More Steps to Blocking Callers after IOS 26 update

Before IOS 26 update, if I received a call from an unknown number that was definitely spam, I could select the "i" next to the number, go to the bottom of the screen and select "block caller".

Now, after IOS 26 update, that option is gone on my phone. Using the classic view, the "i" is still there, but I have to go to "Settings", "Apps", "Phone", "Blocked Contacts", "Add Blocked Contact", enter the phone number, then tap "Block Contact".

Why did Apple make it harder to block unknown callers???

iPhone SE, iOS 26

Posted on Oct 11, 2025 9:15 AM

Top-ranking reply

blue23rose Author

Level 1

12 points

Posted on Dec 13, 2025 8:33 AM

YEAH!! I finally found a solution that worked! No thanks to Apple Support.

Found in this forum thread started by da klein - "Block Caller" option is missing in iOS 2… - Apple Community

SOLUTION FROM:

eileen224

Dec 10, 2025 8:32 AM in response to da klein

I have found a workaround for the fields to pop up. When you hit the information button and you go to the blank spot and it stays blank, just go to the home screen bring the app back up and all the fields will be there. There is no need to wait. I tried this several times and it worked every time.

I found that I did have to bring up the home screen twice in a few tries of doing this before I saw the "block contact" option, but hey, it works!!

View in context

32 replies

Nov 24, 2025 6:43 AM in response to blue23rose

blue23rose wrote:

Thanks for responding, IdrisSeabright. I have an SE2 that is TracFone and carrier is Verizon 66.0. Maybe that is the issue.

I have Verizon and don't have this issue. I'm guessing the problem may lie with TracFone. MVNOs like TracFone can be problematic.

Dec 3, 2025 6:15 AM in response to blue23rose

Another issue is blocking a number from a text message. There's no option to find the number in the recent calls list, then.

This used to be a rather intuitive task, but like several other iOS26 improvements, we took a few steps backwards. I'd really love to meet those in their infinite wisdom who made these "improvements"

We have 3 iPhones in the family 13Pro, 16Pro, SE3 and each of us regret iOS 26

Dec 3, 2025 6:50 AM in response to blue23rose

blue23rose wrote:

Before IOS 26 update, if I received a call from an unknown number that was definitely spam, I could select the "i" next to the number, go to the bottom of the screen and select "block caller".

Other posts in the list have told you how to do this. HOWEVER, it is pointless to block a number that was definitely spam, because spammers use a different number each time. So you end up with hundreds of blocked numbers that will never call you.

ivor164

Level 1

8 points

Dec 12, 2025 3:26 AM in response to ritalhs16

This is a very useful call on the issue that I have also been having.

The only issue now is that there is no "orange hand" amongst the icons. Only a blue clock and a red trash can.

Back to you, Apple.

Dec 12, 2025 1:32 PM in response to blue23rose

To everyone in this thread:

blue23rose Author

Level 1

12 points

Dec 13, 2025 7:53 AM in response to MASTSH

MASTSH, sorry to hear that. What carrier do you have? Do you have a Tracfone? I am trying to narrow down why some people still have access to the magical "orange hand" to block a caller. My carrier is Verizon and I have an Tracfone. Phone is an SE2. Even after the 26.2 update yesterday, I still can't block callers without going through hoops.

Blocking numbers from a text message isn't an issue for me... I can do that as I always did.

Lawrence Finch mentioned that the solution has been given several times... but if that isn't working for some of us, then there is definitely another issue going on here.