In iOS 9, blocking a contact from the Messages app was pretty simple. All you had to do was tap on the person’s name or number and choose the “Block this number” option. But in iOS 10, that option is gone.
The process now is slightly different. We’ll tell you how to block a number from calling and messaging you. You can block a number from the Phone app, Messages app, and the Settings app. But you only need to block a contact once, from any of those places.
1. Block From Messages App
Go to the conversation for the person you want to block and tap the “i” icon on the top-right.
Now tap the contact’s name or number you see on the top.
This will take you to the person’s detailed contacts screen.
Here in the bottom, you’ll see the “Block this caller” option. Tap it and confirm “Block Contact” to block it. Once you do this, the option will turn into “Unblock this contact” which will easily let you unblock them without going to the Settings app.
The problem I have with this new approach is that it’s not clear. If you tap the person’s name from the top of the conversation, you get a similar view, with all the details, but without the blocking option. It seems weird and I hope Apple fixes this in future updates.
Sidebar: Mute a Conversation
If you don’t want to block someone but don’t want to get notifications for their messages, you can mute them.
From the information screen, you get after tapping the “i” button, simply toggle “Do Not Disturb“.
2. From The Settings App
From the Settings app, you can both block and unblock contacts.
Open “Settings” app and go to “Messages“.
From here tap “Blocked“.
To add a new number to the block list, tap the “Add new..” button.
Now search for a contact and tap it.
If you want to unblock a contact, swipe left on its listing and tap “Unblock“.
3. From The Phone App
If you’re getting spam calls from someone, you can quickly block the caller from the Phone app.
To do that, go to the “Recents” tab in the Phone app and tap the “i” icon next to the phone number or the person’s name.
From the bottom here, tap the “Block this caller” button. Then select “Block Contact” to confirm.
How Do You Like iOS 10 So Far?
What do you think of iOS 10? What are your favorite features? Share with us in the comments below.
