How to Tell If Your Phone Number Is Blocked on iPhone and iMessage

In this article, let’s explore the most reliable ways to determine whether someone has blocked your number, along with some specific tips to find out if you’ve been blocked on iMessage.

How to Tell If Someone Has Blocked Your Phone Number on iPhone

We’ve tested various software versions and different devices to find the most accurate ways to determine whether you’ve been blocked or the person is simply unavailable, out of service range, or has enabled Do Not Disturb mode. While these methods may provide helpful hints, there’s no foolproof way to know if someone has blocked you on iPhone. Below, we’ll discuss signs to look for when making calls or sending text messages.

1. Call the Person to See If the Call Goes Straight to Voicemail.

Calling someone is the best way to find out if your number is blocked on iPhone. If you call someone, and the call goes straight to voicemail (with just one ring), you might be blocked.

Signs you might notice when blocked include a quick ring or no full ring before going to voicemail. You can leave a voicemail as usual, but it will appear in a separate voicemail section on their iPhone, known as “Blocked Messages.” While you’re blocked, they won’t know you called, and there won’t be any notifications about the blocked voicemail.

Note: This is the most reliable method to check if your number is blocked, but it could also mean the person has turned off their phone or has no mobile service.

2. Check the Delivered Notification Below Your Last Sent Message.

A useful tip to know if you’ve been blocked on iMessage: Check below your last sent message. If you’re blocked, you won’t see the “Delivered” notification under the most recent text bubble. However, with recent security updates, this tip depends on your iPhone software version. If you’ve updated to iOS 16.5 or later, you may still see the “Delivered” notification even if you’re blocked.

Note: Checking the delivered notification only works for iMessages (blue text bubbles). If the other person is using Android or the message is sent as SMS (green text bubbles), your iPhone won’t show the delivered notification.

3. Seeing “Read” Means You’re Not Blocked on iMessage.

If you send a message and see the “Read” notification along with the time, the person has received and opened your message, and you’re not blocked. However, don’t worry if you don’t see the “Read” notification — it could be turned off on their device and doesn’t necessarily mean you’re blocked.

4. Automatic Text Responses Indicate You’re Not Blocked.

If the other person has enabled Do Not Disturb or Focus mode while driving, you may receive immediate text responses indicating they are not available to respond. If you get these automatic responses, it’s a good sign that your number is not blocked because auto-replies don’t go to blocked numbers on iPhone.

5. Check for a Moon Icon, Indicating Do Not Disturb Mode.

If you see a moon icon next to the conversation in Messages or above the text field during a chat, it means the person has enabled Do Not Disturb. While Do Not Disturb is active, notifications won’t alert them, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re blocked. If you can see their Do Not Disturb status (moon icon), your number is likely not blocked.

6. “No Delivery” Error Doesn’t Necessarily Mean You’re Blocked.

If you encounter an iMessage “Not Delivered” error, it doesn’t necessarily indicate you’ve been blocked. This error simply means your message couldn’t reach the other person. To resend a message, tap on the red exclamation mark next to it and choose “Try Again” or send it as a text message (green text bubble).

7. Check if You’re Blocked on Other Third-Party Apps.

When someone decides to block you, they may do so on social media and other third-party messaging apps. On platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp, clear signs exist to determine whether you’re blocked, providing additional confirmation that your iPhone number may be blocked.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if someone has blocked my number?

The best way to know if you’ve been blocked on iMessage is to call the person. If your call goes straight to voicemail with just one ring or no full ring, you might be blocked. Additionally, you can check for signs such as missing “Delivered” notifications and the absence of the “Read” notification on iMessage.

Can I call someone who has blocked me on iPhone?

Yes, you can call someone who has blocked you by turning off your Caller ID or using *67 to hide your Caller ID. However, it’s essential to respect people’s privacy.

Can I leave a voicemail if my number is blocked?

Yes, you can leave a voicemail if your number is blocked, but the voicemail will appear in a separate section on their iPhone called “Blocked Messages.” They won’t receive any notifications about the blocked voicemail.

Does iMessage turn green if you’re blocked?

No, the color of the iMessage bubble (green or blue) doesn’t indicate whether you’re blocked. If your message is sent as SMS (green text bubble), iMessage won’t show the “Delivered” notification. However, with recent iOS versions, the “Delivered” notification may still appear even if you’re blocked.

What does it mean when iMessage doesn’t show “Delivered”?

For iOS 16.4 and earlier, not seeing the “Delivered” notification could mean your number has been blocked or that the message couldn’t be successfully delivered. If you’re using iOS 16.5 or later, you may still see the “Delivered” notification even if you’re blocked.

How do you know if someone has blocked you on iMessage or iPhone?

The most reliable way is to call the person. If your call goes straight to voicemail with just one ring, you might be blocked. Other signs include missing “Delivered” notifications, the absence of the “Read” notification, and the presence of a moon icon (indicating Do Not Disturb). Checking for automatic text responses and being blocked on other third-party apps can also provide additional clues.

Remember, while these methods may offer insights, there’s no guaranteed way to know if someone has blocked you on iPhone. Always be respectful of others’ privacy and communication preferences.