How to tell if you're blocked on iMessage

It can be difficult to determine if you've been blocked on iMessage. iMessages are central to how we connect, but what if your messages suddenly stop being delivered?

This could mean that the recipient's phone is unreachable or turned off. But it could also mean something else: you've been blocked. Even the best phones currently available, like the iPhone 15 Pro, don't tell you when you've been blocked. It's up to you to get to the bottom of it.

Here's what to look for to understand what's happening with your iMessages.

How to tell if you're blocked on iOS messages

Make sure we're all on the same page by updating your iPhone to the latest version of iOS. We can show you How to update an iPhone If you need help.

1. Check the message status

(Image: © Future)

First, Check the status of your iMessages. Usually, messages sent between iPhone users appear in blue chat bubbles. Check out the last message you sent – it says “Delivered”, “Read” or no status is displayed at all?

For iPhone users with iOS 16.5 or later, the message will say “Delivered” even if you've been blocked. If you're using iOS 16.4 or earlier and your last message says “Delivered” below it, rest assured you haven't been blocked.

If your message is Not deliveredDon't panic. This status indicates that an error occurred while sending your message. You can try to send the message again by Tap the exclamation mark And Click “Try again”.

2. What color is the bubble?

Green bubbles from an Android text in the Messages app

(Image: © Future)

Although a A green bubble may mean that you have been blockedthere may be something else going on. If the recipient has a poor internet connection, their device may not be able to use iMessage and will default to SMS instead. This can happen if the signal is weak or the Wi-Fi connection is poor.

When you're blocked, iMessages that reply to Apple's servers can't get through, so they switch to SMS. SMS messages use your carrier's network, which is why those bubbles turn green. If your messages were blue and are now green, you may be on someone's block list.

3. Focus modes and the moon symbol

A screenshot showing how to enable Do Not Disturb on iPhone

(Image: © Future)

Focus Mode is an iPhone feature that helps us avoid interruptions. When this feature is enabled, all messages and calls will be muted, not just yours. When someone has Focus Mode enabled, you will see a moon icon and “Notifications have been muted” is displayed in the message thread.

For example, if you are waiting for a response to a text message in the morning, the recipient may still have sleep Focus enabled. You may also have the Drive Focus on it to avoid distractions during your commute. On iPhones running prior to iOS 15, these Focus notifications will not appear in the Messages thread.

To check whether focus or Do not disturb could be the problem, try sending a message at different times or wait until you know they are likely to respond. If they usually respond promptly and now aren't, it could be a sign you've been blocked.

4. Watch for changes in social media

(L) The iOS app library view has smart folders with suggestions (like Disney Plus and Contacts), recently added apps (Google, Chrome) and social networks (Discord, Instagram, Messages) and (R) the open social folder view which includes apps like BeReal, Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Ivory and OKCupid).

If you have been blocked on iMessage, could also be blocked on social media platforms How Facebook, Instagramor Snapchat. You can try sending a message to see if you get a response or check for changes in your social media connections.

If you find that you are no longer friends, can't find the profile, or your messages aren't being sent, this is another indication that you may be blocked. While this can be annoying, it's important to respect the other person's decision.

5. Direct to voicemail?

iOS 17 Voicemail button

If all else fails, try calling the person. If your call goes straight to voicemail, you could be blocked. The phone could also be turned off or out of service. To rule this out, try calling at different times or on different days. If your calls consistently go straight to voicemail and you don't get a call back, that's a pretty strong indication that you've been blocked on iMessage.

While it can be difficult (and potentially a little unsettling) to determine if you've been blocked on iMessage, there are plenty of other features in Apple's messaging platform that can benefit you in other conversations – some you may have heard of, others you may have overlooked.

For example, if you sent an iMessage and wish you hadn't, you can also learn how to edit it or undo sending it. You can also learn how to send a voice message in a few simple steps or reply to individual messages with a swipe.

How to tell if you're blocked on iMessage

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How to tell if you're blocked on iMessage

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