Getting spam calls or unwanted messages on your iPad can be a real nuisance, especially if you use it for communication. The good news is that iPadOS gives you several straightforward ways to block numbers and contacts. Once blocked, they can't reach you via phone calls, FaceTime, or iMessage.
Block a Number from a Recent Call
If you just missed a call from a number you want to block, open the FaceTime app. Tap the Recents tab at the top to see your call history. Find the number, then tap the (i) info button next to it. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller, then confirm by tapping Block Contact.
That number is now blocked across your iPad. Any future calls will go straight to voicemail, and you won't receive texts or FaceTime requests from them.
Block a Contact from Your Messages
Open the Messages app and find the conversation with the person you want to block. Tap their name or number at the top of the screen, then tap the (i) info icon. Scroll down to the bottom of the contact card and select Block this Caller. Confirm your choice, and you're done.
This will block all forms of communication from that specific contact. Their future messages simply won't appear on your device.
Block Someone from Your Contacts App
If the person is already saved in your address book, open the Contacts app. Find and tap their name to open their full contact card. Scroll all the way to the bottom and tap Block this Caller.
This method blocks every phone number and email address associated with that contact entry. It's a comprehensive way to cut off communication if someone is using multiple ways to reach you.
View and Unblock Numbers
To see everyone you've blocked, go to Settings and tap Messages. Scroll down and tap Blocked Contacts. You can also get there via Settings > FaceTime > Blocked Contacts.
You'll see a list of all blocked numbers and contacts. To unblock someone, swipe left on their entry and tap Unblock. You can also tap Edit in the top-right corner to remove multiple people at once.
The blocked list is shared system-wide. Blocking someone here prevents them from contacting you through any Apple service on your iPad.
Silence Calls from Unknown Numbers
If you're getting a flood of spam calls, you can take a broader approach. Go to Settings > FaceTime and look for Silence Unknown Callers. Toggle this switch on.
When this is enabled, any call from a number not in your contacts, your recent outgoing calls, or your Mail app contacts will be silenced. The call goes straight to voicemail without ringing your iPad.
I'd use this cautiously, as it will also silence legitimate calls from businesses or services you haven't saved. You'll still see the missed call notification and can check any voicemail they leave.
Report and Block SMS Spam
When you get a junk text from an unknown sender, open the message thread in the Messages app. Below the latest message, you should see a Report Junk link. Tap it.
You'll get an option to delete the message and report the sender. This action also blocks the number automatically. It helps Apple and your carrier improve their spam filters.
You can also go to Settings > Messages and turn on Filter Unknown Senders. This sorts messages from people not in your contacts into a separate list, keeping your main inbox cleaner.
What Actually Happens When You Block a Number
From the blocked person's perspective, a phone call will ring once or twice before going to voicemail. They can still leave a message, but it gets filed in a separate "Blocked Messages" section at the very bottom of your voicemail list.
For iMessages and SMS texts, the messages are silently discarded. You never receive them, and the sender doesn't get a "Delivered" notification. The same applies to FaceTime calls; the request simply never comes through to your iPad.
Block Unwanted Email Senders
If you're getting spam in the Mail app, you can block those senders too. Open the offending email and tap the sender's name at the top, next to "From:". Tap their name again in the pop-up window, then select Block this Contact.
Future emails from that address will go directly to your Trash folder. You can manage your entire list of blocked email senders by going to Settings > Mail > Blocked.
