If number is blocked does it receive texts

In this article, we investigate what happens when you block a number on iPhone and how it affects calls, voicemails, text messages, and video calls.

Smartphones have become an extension of their users. We use them to work, stay in touch with friends, and for entertainment. They go everywhere with us. 

As a result, smartphones are a cornerstone of the debates regarding personal privacy.

And one of the best tools for taking control of your privacy is the block button on your iPhone. Most people do not deserve access to you or your phone. When a stranger contacts you without permission, or someone crosses a personal boundary, you have the right and power to block that person. 

But what technically happens when you block a number on iPhone? Do they get notified? And to what extent is that person truly blocked? 

Let’s find out. 

What happens to phone calls when you block a number on iPhone?

First things first: people are not notified when you block them. 

As soon as you block someone on iPhone, they lose the ability to text or call you. Except the blocking happens at the level of your device. So the person who was blocked won’t know they’re blocked when they try to call you. On their end, they’ll hear the phone ring a few times. Then, their call will go straight to voicemail. 

Here is the one big catch with blocking someone on iPhone. Technically, they can still send you a voicemail. You’ll receive the voicemail to your phone but not get notified that the message is there. So, blocking someone on iPhone still technically gives the person on the other end a window to reach you, if you choose to listen to their message.

(As an aside, if you don’t want the person you’ve blocked to leave a voicemail, then you’ll need to contact your phone carrier. When your phone carrier blocks the number from their end, then this will also stop the blocked person from being able to leave voicemails.)

What happens to incoming text messages when you block a number on iPhone?

When someone you’ve blocked tries to text you, you will not receive text messages from them. The blocked person also does not receive any notification that they’re blocked.

However, many iPhone users may be able to deduce that you’ve blocked them. This is because of the iMessage text “status” feature on iPhones. When two iMessage users text one another, the message status bar says “Delivered” when the message arrives and the conversation bubbles are blue. 

So, when someone you’ve blocked texts you, they will not see any delivery status for their text and their message bubble will turn green. Some people could use that to deduce they’ve been blocked. 

What happens to FaceTime calls when you block a number on iPhone?

Just like with calls and texts, the person you’ve blocked will not be notified that they’re blocked when they try to FaceTime you. Instead, they simply won’t be able to reach you. From their end, it will appear as though you simply didn’t pick up. 

Their device will continue ringing (on their end) until the blocked person eventually hangs up the call. You won’t be notified in any way and (unlike with a standard voice call) the blocked person will not have an option to leave a voicemail.

How does blocking work on an iPhone?

Okay, let’s look under the hood of your device. What (technologically speaking) happens when you block a number on your iPhone? 

Blocking a phone call is fairly simple from a tech perspective. Your device is essentially just not notifying you when that person tries to call, FaceTime, or send a text. It’s basically the equivalent of being on Airplane Mode, but only toward specific phone numbers.

This simplicity also explains why you still receive voicemails from people you’ve blocked. Receiving calls and accepting voicemails are two different functions. Blocking incoming calls doesn’t block incoming voicemails. 

Phone carriers are in the blocking game, too

As we briefly alluded to above, there are two common ways to block phone numbers. The simplest is local to your device. You simply block the number using the Contacts app on your iPhone. 

The second method is to request your carrier to block a number for you. This is the most effective form of blocking. When your carrier blocks a number on your behalf, it prevents the caller from leaving a voicemail.

Fun fact: Carriers are already blocking numbers on your behalf. In fact, it’s one of the most underrated secret services that phone carriers offer their users. 

Scammers are unfortunately everywhere these days. With every step forward in communication tech, scammers have tried to ride the wave of innovation. This means, with a smartphone in almost everyone’s pocket, scammers are consistently sending automated texts and spam phone calls with the intent of reaching you. 

Fortunately, phone service companies are also in the quiet business of blocking robocalls and spam texts—to the tune of 1 billion calls per month!

Sure, many unknown calls and texts still break through. But if it weren’t for phone service companies, most of us would be stuck in a constant stream of calls and texts. 

Blocking a number means exercising your right to privacy

There are two general categories of number blocking. You can block robocalls and you can block people you know. 

Don’t feel guilty when you block someone you know. This is a great way to set personal boundaries and to give yourself space from a toxic or dangerous individual. The best part is: they won’t even know because blocking someone doesn’t send a notification.

On the other hand, most of us have no problem blocking robocalls or spam texts. In fact, who even gave them your number in the first place? 

Unfortunately, laws around robocalls, sales calls, or sending spam-filled texts are lax at best and hard to enforce. For most of us, blocking or ignoring spam is just a part of life in the 21st century. Hopefully, phone vetting technology will continue to advance so that more spam calls can be filtered out at the carrier level.

In the meantime, here are other steps for taking your right to privacy back into your own hands:

• Limit the personal information you share in online profiles
• Update iPhone software as soon as possible (to take advantage of the latest security patches)
• Use random passwords (and change them often) to mitigate the risk of account hacking
• Configure multi-factor authentication for your most important accounts (like banks)
• Never send personal information to a stranger online
• Use a trusted VPN while browsing the web 

A few small changes go a long way. By following these simple steps you will be among the safest iPhone users in the world. When used in combination with blocking at either your device or carrier level, you can ensure you’re less likely to be contacted by unwanted individuals.

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