How to Call Someone Who Blocked You: Legal and Ethical Ways

Anyone who’s been blocked knows the frustration and anxiety it causes. You might have a misunderstanding, an urgent matter to discuss, or an important conversation that needs to happen. In all those cases, being blocked can create serious communication barriers.

This guide explores various approaches to reaching someone who has blocked your phone number, the ethics of doing so, and when it might be better to respect boundaries instead. Before attempting to bypass a block, it's important to consider why the person chose to limit contact and whether re-establishing communication is truly in everyone's best interest.

It’s good to consider some reasons you might have a blocked number:

• Harassment or unwanted contact: repeated calls from a nuisance caller

• Ending a relationship: creating distance after a breakup

• Spam and telemarketing: protection from automated, sales, or spam calls

• Privacy concerns: limiting who has access

• Temporary cooling-off period: taking space during disagreements

• Safety issues: preventing potential threats from making contact

Remember, not every “block” is permanent. Sometimes it’s perfectly reasonable to call someone who blocked you.

• Genuine emergencies

• Critical information: for example, that impacts the recipient's safety or well-being

• Legal or financial matters: ones that require direct communication with the recipient’s phone

• To apologize sincerely after reflecting on your behavior (but don’t try this repeatedly)

While you might have legitimate reasons for reaching out to someone who’s blocked you, it’s best to take a few steps first. That’s because attempting to reach out can actually make the situation worse if you don’t go about it the right way.

• First, reflect why you might have been blocked. Try to understand the perspective of whoever blocked you.

• Next, consider alternative communications methods. You might not be blocked on social media, for example.

• It’s a good idea to draft what you want to say, so that if you do connect you can be clear and concise. 

• Remember, always ask yourself and your friends if contact is genuinely necessary. It might be best to respect the person’s space.

• Oh, and double check you’re actually blocked. Sometimes cellular service providers send automated messages to incoming calls for disconnected numbers, which can be confused with being blocked.

To confirm you’re blocked, consider whether the following apply to you:

• Calls go straight to voicemail after one ring or no rings at all

• Text messages show as "Delivered" but never "Read"

• Your calls always go to voicemail when other people can reach the person in question

• You hear unusual tones or automated messages that weren't present before

• When calling as an unknown caller or from another number, the person answers

• You get the same response across multiple attempts at different times

• Your messages on various platforms suddenly go unanswered

Different phone carriers and devices handle blocked calls differently, so these signs may vary. For example, some blocking features allow calls from blocked numbers to go to voicemail, while others reject them completely. 

Both iPhone and Android handle call blocking differently. If you’re an iPhone user trying to call an Android user, that can make things confusing, and vice versa.

iPhone call block features

Generally, iPhones send blocked calls directly to voicemail, without delivering a notification. Specific numbers are blocked, meaning that number cannot use phone calls, FaceTime, or send messages. However, the caller is not notified that they are blocked. They might not realize it.

Blocking is managed through the Phone app settings or in Contacts. Apple has a feature called “Silence Unknown Callers” that automatically screens all incoming calls.

Android phone block features

Unlike iPhones, Android phones are made by different manufacturers. Therefore, the blocking function varies between different types of Android phones.

Typically users can block calls through the dialer app or in call settings. That’s generally separate from spam filtering options, which are also common in Android phones. People can also block numbers through third-party Android apps or via their carrier.

One major thing to note is that some Android phones display a “Call Rejected” notification to the blocked caller. 

There are plenty of reasons your call might not be going through:

• Network-related issues affecting cellular service for the person you’re trying to reach

• Phone in "Do Not Disturb" mode

• Battery died or the device is powered off

• Airplane mode

• Changed phone numbers without telling you

• Phone storage full, preventing receipt of new messages

• International travel causing connectivity problems

• Signal problems in remote locations or buildings with poor reception

• Technical glitches with their device or service

This depends on several factors, including the privacy laws in your area and the context around why you’ve been blocked.

In general, attempting to call someone is legal. However, privacy laws in many places protect people from being harassed. The line between persistence and harassment varies, but you should be wary of repeatedly trying to circumvent a block. You might not view yourself as harassing the person who’s blocked you, but a court might disagree with you. A court will often consider the frequency at which you’ve attempted to call someone, the timing of your calls, and your intent. For example, calling someone multiple times in the middle of the night to keep them awake is very different from calling someone in the afternoon to tell them something important they need to know. 

Consider whether the person who blocked you has explicitly told you not to contact them. If they’ve done this, attempting to reach them will more likely appear to be harassment. The person who blocked might even have taken some kind of legal directive out against you, like a restraining order. If this is the case, attempting to reach them despite legal protections may have serious legal consequences. 

For all these reasons, it’s best to consult the law in your area before making any decisions. Also remember that legal doesn’t always mean ethical. It’s important to respect someone’s boundaries, even if crossing them might be technically legal.

Respecting another person’s privacy while navigating a difficult situation can be tricky. It requires careful consideration of ethics. 

After all, everyone has a right to privacy and boundaries. It’s important to respect that, even if it’s difficult. Consider why the other person may have felt it was necessary to block you. Try to see things from their perspective.

Ideally you should limit your attempts to circumvent the block to one. Keep it concise and respectful and make sure it’s really necessary. The aim is resolution rather than confrontation. If you still don’t get a response, take that as the response and try to respect it. 

Avoid using fake identities or similarly manipulative tactics to try and circumvent a block. It’s unlikely to make someone want to unblock you and could get you in legal trouble.

If there’s a genuine emergency, consider asking a mutual friend to act as an intermediary. They could convey the information from you to the person who blocked you.

How to hide your number on an iPhone & Android

On an iPhone, navigate to the settings app. Go to the Phone section, select Show My Caller ID, and turn it off. 

On an Android phone, the exact process might vary depending on the manufacturer of your device. Generally, though, open the Phone app, tap the icon with three dots, and select either Settings or Call Settings.  Look for Supplementary services or Additional settings. There, you should find an option called Caller ID or Show my caller ID. Tap on Hide number.

Does 67 work to call a blocked number?

Adding *67 before your number is called “call masking.” It can make your number show up as “Private Number” or “No Caller ID.” 

However, this isn’t guaranteed. Some phones can automatically reject private numbers or even random phone numbers. And certain devices block a device rather than a specific number, so obscuring your number won’t work. 

Why hiding your caller ID doesn’t always work

As we’ve discussed, many people automatically reject calls from an unknown number. For example, there’s a common setting called “Silence Unknown Callers” which does exactly that. 

In addition, phone carriers, third-party apps, and phones themselves often have sophisticated technology for recognizing and blocking masked calls or hidden numbers. They might detect that you are calling from the same device, for example, or recognize you from your call patterns.

How VoIP services work & why they may bypass blocking

VoIP stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol.” It’s a technology that allows you to make phone calls over the internet instead of traditional phone networks. That means it can sometimes bypass regional call restrictions or blocks.

Although VoIP is essentially internet calling, it works the same as traditional calls. You’ll get a virtual number linked to an account, which you use the same as you would any phone number.

Best VoIP services for making calls

There are plenty of VoIP options out there. Many of them are free. Some good options include the following:

• Skype: popular for international calling and video chats

• CallHippo: good option for businesses or individuals who need multiple virtual numbers

• Google Voice: offers free calls and texts for US users

Why using a different number works

Using a different phone number can often bypass a block, as blocking is often connected to a specific phone number. Using a friend’s cell phone is even more likely to work than simply switching to a temporary number, as sometimes blocking is connected to a device rather than a number. 

Ethical considerations before borrowing someone’s phone

These days our phones contain all sorts of personal information. If you’re borrowing someone else’s phone, make sure to respect the other person’s privacy. Always ask permission, and especially if it’s a mutual friend avoid looking at apps or information they wouldn’t want you to see.

Will the person recognize your new number?

That depends. If you’re using a mutual friend’s phone, the person in question might recognize it. But they likely won’t recognize a private number or unknown caller.

Why landlines may bypass call blocking

A landline number is less likely to be flagged by mobile spam filters or apps. Unlike VoIP or masked calls, landlines don’t usually use a call masking feature, making them appear more trustworthy and bypass common call blocking systems.

When this method is useful for business or emergencies

For urgent business calls or emergencies, using a landline can help ensure your call isn’t blocked or flagged. If the recipient's phone filters unknown numbers, a landline may come through clearly, increasing the chance they’ll pick up.

How to change your phone number with your carrier

The exact process might vary depending on your carrier. Generally, you should be able to contact them via their app, website, or through customer support. Once you’ve done that, you can simply request a new phone number. Some providers even provide one free of charge!

Risks and limitations of this method

Remember, some blocks are connected to a device. So even if you get a new number, your device will be the same, meaning the block may remain in place.

Additionally, changing your number can be a major hassle. You’ll likely have to update your contact information with your friends, businesses, subscriptions, and more. 

When is this method appropriate?

Switching to a new number is most obviously appropriate when there’s been some kind of technical problem with your old number. Perhaps it was blocked by mistake and can’t be unblocked, or maybe fixing the issue would be more complicated than simply changing your number. 

Another reason to go with a new number is if you can’t use virtual phone numbers for some reason. Just be sure you’re OK changing to a random phone number.

Plenty of messaging apps work separately from your phone number. If a person has only blocked your phone number, you may well still be able to reach them through an app.

The following messaging apps might still let you message someone who’s blocked you:

• WhatsApp

• Telegram

• Signal

• Facebook Messenger

Sometimes it’s best to take a step back and try indirect communication. Reaching out through social media might get their attention if you’re not blocked there. Another thoughtful approach is to ask a mutual friend to check in or mediate, especially if it’s an important or emotional situation. Or, you can send a polite, well-written email expressing your intentions clearly. Keep your message respectful and give them space. They may appreciate the effort and respond when ready.

If repeated attempts go unanswered, it’s important to respect the other person’s privacy. Blocking is often a clear signal they need space or no contact. Constantly trying different ways to reach them may feel invasive or overwhelming. If the recipient's phone or platforms continue to reject your messages, it’s a sign to pause. Accepting their boundaries shows maturity and respect, and it may leave the door open for reconnection in the future.

A gentle approach is often best. For example, a sincere apology message sent through email can show you respect their boundaries while still expressing your feelings. If you're not blocked on social media, consider liking a post or leaving a thoughtful, non-personal comment as a subtle sign of goodwill. Avoid flooding their inbox or trying multiple platforms at once. The goal is to reconnect without pressure, giving them the space to respond if and when they feel comfortable.

For urgent business calls, try using a landline number instead of your mobile or VoIP line. Landlines are less likely to be flagged or blocked, increasing the chance your call connects. Keep your message professional and concise, and consider following up with a formal email to maintain clarity and respect boundaries.

If a family member has blocked you, consider asking a mutual friend or relative to help mediate. A simple, heartfelt text message passed through them can show you're open to resolving things peacefully.

If you’re blocked after a disagreement, take time to cool off before reaching out. Send a calm, sincere apology message via email, since it’s less intrusive. Acknowledge their feelings, avoid blame, and express your hope to reconnect respectfully.

Being blocked can be frustrating, but it’s essential to respect privacy and boundaries. The block is often a clear message that the recipient's phone is off-limits for now. Instead of pushing further, focus on understanding the situation and giving space. True respect means accepting their decision, even if it’s difficult, and waiting for the right time, if any, to reconnect appropriately.

Always respect personal boundaries in your interactions. If someone isn’t responsive, avoid repeated contact. When reaching out through a mutual friend, ensure it's appropriate and not manipulative. Communicate with honesty, empathy, and clarity. Ethical communication builds trust and shows maturity, even when relationships are strained.