If someone hasn’t responded to your iMessages and you’re wondering if you’ve been blocked, there’s no single way to confirm it, but there are several clues that may hint at being blocked. Here’s a quick guide on spotting these signs. If you’re on the other side and want to block someone, we’ll also briefly touch on how to block a number on an iPhone.
Quick Checklist
Tools: Just your iPhone and an internet or phone signal.
Steps:
- Look for “Read” or “Delivered”: Open the Messages conversation and check if “Read” or “Delivered” appears under your last message. If it doesn’t, it could mean you’re blocked.
- Check Message Color: Blue indicates normal iPhone-to-iPhone messaging, while green may suggest issues like poor cell reception or that you’re blocked.
- Try FaceTime: If you attempt a FaceTime call and receive an error, it’s possible you’re blocked.
- Make a Call: Call the person; if it rings once and goes to voicemail, blocking is likely, but it could also mean the person rejected your call.
- Reach Out on Other Apps: Try messaging on WhatsApp or social media. If none of these work, it’s likely you’ve been blocked.
Detailed Steps
- Check for “Read” or “Delivered”
Open the iMessage thread with the person. If you see “Read” or “Delivered” beneath your last message, it means it went through. “Delivered” suggests they received it, and “Read” confirms they saw it—unless they’ve turned off read receipts, in which case only “Delivered” will appear. If neither appears, blocking is a possibility. - Verify Message Color
Normally, iMessages appear in blue for iPhone-to-iPhone messages. If the latest messages are suddenly green, this could mean:
- They’re using a non-iPhone device.
- They’re in an area with poor reception.
- You may be blocked.
- Attempt a FaceTime Call
Try a FaceTime call by selecting the contact and tapping on “video” or the FaceTime icon. An error here can be a hint that you’re blocked. - Call and Check for Voicemail
Try calling the person. If it rings once before going straight to voicemail, it’s a sign of potential blocking. However, they may have also manually sent your call to voicemail if they’re busy. - Try Other Apps or Social Media
Check if you’re able to connect through WhatsApp, Instagram, or other platforms. If they don’t respond there either, combined with the other signs, it’s quite possible that you’ve been blocked.
What to Do Next
If all signs point to being blocked, it’s best to respect their space. It’s clear they may not wish to communicate right now. Consider waiting a few weeks or reaching out indirectly if necessary, such as through a mutual friend.
If It’s an Emergency: Instead of repeatedly contacting them, reach out to a close friend or relative of theirs to share your concern.
These steps can guide you in determining if someone blocked you, but keep in mind that technical issues can also cause similar signs. Sometimes, the best response is simply to give space and wait.
