How to know if someone blocked me iphone

iMessage is Apple's text messaging application and protocol that is a major obstacle to anyone thinking about switching to one of the best Android phones. iMessage users can send messages from their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and MacBook. Despite Google's social begging with its #Getthemessage campaign, there is no two-way interoperability with Google's RCS messaging app, even though Google is catching up by adding iMessage features, including liking text messages. Apple uses a data-based protocol that grants iMessage users access to advanced features like media sharing, message reactions, status updates, and read receipts. Still, these features can only do so much to convey emotion and meaning.

Google launched its not-at-all cringeworthy Get The Message campaign in August 2022

Between the litany of controversial subjects constantly occupying our thoughts and the ever-mounting pressure of modern society, it's becoming easier to get on someone's bad side. Add the somewhat detached nature of the text message into the mix, and you have a recipe for social disaster.

iMessage makes it easy to deal with these uncomfortable situations without confrontation by blocking the offending party. It's easy, non-confrontational, and difficult to detect unless you know what you're looking for.

How can you tell if your number is blocked on iMessage

As it's a privacy-focused feature, there's no notification or black-and-white indicator that someone has blocked you on iMessage. Though there are a few signs that you've earned the ire of one of your contacts and have been blocked. Let's look at some of the most obvious indicators that you've been blocked on iMessage.

Check the bubble color

iMessage users know that a green bubble indicates that you're sending a regular text message instead of using Apple's proprietary messaging protocol. What might be news is that green bubbles can also be an indicator that someone has blocked you on iMessage. If you're blocked on iMessage, Apple's messaging service prevents instant messages from being delivered to the recipient over the iMessage protocol. If you have text message fallback enabled on your device, it resorts to sending the message as a text message, meaning the text message bubble turns green after someone blocks you.

The bubble color isn't a perfect indicator that you've been blocked. Green conversation bubbles can also mean the person's phone is turned off, offline, or switched to Android.

Check the status update of a text to confirm your message was delivered

Part of what makes iMessage an attractive messaging package is the inclusion of delivery and read receipts. While read receipts can be disabled on iMessage, the app always shows when your messages are delivered, unless you've been blocked by the recipient or the message was sent over regular text instead. If you're not seeing Delivered under a text you sent, there's a good chance the recipient blocked you.

However, before you assume you've been blocked, it's a good idea to ensure you have an active internet connection and that your messages go through to other iMessage users. If iMessage texts show as delivered and read to other users but not to one specific person, this could mean you've been blocked.

Look for the moon icon in iMessage

Focus and Do not disturb mode on iOS allows users to temporarily disable notifications for all but the contacts and apps selected. So if you send someone a message on iMessage, and they don't respond, it may be that their notifications are disabled.

From iOS 15 onwards, when you have Focus mode enabled and receive a message, your phone automatically notifies the sender of the message that you have Focus mode enabled and do not wish to be disturbed. If that is the case, you'll see a notification that says [Contact] has notifications silenced with a small moon symbol next to the notification.

If you're part of the recipient's friends and family list in iMessage, you'll see an option to break through the Focus mode and deliver the notification anyway. If you don't see a notification about notifications being silenced, your text may have been blocked.

Try to call the number that you're texting

First things first: Don't be creepy. If someone is blocking your messages, you probably want to give them space. That said, if you've confirmed that the message was delivered, checked the bubble color, and checked to see if there's a notifications silenced message. If you're still not sure the person you're trying to contact has blocked you, what should you do now?

You could try calling them to find out. If a user blocks you on iMessage, you can't call them. If you place a call to a number that blocked you, you are met with a single ring and then the voicemail box.

Attempt to call from a different number

Use this method as a last resort if you're honestly worried about the recipient's well-being or ability to receive messages. Attempting to trick a person into answering by using a different number is wrong and invasive. But, if there's a legitimate concern and you've tried all the steps we mentioned without success, a last resort could be to call them from a different number.

If they pick up, you can tell them you've been trying to get hold of them or hash out any issues or misunderstandings. If you call from a different number and get the same result, something else may be happening with the person you're trying to contact. Perhaps they're busy or in a poor coverage area.

When to walk away

This may not be what you want to hear, but if you have trouble getting hold of someone or suspect you have been blocked, it may be best to give them some space. It doesn't do you any good to force a connection where there isn't one. While it is frustrating when a friend, acquaintance, or love interest drops off the map, you must keep a level head.

Avoid falling into the trap of obsessing over it to the point of potential cyberstalking, and give people some space to process their feelings. You could always talk to the person who blocked you to clear up any misunderstandings face-to-face, step back and get some outside perspective, or move on if you notice things aren't working out.

Know how to use all the messaging apps at your fingertips.

iMessage is the cornerstone of Apple's ecosystem, keeping people locked in even when they release disappointing products like the iPhone 14. Knowing how to check that you've been blocked is essential to use the platform at its best.

For those unimpressed by iMessage, Google Messages is a fantastic alternative once you've set up RCS chat. This app comes preinstalled on most Android phones, so make the most of it with these handy tips and tricks.