One of the most requested iPhone features ever since it has been launched, has been the ability to block phone calls and messages from people, especially those unwanted telemarketing calls. People would complain, why can’t the iPhone do it when my feature phone could do it a decade back.

You will be happy to know that Apple has finally added the feature to block voice calls, messages or FaceTime calls from a number in iOS 7.

Blocking voice call, FaceTime calls or messages from a number is very simple in iOS 7. You can block a number in the Phone, FaceTime, Messages or Settings app.

In the Phone app or FaceTime app, tap on the Recent or Favorites tab:

• Tap on the Info “i” button next to the name or number you wish to block.

• This will take you the Contact card. Now scroll down and tap Block this Caller option.

• This will show you a confirmation popup. Tap on the Block Contact option.

In the Phone app or FaceTime app, you can also tap on the tap on the Contacts tab:

• Tap on the contact you wish to block.

• This will take you the Contact card. Now scroll down and tap Block this Caller option.

• This will show you a confirmation popup. Tap on the Block Contact option.

In the Messages app:

• Tap on the messages from the individual you wish to block.

• Tap on Contact in the top right corner.

• This will give you the option to either give a voice call, FaceTime call or see the Info of the contact. Tap on the Info “i” button just below the Done button.

• This will take you the Contact card. Now scroll down and tap Block this Caller option.

• This will show you a confirmation popup. Tap on the Block Contact option.

In the Settings app:

• Navigate to:
  • Settings > Phone > Blocked
  • Settings > Messages > Blocked
  • Settings > FaceTime > Blocked

• Tap on Add New…

• Tap on the Contact you wish to block to add it to the block list.

This will add the Contact or number to the Blocked list, which can be accessed via the Settings app. So you can unblock the contact or number using the Settings app.

• Settings > Phone > Blocked
• Settings > Messages > Blocked
• Settings > FaceTime > Blocked

Please note that when you add a Contact or number to the blocked list, voice calls, FaceTime calls and messages from that person will be blocked. You cannot selectively block just voice calls, FaceTime calls or messages from a person.

Here’s a video walkthrough of how to block voice calls, FaceTime calls and messages in iOS 7:

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You can block FaceTime calls and messages in a similar way on your iPad or iPod touch using the FaceTime, Messages and Settings app.

Let us know how it goes, and please free to leave a comment if you’ve any questions.