If you message someone and then immediately block them, your message will likely be delivered (especially if sent as SMS), but they won't be able to reply, and you won't see their responses; the key is that your message goes through before the block takes full effect, preventing their future communication, though the existing chat history often remains. On platforms like Instagram and Facebook, your message thread stays in your inbox, but they can't send new ones, and they might see notifications but can't open the message, which some users find impolite.
Messages. After you block someone, your messaging threads with them will remain in your Direct inbox, but you won't be able to message them.
Any attempt to message you will result in an error, though Instagram doesn't explicitly tell them they've been blocked. The key distinction is that blocking prevents future communication while preserving the existing message history for both parties.
When a number is blocked, any incoming messages from that number are not delivered to your device, meaning they do not appear in your messages app at all. Once you unblock the number, you will only receive new messages sent after unblocking.
The good news is that no, they cannot. When you block someone from your iPhone, all incoming calls, texts, and FaceTime calls from that person will be blocked. This means the person will not hear a ringtone or receive any notification for incoming messages sent to you because the messages simply won't be delivered.
Messages the person sends, including through iMessage, won't be delivered, and calls will go straight to voicemail, where, if they leave a message, it will go to a “Blocked Messages” folder. The person also won't be able to FaceTime you.
If you're phone uses Google Messages, the "Spam & blocked" folder often only shows junk or spam messages from unknown senders. It won't show text messages from people you've blocked. But, if you own a Samsung phone, the Samsung Messages app does show texts from blocked contacts as well.
If you text someone who blocked you, they won't receive your text. In most cases, you won't see anything special on your end—no notifications that you've been blocked, and the message won't fail. The text will look like it went through, but the person you're texting won't know you've texted them.
Blocked contacts won't receive texts or notifications, and read receipts won't appear. To verify blocking, check if calls go straight to voicemail or use alternative communication methods.
"Restrict" on Instagram is a feature that allows users to limit unwanted interactions with someone without blocking or unfollowing them. It's a more subtle way to control what users see from a specific account, and the restricted account will not be notified.
Practical signs someone may have muted you
Messages remain “sent” or “delivered” but never get quick replies: If your messages consistently show delivered but the person doesn't reply for long stretches while they remain active elsewhere, muting could be the reason.
Soft blocking on Instagram is a subtle way to remove someone from your followers without them knowing, achieved by briefly blocking and then unblocking a user; this forces them to unfollow you, stopping their content from appearing in your feed and yours in theirs, but allows them to still find your profile and interact if they try, acting as a low-drama way to set boundaries. It's different from Instagram's built-in "Restrict" feature, which hides their comments and messages without unfollowing them, though both offer discreet ways to manage unwanted interactions.
Ultimately, the choice between Instagram Restrict and Block depends on your desired level of interaction and visibility. If you prefer a more subtle approach that maintains some semblance of engagement, Restrict is your go-to.
It depends on your end goal. If you are doing this to get them back then just ignore. If you just want to move on then block. If your goal is to hurt them, I would advise not to.
Blocking a contact won't remove them from your contacts list, nor will it remove you from the list on the contact's phone. The existing chat will remain in your chatlist. You can delete the chat if you want to remove it from your chatlist, or archive the chat to hide it from your chatlist.
Generally, you won't see texts from a blocked number because they're silenced, but on Android, they often go to a "Spam & Blocked" folder in your Messages app; on iPhone, texts are usually lost, but you might find missed calls in a "Blocked Messages" or "Blocked Calls" section of your voicemail, as blocked calls often go to a separate voicemail box.
Check your text thread to see if your messages recently went from blue to green. Unless the other person recently switched from iPhone to Android, this is a sign that the other person has blocked you on iMessage. Save $100 on an unlocked 256GB Apple iPhone 15 at Best Buy with activation via AT&T or Verizon.
Blocked messages will not come through when unblocked.
You won't be able to retrieve them. If you decide to unblock the person, you will receive the texts normally. However, if the blocked person calls and leaves you a voicemail, you can check it. It can be found in the Blocked Messages section of the Phone app.
No, you *cannot use 67 for text messages; it only works for hiding your caller ID on phone calls by displaying "Private" or "Unknown," but it won't hide your number for texts. To send anonymous texts, you need to use built-in phone settings to hide your number (if available with your carrier) or use third-party apps like Google Voice or Hushed for a separate number.
Yes. They'll be able to see it. You won't get the message if they respond.
If the person you're calling has blocked anonymous calls, *67 won't work either. While *67 hides your number from the person you're calling, phone companies can still trace the call. The good news is that using *67 is completely free, but you will need to dial it every time you want to keep your number private.
SMS is a cellular carrier technology where Apple controls iMessage. If a person blocks you on iMessage, then they won't get any of your texts at all.
Android phones move all blocked messages into a folder on the phone called “Spam and Blocked.” That means that the phone is still collecting messages from the blocked people; they just aren't notifying you.
By blocking someone, a person effectively sets a boundary, making it clear that they do not wish to engage further, thereby reclaiming their psychological space. Blocking can serve as a defence mechanism against negative emotions.
Call using a VoIP service or internet calling app
Since VoIP uses cloud-based routing rather than a mobile network, it can sometimes bypass network-based blocks or spam filters that stop regular calls from going through. Popular VoIP options include: Voiso. Skype.