Figuring out if someone’s blocked you on iMessage can feel like trying to untangle a particularly stubborn knot. You’re left wondering, “Did they ghost me? Are they ignoring me? Or worse, did they block me?” Fear not, for we’re about to unravel this mystery together.

Let’s dive into the common signs that indicate you’ve been blocked on iMessage. While there’s no foolproof way to know for certain, several clues can point you in the right direction.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of what might be happening and how to navigate this situation. 

Ready to decode the mystery? Let’s get started!!

🔑KEY HIGHLIGHTS
  • iMessage is a free, secure messaging service developed by Apple that allows users to send and receive messages on Apple devices.
  • If someone blocks you on iMessage, your messages won’t show a “Delivered” status, and calls to their number will go straight to voicemail without ringing.
  • To confirm if you’ve been blocked, try calling the person; if the call repeatedly goes to voicemail without ringing, it’s a strong sign. You can also test by sending a message using another platform or device.
  • If you’re blocked, respect their space and consider reaching out through a mutual friend to clear the air.

Understanding iMessage and Blocking

understanding imessage and blocking.

What is iMessage?

iMessage is an Apple messaging platform that allows users to send texts, photos, videos, and more over the internet. Messages between iMessage users appear in blue bubbles, while regular SMS/MMS messages appear in green bubbles. 

iMessage offers delivery and read receipts, end-to-end encryption, and the ability to send messages using Wi-Fi or cellular data. It works seamlessly across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.

The Concept of Blocking in Messaging Apps

Blocking is a feature available on most messaging platforms. Its main purpose is to give users control over whom they communicate with. Blocking can prevent unwanted or spam calls or messages, maintain privacy, or control distractions.

When you block someone on iMessage:

Their messages will not appear on your device, and calls from their number will go directly to voicemail. They will not be notified that they have been blocked. However, features on iPhones like NYT Connections cannot bypass being blocked.

How to Know If Someone Blocked You On iMessage?

Numerous signs can indicate if someone has blocked you on iMessage. However, these signs aren’t always conclusive, and there could be other reasons for the behavior you’re observing. 

Here are the signs that you might be blocked on iMessage:

1. Message Delivery Status

Every time a message goes through as an iMessage, the application usually gives some form of feedback as to delivery status using indicators like “Delivered” and “Read” below it.

The above statuses indicate that the message you sent has finally reached your target’s phone and further “Read” that one has opened it and possibly read it. Sending a message via iMessage might fail if you’re blocked.

However, if you notice that those delivery indicators are no longer showing up for your messages, then that could very well be a strong sign that the recipient has blocked messages. This could happen when the recipient has chosen to cut off direct communications, and your messages are not being allowed to reach their device via iMessage.

2. Change in Message Bubble Color

Blue bubbles identify messages sent between an iPhone and another iPhone device. This color system indicates the transmission of messages on Apple’s iMessage platforms, which have rich features such as receipts for sending and reading messages with end-to-end encryption and full-resolution photos.

Check the color of your message; blue for iMessage and green for SMS. When iMessage is blocked, the color switches to green upon sending. Regular SMS text messages those sent to and from devices other than iPhones, are shown in green bubbles.

These green messages generally adhere to standard SMS regulations, which encompass low-quality multimedia and limit features such as group messaging and the ability to share messages across devices.

3. Absence of Read Receipts

If the person you are messaging usually has read receipts enabled, you will notice that after they have viewed your message, it shows. This may normally mean you have not been blocked. However, there is no read receipt indicating that someone blocked you on iMessage. “Read” status. If you’re blocked on iPhone, your iMessages won’t show as “Delivered.”

In some cases, you may not be sure that someone is blocking you because of other situations, such as receivers having their iPhone notifications silenced or their phones switched off or kept in DND mode. Sometimes, a poor Wi-Fi connection can mimic signs of being blocked.

In these cases, you can see that Read Receipts are absent. However, this is still the best way to find out who blocked you on iMessage. 

4. No typing Indicator

You might not see the ‘typing’ indicator in iMessage, which may lead you to conclude that you have been blocked. However, the absence of a typing indicator does not definitely mean you have been blocked.

Other factors might contribute to such a situation; hence, it’s vital to weigh different possibilities first before drawing any conclusions. Some third-party apps claim to detect blocks, but they’re unreliable.

Other reasons that may trigger the absence of typing indicators are technical issues, editing messages, initial response, Airplane mode, and/or DND mode.

5. Calls Go Straight to Voicemail

One of the effective ways to determine whether a person has blocked you is to call his or her phone number. While calling, pay attention to the progress of the call. If the call connects as usual, then you are probably not blocked.

However, if it doesn’t ring and goes straight to voicemail, this could indicate that the called party has blocked you. In fact, most phone call systems route calls from a blocked number directly to a voicemail system or may even trigger an error message depending on the carrier’s setup.

Yet another important thing is that not every call goes to the person just because it went to voicemail; the people were probably unreachable, or their mobiles were off. This method does give you clues.

Confirming the Block

If you are wondering how to tell if you’re blocked on iMessage? Here’s how to check and confirm the you are blocked or not.

Here’s how you can confirm that you are blocked on iMessage:

I. Send a Test iMessage

A “Delivered” tag typically appears for sent messages; its absence could indicate that the message has been blocked. You can also look for any read receipts (if previously enabled).

II. Make a Phone Call

If you’re blocked, the call may go straight to voicemail or ring once before disconnecting. Pay attention to repeated call patterns that suggest blocking.

III. Check For Message Reactions

Try adding a reaction (such as a thumbs-up or heart) to an earlier iMessage. If the reaction doesn’t appear for the recipient, it could indicate that you’ve been blocked.

IV. Attempt From Another Number

Use a different number to send a message or call the individual. A response or normal message delivery from the alternate number can confirm whether blocking occurred.

What to Do If You Are Blocked?

what to do if you are blocked.

If you’ve confirmed that someone has blocked you on iMessage, it’s important to respond thoughtfully and respectfully. Here are some steps to consider moving forward:

A. Respect their Decision

Blocking someone on iMessage is a personal decision that should be respected. It’s important to recognize that attempting to reach out to someone after they have blocked you can be viewed as harassment or stalking. Understanding and honoring such boundaries is essential for maintaining respectful communication.

B. Consider Alternative Means of Communication

When trying to communicate with someone, it’s important to explore various methods of contact. Consider using email or social media, provided the individual is receptive to those platforms. Additionally, you might try making a phone call from a different number to increase your chances of reaching them effectively.

C. Reflect on the Situation

If you find yourself unsure about the reasons behind being blocked by someone, it can be helpful to take a moment to reflect on your previous interactions with that person. Think about any potential conflicts or misunderstandings that may have contributed to the decision to block you. This reflection may provide clarity on the situation.

D. Respect Their Privacy

It is important to respect individuals’ privacy by refraining from sharing personal information or trying to reach out to them through mutual friends or other indirect channels. Such actions can be perceived as intrusive and may violate their personal boundaries.

E. Move On

In situations that are permanent, it is crucial to accept the reality of the circumstances and redirect your attention towards progress. By prioritizing healthy communication with those in your life, you can foster strong relationships and support your emotional well-being.

Conclusion

If you suspect someone has blocked you on iMessage, you can look for some clues in message delivery indicators, message color, and how calls behave. While these signs may give you hints of your blockage, they aren’t considered absolute because of a few technical reasons, such as Do Not Disturb mode enabled or network problems.

To confirm, try other methods of reaching out, such as FaceTime, contacting through other platforms, or asking for mutual contacts. If you find out you are blocked, treat it like an adult. Respect the person’s decision, reflect on what might have gone wrong, and move on with your life.

Let this experience not weigh you down but be an opportunity to stand up for yourself and forge better relationships. If reconciling is appropriate, consider respectful outreach at a later time. Remember, your time and energy are valuable wisely in people and situations that uplift you. 

FAQs

How can I check the delivery status of my iMessages?

You can check the delivery status by looking for “Delivered” or “Read” below your sent messages. If these indicators are absent, it may suggest that you’ve been blocked.

What does it mean if my iMessage turns from blue to green?

A blue bubble indicates an iMessage, while a green bubble means the message is sent as an SMS. This change could imply that you’ve been blocked, but it may also occur if the recipient has disabled iMessage or is using a non-Apple device.

Can I confirm if I’m blocked without messaging the person directly?

Yes, you can try FaceTimeing them or checking their social media activity. If FaceTime fails to connect or you notice changes in social media interactions, these could be signs that they have been blocked.

What should I do if I suspect I’ve been blocked on iMessage?

Consider waiting a few days to see if communication resumes. If not, you might reach out through other channels or mutual contacts to clarify the situation.

How do group chats indicate if someone has blocked me?

In group chats, if a person who previously participated suddenly stops responding or their messages are absent while others continue to interact, it may suggest they have blocked you on iMessage.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.