for the person's name, and tap their entry to open their contact card.
Look at the top or bottom of the contact card for an option that says Unblock contact, Unblock number, or sometimes just Block contact (which you would tap to toggle the block off). Tap that option, and the block is removed. The contact can now reach you by phone or text.
What happens after you unblock a number
Once you unblock a number, that contact can call you, send you text messages, and reach you through any app that uses your phone number — all when ready. There is no waiting period or confirmation step. If the person tries to call you while you are unblocking them, the call may still go to voicemail because the unblock happens in real time, but any calls after that will come through normally.
Unblocking does not send a notification to the other person. They will not know you have unblocked them unless you tell them. If you blocked them because you wanted them to stop contacting you, unblocking reverses that protection, so only unblock numbers you actually want to hear from.
If you cannot find the blocked numbers list
Some Samsung phones running older versions of Android or customized by your carrier may not have a visible Blocked numbers option in the Phone app. If you cannot find it after checking Phone > Settings, try these alternatives:
First, check your Contacts app directly — open it, find the contact, and look for a Block option in their card. Second, open your Phone app and look for a Call history or Recent calls tab; some Samsung versions let you block numbers from there by long-pressing a number and selecting Block. Third, if you use Samsung's own messaging app (Samsung Messages), open it, find the conversation with the blocked number, tap the menu icon, and look for an Unblock option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the person know I unblocked them?
No. Unblocking a number does not send any notification to the other person. They will only know if you tell them or if they try to call and you answer. If they were blocked and tried to reach you before, they will not receive a message saying you have unblocked them.
Can I block and unblock a number from a text message conversation?
Yes, if you are using Samsung Messages or the default messaging app. Open the conversation with the person, tap the menu icon (three dots), and look for Block or Unblock options. This works the same way as blocking through the Phone app — the number is added to or removed from your blocked list.
What if I blocked a number but cannot remember which one?
Go to Phone > Settings > Blocked numbers and you will see the complete list of every number you have blocked. If the number is saved in your contacts, the contact name will appear next to it. If it is not saved, only the phone number will show.
Does unblocking restore old messages from that contact?
No. When you block a number, any text messages from that contact are hidden or deleted depending on your settings. Unblocking the number does not recover those old messages. You will only see new messages sent after you unblock them.
Can I unblock a number if I have already deleted the contact?
Yes. You do not need the contact to exist in your phone to unblock a number. Go to Phone > Settings > Blocked numbers, find the number in the list, and unblock it. The number will be unblocked whether or not you have saved it as a contact.