How to Unblock a Number on WhatsApp (Android and iPhone)

Open WhatsApp Settings › Privacy › Blocked contacts, tap the number and choose Unblock. You can also unblock from the chat or the contact info screen.

Unblock on Android

1. Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots, then Settings.
2. Go to Privacy › Blocked contacts.
3. Tap the number or name.
4. Choose Unblock.

Unblock on iPhone

1. Open WhatsApp and tap Settings.
2. Go to Privacy › Blocked.
3. Swipe left on the contact or tap it.
4. Tap Unblock.

Faster ways

• Open the old chat; a banner at the bottom offers to unblock.
• Open the contact info screen and scroll to Unblock.
• Try sending a message to a blocked contact; WhatsApp asks if you want to unblock first.

What changes after unblocking

The other person is not told that you unblocked them. They may notice that messages now show two ticks again.

Number not in your contacts

If you blocked an unknown number, it still appears in the blocked list by number. You can unblock it there without saving it as a contact.

Blocked list is empty but messages still fail

If you are not blocking anyone but messages to a person show one tick, they may have blocked you, changed number, or be offline. WhatsApp does not say which.

Blocking again

You can block the same number again at any time from the chat or contact info. Blocking also lets you report the chat if it was spam, which helps WhatsApp act on abusive numbers.

WhatsApp Business

The steps are the same in WhatsApp Business. Customers you unblock can message your business again, and any automatic greeting you set up will be sent to them as normal.

FAQ

How do I unblock someone on WhatsApp?

Settings › Privacy › Blocked contacts, then tap the number and Unblock.

Will they know I unblocked them?

WhatsApp does not notify them.

Do I get messages sent while they were blocked?

No, those are never delivered.

Related: WhatsApp two-step verification · hide your number on WhatsApp · WhatsApp international calls.