How do I temporarily block someone on iPhone?

Blocking someone on your iPhone is an easy way to stop receiving calls, texts, or FaceTime requests from a specific person. You may want to block someone temporarily if you need a break from their communications for a period of time. Here’s what you need to know about temporarily blocking contacts on an iPhone.

Why Would You Want to Temporarily Block Someone?

Here are some common reasons you may want to temporarily block a contact:

• You had an argument or falling out and want some space from the person.
• You feel like someone is contacting you too frequently and want a break from their calls or texts.
• Someone is sending you unwanted messages or spam calls.
• You are taking a vacation or going on a work trip and don’t want to be disturbed.
• You broke up with someone and need no-contact time to move on.

Temporarily blocking a contact can give you a break from their communications for a set period of time. You can then unblock them later when you are ready to resume contact.

How to Temporarily Block a Contact

Here is how to temporarily block someone on an iPhone:

1. Open the Phone app and select the Contacts tab.
2. Tap the contact you want to block.
3. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
4. Tap Block Contact at the top of the screen.
5. Select a duration for how long you want the contact blocked. You can choose 1 hour, Today, 1 Week, or Until you Unblock.
6. Tap Block Contact to confirm.

The blocked contact will no longer be able to call, text, or FaceTime you until the block duration has ended or you manually unblock them.

What Happens When You Block Someone Temporarily?

Here is what happens when you temporarily block a contact on iPhone:

• They will not be able to call or FaceTime you. Blocked calls go directly to voicemail.
• Text messages from the contact will not come through. They will see messages as not delivered.
• The contact will still be in your contacts list, but their info cannot be viewed.
• If they try to contact you, their messages will be logged as notifications that can be viewed once the block ends.
• The block only applies to direct communication. The contact can still mention or interact with you on social media or group chats.
• You will not receive notifications for blocked calls, texts, or FaceTimes.

In summary, a temporary block prevents all one-on-one communication from the contact to your device until you remove the block or the time period expires.

Unblocking a Contact

Once you are ready to unblock the contact and restore communication, here are the steps:

1. Go to Settings > Messages.
2. Tap Blocked Contacts.
3. Tap the red minus icon next to the contact’s name.
4. Tap Unblock to confirm.

This will remove the block and open up communication with the contact again across Phone, Messages, and FaceTime.

Things to Remember About Temporary Blocking

Here are some key things to keep in mind when temporarily blocking a contact:

• Set a specific duration for the block to avoid it continuing longer than intended.
• The contact will not be notified they are blocked, though they will notice communication does not go through.
• Blocking only prevents direct communication to your device, not mentions on social media or group chats.
• Check notifications after unblocking to see any attempted contact during the block.
• You can re-block the contact again later if needed.
• Make sure to unblock when ready to open communication again.

Permanently Blocking a Contact

If you need to block a contact long-term and do not intend to unblock them in the future, you can block them permanently:

1. Go to Settings > Messages.
2. Tap Blocked Contacts.
3. Tap Add New.
4. Select the contact you want to block.
5. Tap Block Contact at the top of the screen.

This will permanently block all communication from this person with no expiration date. You can manually unblock them later if you change your mind.

Blocking on Social Media or Email

In addition to blocking someone on your iPhone, you may also want to block them on social media or email. Here is how to block contacts on popular platforms:

Block on Facebook

1. Go to the profile page of the person you want to block.
2. Click on the three dots icon next to Message.
3. Select Block User.
4. Confirm that you want to block the user.

Block on Instagram

1. Go to the profile page of the person you want to block.
2. Tap on the three dots icon in the top right.
3. Select Block.
4. Tap Block again to confirm.

Block on Twitter

1. Go to the profile page of the person you want to block.
2. Click the gear icon for Settings.
3. Select Block.
4. Tap Block to confirm.

Block Email Address

1. In Gmail, open an email from the sender you wish to block.
2. Click the three dot menu next to Reply.
3. Choose Block .
4. Confirm that you want to block this email address.

Blocking someone across multiple platforms ensures their ability to contact you is limited until you are ready to resume communication.

Conclusion

Temporarily blocking contacts on your iPhone is useful when you need to take a break from someone’s communications for your own well-being. Just be sure to set a specific block duration and remember to unblock them when you are ready. With the steps above, you can easily control when and how someone is able to reach out on your iPhone.