Ever sent a text and wondered why you never got a response? It’s possible you’ve been blocked, but how can you tell for sure?
This is a tricky situation because when someone blocks your number, the way your messages behave can vary depending on the platform and device you're using.
This article will break down exactly what happens when you're blocked and how different messaging systems handle it.
What Happens to Your Messages When You’re Blocked?
If someone blocks you, your text messages won't be delivered to them. However, the way this looks on your end can be misleading.
Sometimes, you’ll see a "Delivered" notification even though the recipient never actually receives the message.
This happens because the message may have been processed by the network or the messaging app, but it’s stopped before reaching the recipient’s phone.
Here’s what happens based on the type of phone involved:
iPhone to iPhone
If you’re using an iPhone and you message another iPhone user, your messages usually appear in blue (indicating iMessage). When you're blocked, the message won’t say “Delivered” or “Read.” You might just see a green bubble, indicating that the message was sent as a regular SMS, but it still won’t reach the person.
iPhone to Android
If you send a text from an iPhone to an Android user who has blocked you, it will typically be sent as an SMS, but it won’t be delivered. You won’t get a delivery notification or any indication that you’ve been blocked, the message just disappears into the void.
Android to iPhone
When sending from an Android to an iPhone, the message might still show as “Delivered” because iPhones often process the delivery status before the block is registered. However, the recipient still won’t see the message.
Android to Android
On Android devices, blocked messages won’t show any delivery confirmation. The message might appear as sent on your end, but the recipient's phone won’t register it, and you won’t get any feedback that it was blocked.
Why Do Messages Sometimes Show as “Delivered” If You're Blocked?
Seeing a "Delivered" status can be misleading when you're blocked. This happens because the message has been processed by the network or app before the block is applied.
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On iMessage, the "Delivered" status can appear before the message reaches the recipient’s phone.
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Some messaging systems register delivery when the message hits the server, not when the recipient actually receives it.
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If the block happened after the message was processed, you might still see "Delivered," but the message won’t be visible to the recipient.
How to Tell If You've Been Blocked
Wondering if you’ve been blocked? Here are some signs that could confirm it:
1. No Response Over Time
If you’ve sent several messages and haven’t received a response after days or weeks, it’s possible you’ve been blocked.
2. Delivery Status Stays the Same
If your messages always show as "Delivered" but are never marked as "Read" (especially on iPhones), that’s a red flag.
3. Calls Go Straight to Voicemail
When someone blocks you, your calls might go directly to voicemail after one ring or none at all. This can also happen if the person’s phone is off, but if it’s happening consistently, you might be blocked.
4. Message Status Changes
On iMessage, if your messages switch from blue (iMessage) to green (SMS) after consistent use of iMessage, you might have been blocked.
5. No "Typing" or "Read" Indicators
If you normally see typing indicators or read receipts and they suddenly disappear, it’s a subtle clue that you’ve been blocked.
What About Third-Party Messaging Apps?
Blocking works differently depending on the app you’re using. Here’s how some popular messaging platforms handle blocked messages:
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When you’re blocked, you’ll only see a single gray checkmark (indicating the message was sent).
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You won’t see the second checkmark (which confirms delivery) or blue checkmarks (which confirm the message was read).
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Profile updates and last seen status will disappear.
Facebook Messenger
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When blocked, messages won’t be delivered or appear in the recipient’s inbox.
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You won’t be able to see their active status or updates.
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Direct messages from a blocked account will not go through.
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You won’t be able to see the recipient’s online status or any updates.
Snapchat
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If you’re blocked, your messages won’t be delivered, and you won’t see a response.
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Snaps you send won’t show as “opened” or “delivered.”
Will Phone Calls Go Through If I'm Blocked?
When someone blocks your number, phone calls typically behave differently based on the platform:
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iPhone – The call might ring once and then go straight to voicemail.
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Android – The call might not go through at all or may immediately be directed to voicemail.
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Voicemail – If a blocked call goes to voicemail, the recipient won’t receive a notification about the message.
Can Previously Blocked Messages Be Delivered After Unblocking?
No. Any messages you sent while you were blocked are permanently lost. Unblocking only allows future messages to be received, anything sent during the blocked period is gone for good.
Final Thoughts
So, do text messages still get delivered if you’re blocked? In most cases, no. While some platforms might show a "Delivered" status, the message won’t actually reach the recipient.
The signs of being blocked, like no response, failed delivery statuses, and calls going straight to voicemail, are usually pretty clear.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to respect the other person’s choice and move on. After all, communication is a two-way street, if someone isn’t open to talking, it’s often better to let it go.
Also Read: Learn How to Unsend a Message on Facebook?
