MacOS - "Block Contact" Stopped Working

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Level 1

140 points

MacOS - "Block Contact" Stopped Working

"Block Contact" stopped working in MacOS Mail. Sequoia 15.4.1; just updated.

Still works in iPadOS and iOS.

NOTE: this "might have" happened before I updated. I can't put an exact time-frame on this phenomenon. Regardless, it's happening now.

Also, to all the "do-gooders" who don't actually read the post and / or have any real solutions: please don't point me to any Apple Support "How to Block Contact" threads. I know how to do it. Likewise, please don't point me to "Report this to Apple". Been there, done that - many times; never any results.

Any ideas?

Matt

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.4

Posted on Apr 22, 2025 9:45 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Old Toad

Level 10

215,316 points

Apr 22, 2025 1:26 PM in response to MattBeef

Since a normal shut down didn't help give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 2

MattBeef Author

Level 1

140 points

Apr 22, 2025 4:48 PM in response to MattBeef

!!! UPDATE !!!

I found the problem.

Believe it or not, there is a limited number of Blocked Contacts available. And, apparently, I reached the limit.

If I "Unblock" a previously-blocked contact, then I can turn right around and "re-block" that same contact, or "Block" a different contact. Same for 2 (or 3).

Seriously? More to the point: Why?

🤦‍♂️

mlg

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

102,433 points

Apr 25, 2025 7:13 AM in response to MattBeef

MattBeef wrote:

Owl-53 wrote:

MattBeef wrote:

!!! UPDATE !!!

I found the problem.

Believe it or not, there is a limited number of Blocked Contacts available. And, apparently, I reached the limit.

If I "Unblock" a previously-blocked contact, then I can turn right around and "re-block" that same contact, or "Block" a different contact. Same for 2 (or 3).

Seriously? More to the point: Why?

🤦‍♂️

mlg

I am interested, what is that Number Blocked Contacts is ?

Reason for asking

Currently and after a " Spring Cleaning " of Blocked Contacts in Mail

Right now and 192 Blocked Contacts and it is only April 2025

Owl,

I'm also interested in knowing the maximum number of blocked contacts.

If / when you find out, would you please post on here?

Thanks!

Matt

Having already removed 100+ and currently left with 192 Blocked

Doing the math, greater than 300

Though and I turn this back to you

The implications from " Believe it or not, there is a limited number of Blocked Contacts available." may mean you would know this number or at least a Ball Park Figure

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Answer 4

Owl-53

Level 10

102,433 points

Apr 25, 2025 2:22 AM in response to MattBeef

MattBeef wrote:

!!! UPDATE !!!

I found the problem.

Believe it or not, there is a limited number of Blocked Contacts available. And, apparently, I reached the limit.

If I "Unblock" a previously-blocked contact, then I can turn right around and "re-block" that same contact, or "Block" a different contact. Same for 2 (or 3).

Seriously? More to the point: Why?

🤦‍♂️

mlg

I am interested, what is that Number Blocked Contacts is ?

Reason for asking

Currently and after a " Spring Cleaning " of Blocked Contacts in Mail

Right now and 192 Blocked Contacts and it is only April 2025

Reply

Answer 5

MattBeef Author

Level 1

140 points

Apr 25, 2025 6:01 AM in response to Owl-53

Owl-53 wrote:

MattBeef wrote:

!!! UPDATE !!!

I found the problem.

Believe it or not, there is a limited number of Blocked Contacts available. And, apparently, I reached the limit.

If I "Unblock" a previously-blocked contact, then I can turn right around and "re-block" that same contact, or "Block" a different contact. Same for 2 (or 3).

Seriously? More to the point: Why?

🤦‍♂️

mlg

I am interested, what is that Number Blocked Contacts is ?

Reason for asking

Currently and after a " Spring Cleaning " of Blocked Contacts in Mail

Right now and 192 Blocked Contacts and it is only April 2025

Owl,

I'm also interested in knowing the maximum number of blocked contacts.

If / when you find out, would you please post on here?

Thanks!

Matt

Reply

Answer 6

MattBeef Author

Level 1

140 points

Apr 22, 2025 4:53 PM in response to Old Toad

Old Toad wrote:

Since a normal shut down didn't help give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

Hey Old Toad,

Thank you, very much, for the kind response.

That did not work. I found the solution (see my Reply, below): There is a limited number of Blocked Contacts available; and I hit the limit.

Unbelievable. But true.

Thanks anyway,

mlg

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Answer 7

MattBeef Author

Level 1

140 points

Apr 22, 2025 12:50 PM in response to leroydouglas

leroydouglas wrote:

Have you shut down and restarted more than once since your "Sequoia 15.4.1; just updated"...I would start there.

You can quit Mail.app and relaunch it holding the Shift key down and compare your results

Hey Leroy D,

Thank you, very much, for the kind Reply.

I really like your "Shut down / Restart" suggestion - usually a winner! Unfortunately, not this time.
Not sure what the "Shift-Key" while restarting Mail does. But, that procedure did not seem to do anything; at the least, did not fix this problem.

Thanks again, and Best regards,

mlg

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