If you’re tired of getting bombarded with texts from scammers, salespeople, or even a pesky ex, it’s time to learn how to block someone on iMessage (now known simply as Messages). On the flip side, if you can’t seem to get a response from someone, you may want to know if you’ve been blocked.
Here, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to block someone, how to unblock someone, and also how to tell if someone blocked you on iMessage.
An important note before we dive in: Blocking someone on iMessage will also mean that you will no longer receive calls, texts, or FaceTime calls from that person, so only do this if you want to completely cut communication.
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How to Block Unknown Senders On iMessage
If the messages you’re trying to block often come from unknown numbers, then blocking a single sender (more on that up next) won’t accomplish much. The best way to combat this is to filter out messages from unknown senders. Here are the steps:
- Open the “Settings” app
- Locate and select “Apps”
- Locate and select “Messages”
- Locate the “Message Filtering” section and turn on “Filter Unknown Senders”
Doing this won’t necessarily block every spam text you get, but it will separate any texts you receive from unknown contacts. An additional tip you’ll want to follow is when you do receive a scam or spam text, select “Delete and Report Junk” which can help your carrier identify and block similar messages in the future.
How to Block Contacts On iMessage
Whether you’ve had a falling out with someone or realize you’ve accidentally given your number to an MLM scammer who won’t leave you alone, blocking a contact is an easy and effective way to regain some peace. Here are two easy ways to block someone:
Method 1: From Your Inbox
- Select the conversation with the person you want to block
- Tap their number/contact card at the top of your screen
- Select “info”
- Select “Block Caller”
- Confirm “Block Contact”
Method 2: From Your Settings
- Open the “Settings” app
- Locate and select “Apps”
- Locate and select “Messages”
- Locate and select “Blocked Contacts”
- Select “Add New…”
- Choose the contact(s) you want to block
How to Unblock Contacts On iMessage
If for whatever reason you decide to unblock a number, you’ll simply follow the steps in Method 2 above, but once you get to the “Blocked Contacts” page (step 3), you’ll want to select “Edit” at the top right, and then press the red button next to the blocked contact to unblock them.
How to Block iMessage Notifications
If you’re someone who deals with a lot of texts and the explosion of notifications that comes with it, but don’t want to actually block anyone, you can simply turn off iMessage notifications. Alternatively, you can just turn off notifications from unknown senders. To do so, complete the following steps:
- Open the “Settings” app
- Locate and select “Apps”
- Locate and select “Messages”
- Locate and select “Notifications”
- *To disable all notifications, turn off “Allow Notifications”
- *To disable notifications from unknown senders, locate and select “Customize Notifications” and then disable “Unknown Senders” under the “Allow Notifications” section.
How to Disable iMessage
If it’s not just a few contacts you want to block, and in fact just want to rid yourself of texting completely, you can actually disable iMessage altogether. Here’s how:
- Open the “Settings” app
- Locate and select “Apps”
- Locate and select “Messages”
- Locate “iMessage” and toggle it off
- Select “Send & Receive” and unselect any phone numbers or email accounts so they can no longer be used by iMessage.
How to Tell If You’re Blocked on iMessage
Whether you’re wondering if someone can tell you’ve blocked them, or if you yourself have been blocked, there are a couple of ways you can find out.
When someone is blocked there won’t be a big notification, and from their end, it will still seem like they are able to send you texts. But, there are still some telltale signs (other than never getting a response) that could give away the fact that they’ve been blocked.
The biggest one is that every time the blocked person calls, it will take them straight to voicemail. While immediately getting someone’s voicemail can happen for many reasons, if it happens every single time, hours, days, or weeks apart, it’ll give away the fact they’ve been blocked.
If you’re wondering if you can somehow unblock yourself, the answer is no. And barring a really unfortunate accident, it’s best to let people control who they interact with.
iMessage Blocking Basics
By following the above steps, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to limiting who can reach you via iMessage. With that said, you still might have a couple of questions, so we’ll go over some of the basics.
Can Someone Tell If I’ve Blocked Them?
There’s no clear-cut way for them to know, but between you not responding to their texts (because you won’t be receiving them), and your phone always going to voicemail should they try to call, people will likely catch on.
Do Messages Get Delivered If I Unblock Someone?
No, anything that was sent while a number was blocked will remain undelivered. New texts, however, will be sent and received with no problems.
Can I Only Block Texts?
Currently, blocking a contact on iMessage means that a person can no longer call, text, or FaceTime you. This does not, however, affect third-party apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook.
Can I Send Messages to Someone I’ve Blocked?
If you’ve blocked someone, any messages you send out will not be delivered (which is only fair).
Who’s Behind Unwanted Calls and Texts
Blocking specific numbers can be helpful in limiting unwanted contact and freeing yourself from bothersome interactions. If you begin receiving texts or calls from numbers you don’t recognize, you can use the aid of a people search tool so you know who’s behind them, revealing if someone you’ve blocked has a new number. A tool like Spokeo allows you to enter the phone number and can provide information on who’s behind these new unwanted texts or calls.
Now, block away and be free of those unwanted contacts.
Cyrus Grant is a writer from Southern California with a background in law and dispute resolution. When he isn’t writing he can be found deep-diving into the latest technology trends or simply spending time at the beach.
