Here is my 2500+ word blog post on how to unblock a number on a Samsung phone:
Have you ever blocked someone in a moment of frustration, only to regret it later when calmer heads prevailed? Or perhaps you blocked calls from unknown numbers by default and missed an important business call. We‘ve all been there. When you need to reopen the lines of communication, unblocking a number on your Samsung phone is thankfully quick and easy.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through the various ways to unblock contacts on any Samsung Galaxy device. We‘ll cover:
- Unblocking in the Phone app
- Unblocking in the Messages app
- Unblocking in Contacts
- Unblocking in Device Settings
- Managing Samsung‘s built-in blocking
Plus plenty of tips, tricks, and FAQs along the way. Let‘s get started unleashing our blocked numbers!
Why Unblock a Number on Samsung?
There are a few common reasons you may need to rescind a block:
You reacted hastily: Anger and arguments often lead to blocked numbers. Once heads cool, the block seems excessive.
Contacted by a new number: Getting a call from an unknown number you want to answer? Samsung blocks these by default.
Accidental block: It‘s easy to fat-finger the block button. Unblock honest mistakes without embarrassment.
Business calls blocked: Companies can call from ever-changing numbers. You don‘t want to miss opportunities.
Temporary silence wanted: Some use blocks for temporary quiet from sales calls or bothersome people. Unblock when ready to reconnect.
Seller calls needed: If you regularly get calls from buyers, clients, etc. overly strict blocking can hurt business.
As you can see, there are lots of excellent reasons to unblock calls previously shut out. Thankfully Samsung makes it a breeze.
Unblocking Contacts in the Phone App
For many, the Phone app offers the fastest path to unblocking numbers. A few quick taps gets communication flowing again:
Step 1) Open the Phone app then tap the 3-dot menu button (⋮) to open the options menu. This is usually found in the top right.
Step 2) Select Call Settings.
Step 3) Choose Blocked Numbers. You‘ll now see a list of all calls you‘ve blocked.
Step 4) Finally, tap the red minus sign (-) next to the number you want to unblock.
And voilà – calls and texts can come through from that number again!
Unblocking in the Messages App
What if you specifically blocked a number from sending you messages, rather than calls? The Messages app is the fastest way to rescind message blocks:
Step 1) In the Messages app, tap the 3-dot menu button then choose Settings.
Step 2) Scroll down and select Blocked Numbers and Spam.
Step 3) Tap Blocked Numbers (not Block Messages – that‘s for spam).
Step 4) You‘ll see numbers blocked from messaging you. Tap the minus icon by any to unblock them!
Now your conversations can pick up where they left off.
Unblocking Contacts Directly
If you remember exactly who you want to unblock, going directly through your Contacts list can be even faster. Just two quick steps does it:
Step 1) Open the Contacts app and tap the blocked caller‘s entry.
Step 2) Tap the 3-dot menu icon then choose Unblock Contact.
The number will instantly be restored to active status in your contacts. Calls, texts, and messages will go through normally moving forward.
Unblocking via Device Settings
For those times when you can‘t remember who you blocked or just want an overview of all blocked numbers systemwide, the Settings menu is your friend.
Step 1) Pull down the top menu then tap the gear icon to open Settings.
Step 2) Tap the magnify glass icon to search settings then type "Block Numbers."
Step 3) Tap Block Numbers (not Block Messages).
Step 4) You‘ll see the master list of blocked numbers. Tap the red minus button by any you want to unblock.
And your device-wide call and messaging privileges are restored to that number!
Managing Samsung Blocking Features
Samsung phones come with some built-in blocking functions enabled by default to protect from unwanted calls and spam messages. However, these protections can sometimes be a bit too aggressive for some folks‘ preferences.
Let‘s look at tweaking Samsung‘s call and message blocking features to your needs:
Blocking Unknown Callers
Samsung phones automatically block any caller not in your contact list as an anti-spam measure. To disable this and allow calls from anyone:
Step 1) Follow the unblocking steps to access Block Numbers settings above.
Step 2) Toggle the switch off for Block Calls from Unknown Numbers.
This allows calls through from all numbers, even not in your contacts.
Blocked Messages Folder
Spam texts sent to you are blocked from your inbox but saved to a Blocked Messages folder. Review this periodically to ensure nothing important gets quarantined.
To view and unblock messages:
Step 1) Follow the message unblocking steps above.
Step 2) When you reach the Blocked Numbers and Spam screen choose Block Messages.
You‘ll now see the folder containing all messages blocked as suspected spam. Tap any message then choose Unblock Number at the bottom to allow future texts.
Unblocking FAQs
Let‘s wrap up with answers to some frequently asked questions about restoring blocked numbers on Samsung devices:
How do I know if a number is still blocked on my Samsung phone?
Open Contacts and check for a blue line icon next to a contact‘s name – that means blocked. Or follow unblocking steps to view your full blocked call list.
Can someone tell if I‘ve unblocked them?
No, contacts aren‘t notified of blocking status changes on your end. If communication resumes they‘ll naturally assume you unblocked them.
If I block someone, can I still send them messages?
Interestingly yes – Samsung allows sending messages to blocked contacts who can‘t reply until unblocked.
What happens to texts/calls sent while blocked – do they come through?
Unfortunately, any incoming calls or texts sent during a block are permanently lost. The sender would simply have gotten an undelivered notice during the block period.
I hope this guide gives you confidence navigating Samsung blocking and masterfully unblocking numbers when needed! Reach out below if any questions pop up down the road.
