How to know if someone blocked your number
4 min read
It’s never pleasant when you realize someone may have blocked your number. Whether you had a falling out with your friend, started missing your ex (can’t recommend), or wanted to get in touch with a former coworker — being unable to reach them may be suspicious. So let’s find out how you can tell if someone has blocked your number — for your own peace of mind.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Signs someone has blocked your number
If you suspect someone may have blocked your number, you can look for various signs. None of them are a 100% guarantee that you’ve been blocked, but taken together they can help you form a clearer picture.
- Consistent voicemail redirects. One of the most common signs that someone blocked your number is when your calls immediately go to voicemail. It means that the person’s phone is rejecting your call outright.
- Different ring patterns. If you hear just one ring, or a very brief ringing sound before being taken to voicemail, it could also mean your number was blocked. But keep in mind that this could happen if the person’s phone is turned off or in “Do not disturb” mode.
- Undelivered texts. Undelivered text messages could also mean that the person you’re trying to contact has blocked your number. On some devices, messages will show a “Not delivered” status or remain pending indefinitely.
- No read receipts. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Telegram usually show if a message has been delivered and read. If you no longer see delivery confirmations when messaging someone, it could mean that you’ve been blocked. However, read receipts can be turned off by the user, so it’s not always a guaranteed sign that you’re blocked.
How to tell if someone blocked your number
The signs that someone has blocked your number are different when you’re dealing with different devices and apps. It’s easy to block a number on an iPhone, and Android devices even have special apps for blocking unwanted callers. Here’s how you can tell if you were blocked:
How to tell if someone has blocked your number on iPhone
- Send an iMessage. If you usually message someone on iMessage, a possible sign of being blocked is when all your messages appear as “Not delivered.” Of course, that could also mean there’s a network error or that the other person is using an Android phone — if that’s the case, you won’t get any receipts at all.
- Turn off Caller ID. If you suspect you’ve been blocked, try turning off your Caller ID in the settings and making a call. If the call goes through without a problem, it’s very likely that your number has been blocked.
How to tell if someone has blocked your number on Android
- Try sending a text message. If you send a message and you can’t see a “Delivered” or “Read” status, it may suggest you’ve been blocked. However, not all Android devices show a “Delivered” status for your texts, so it’s not a fool-proof method.
- Call them from another phone. This works for all devices, not only Android. If your calls always go straight to voicemail, immediately after, try calling the number from another phone. If it starts ringing (or they even pick up!), it’s a clear sign that your number has been blocked. However, this approach is rather disrespectful, so it’s better to ask your mutual friends if they were able to contact the person instead.
How to tell if someone has blocked your number from different apps
If someone blocks your number, your messages sent to the person on apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, or Viber won’t be delivered or show a “read” status. For example, in WhatsApp, your messages would no longer have the double gray checkmarks (delivered) or blue checkmarks (read) next to them. This test will work the same on Telegram and Viber — your messages will remain marked with a single checkmark, meaning they were sent out but not delivered.
Can I still leave a voicemail if I’ve been blocked?
Yes, you can still leave a voicemail if you have been blocked. When you call someone who has blocked your number, the call is usually redirected straight to voicemail without you hearing ringing or after just one ring. The person who blocked you will not receive a notification about the missed call, but they will be able to see and listen to the voicemail if they choose to check their messages.
What to do if someone has blocked your number
Finding out that someone has blocked your number can be frustrating, but you should handle the situation in a constructive way.
- Try reaching them through other channels. It’s possible that the person has simply enabled “Do not disturb” mode on their phone. If you suspect they may have done so accidentally (they’re an elderly relative, for example), try reaching out through other channels or visiting them to sort it out. Some people simply like to have “Do not disturb” mode enabled at all times (to avoid spam calls, for example). In this case, you can ask them to enable “emergency bypass” for your number if there’s a real need for urgent contact. However, it’s essential to approach these conversations respectfully.
- Respect the decision. Netiquette is important. If you find out that someone has blocked your number and your social media accounts, it’s important that you acknowledge their choice and avoid pushing for further contact. They may have their own reasons, and you should respect their boundaries.