How to View Blocked Messages on iPhone

Hi friends, Jessica here! 💌 Today we’re going to talk about a question I get asked a lot: “Can I see messages from someone I’ve blocked on my iPhone?”

Whether it’s a friend, ex, or spam number, blocking someone on iPhone is super easy. But once you hit that block button, many people get curious—What happens to the messages? Can you view them later? Let’s clear it up.

First Things First – What Blocking Does

When you block a number on iPhone:

• Calls, messages, and FaceTime from that number are stopped.
• The blocked person does not get notified.
• Their messages will not appear in your Messages app.

👉 Important: Blocked messages are not saved in a hidden folder. Once blocked, those messages will not come through at all.

Can You View Messages From Blocked Numbers?

Here’s the simple answer:

• While a number is blocked, their texts will never reach your iPhone.
• You cannot go back and see messages that were sent while the number was blocked.
• If you unblock the number, you can start receiving messages again—but you won’t see the old ones that were blocked.

So no, iPhone doesn’t have a secret “blocked messages inbox.”

What You Can Do Instead

Even though you can’t retrieve blocked texts, here are your options:

1. Check Before Blocking

If you think you might need the messages later, don’t block immediately. You can mute notifications instead:

• Open Messages → Swipe left on a conversation → Tap Hide Alerts.
• This way, you won’t be bothered but the texts are still there.

2. Unblock the Number

If you decide you want to see new messages from that person:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Phone → Blocked Contacts.
3. Find the number and swipe left to unblock.

Now future messages will come through again.

3. Check Carrier Messages

Some carriers (like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile in the USA) may temporarily store blocked or filtered texts in their apps or online portals. It’s worth checking if your carrier provides that option.

4. Third-Party Apps

There are apps that claim to recover deleted or blocked texts, but Apple’s security makes it very unlikely. Be cautious with these apps, as they may not be reliable.

Why Apple Doesn’t Let You View Blocked Messages

Apple designs blocking as a privacy feature. When you block someone, it’s meant to give you peace of mind by cutting off all communication. Saving those texts would defeat the purpose.

Think of it as Apple’s way of saying: “If you block, you’re choosing not to see.”

If you’ve blocked someone on your iPhone, their texts won’t appear, and you can’t view them later. The only way to start receiving messages again is to unblock the contact.

So the next time you’re unsure, you might want to mute instead of block, especially if you think you’ll need to see those messages later.

Blocking is about peace and privacy, not storing conversations. Use it when you truly want to cut off contact.