Spam calls and unwanted messages can be just as annoying on your iPad as they are on your phone. While the iPad doesn't have a dedicated Phone app, you can still block numbers to stop calls, FaceTime requests, and iMessages. The process is a bit different since everything is managed through the FaceTime and Messages apps.
Block a Number from FaceTime
If someone is calling you on FaceTime, open the FaceTime app. Tap the (i) info button next to their call in your recent list. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller, then confirm by tapping Block Contact.
This blocks them from making FaceTime audio or video calls to you. It also blocks them from sending you iMessages, as the block list is shared across Apple's communication apps.
Block a Number from Messages
Open the conversation in the Messages app. Tap the contact name or phone number at the top of the screen, then tap the (i) info button. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller. Confirm your choice to block them.
Once blocked, you won't receive any more iMessages or SMS texts from that number. Their messages will be silently dropped without any notification on your end.
Block a Contact from Your Address Book
If the person is saved in your contacts, open the Contacts app. Find and tap their name to open their contact card. Scroll all the way to the bottom and tap Block this Caller.
This blocks every phone number and email address listed on that contact card. It's a comprehensive way to cut off all communication from someone you know.
View and Manage Your Blocked List
To see who you've blocked, go to Settings > FaceTime > Blocked Contacts. You'll see a list of all blocked numbers and contacts. To unblock someone, swipe left on their name and tap Unblock.
You can also tap Edit in the top-right corner to remove multiple entries at once. This list is universal, so removing someone here unblocks them for FaceTime, Messages, and any other Apple service.
Silence Unknown FaceTime Callers
To stop calls from numbers not in your contacts, go to Settings > FaceTime. Scroll down and toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.
When this is on, FaceTime calls from people not in your contacts will be silenced and sent straight to voicemail. You'll still get a notification, but your iPad won't ring. I'd use this cautiously, as it will also silence legitimate calls from businesses or new contacts.
Filter Unknown Message Senders
You can automatically sort messages from unknown senders. Go to Settings > Messages and toggle on Filter Unknown Senders.
With this enabled, messages from people not in your contacts go to a separate tab in the Messages app. This doesn't block them, but it keeps your main inbox clean and makes spam easier to spot and report.
Report and Block SMS Spam
When you get a spam text, open the message. Below the message text, you should see a Report Junk link. Tap it to report the message to Apple and your carrier.
This action also blocks the sender automatically. It's the quickest way to deal with a spam text and helps improve spam filters for everyone.
What Happens When You Block Someone
For FaceTime, a blocked caller will hear one ring before being sent to voicemail. They can leave a message, which will be stored in a separate "Blocked Messages" section at the bottom of your voicemail list.
They won't receive any notification that they've been blocked. For iMessage and SMS, messages are simply not delivered. The sender won't see a "Delivered" status, and you won't see the message at all.
Block Email Senders in the Mail App
If you're getting spam in your email, open the Mail app and select a message from the sender. Tap the sender's name at the top of the email, then tap it again in the pop-up window. Select Block this Contact.
Future emails from that address will go directly to your Trash folder. You can manage all blocked email senders by going to Settings > Mail > Blocked.
