- When you block someone's number on your iPhone, that number can't call, text, or FaceTime you.
- The blocked number can still leave you voicemails, but they'll be sorted away from your regular voice mailbox.
- Blocking someone's number on your iPhone doesn't prevent that person from contacting you through third-party apps like WhatsApp.
- Visit Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.
When you block someone's number, your iPhone doesn't care who it is — their phone number will be completely shut out of your life.
At least, their text messages, phone calls, and FaceTime calls will be. Blocking a number on your iPhone can't prevent that person from reaching out via third-party apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram, unfortunately.
But what does it look like on the blocked person's end? Can they tell that they've been blocked?
Here's everything that happens after you block someone on your iPhone.
What happens when you block a number on your iPhone
Blocked text messages disappear
When someone that you've blocked texts you, their texts go nowhere. They won't receive any notification that they're blocked, and their messages will still look like they've been sent. But you won't receive any of them, and you can't respond.
Blocked FaceTime calls ring forever
When someone you've blocked tries to FaceTime you, their phone will simply ring and ring without an answer. Nothing happens on your end, and you won't know that they're calling.
It'll go on like this until the blocked caller gives up and stops trying to call.
Blocked phone calls go straight to voicemail
When someone you've blocked calls you, they'll be sent right to your voicemail, as if your phone was turned off. This is their only clue that you blocked them.
The blocked caller can still leave a voicemail, but it won't show up with your regular messages. Instead, you need to scroll down to the bottom of the voicemail window and tap the Blocked Messages option.
