If You Block Someone Can You Still Text Them: What Happens on iPhone and Android

This works because blocking creates a system-level restriction that prevents your device from processing outgoing messages to that contact. 🔥 On iOS, Apple’s iMessage system shows "delivered" status to maintain transparency, even though the recipient never gets the message.

Meanwhile, Android’s RCS behaves similarly, though some carriers handle delivery receipts differently. The key takeaway? Blocking stops messages from reaching them, but the sender’s device may still show confirmation—just don’t expect them to see it.

For third-party apps, the rules vary wildly. Some, like WhatsApp, will let you send messages even after blocking because they operate outside your phone’s native messaging system. Others, like Signal, may enforce stricter blocking rules.

Always check the app’s privacy settings if you’re unsure—your best bet is to create a new contact or use a different account entirely if you need to communicate discreetly.

How blocking affects iMessage vs SMS on iPhone and Android

Here's what's actually happening when you block someone: On iOS devices, Apple's iMessage system uses a unique end-to-end encrypted protocol that tracks message delivery status.

When you block a contact, your iPhone prevents messages from being sent to their device entirely, but Apple's servers still register the delivery attempt to maintain transparency in the sender's sent folder.

This is why you might see a "delivered" receipt even though they never receive the message—it's a server-side confirmation of the transmission attempt, not actual delivery.

The difference with SMS (carrier-based texts) is subtle but important. SMS operates through your cellular carrier's network, not Apple's servers. When you block someone via SMS, your phone simply ignores all incoming messages from that number, but there's no server-side tracking of delivery attempts.

However, some carriers may still show a "delivered" status in the sender's app if their network confirms the message reached your tower—though it won't go to your device. Android's RCS (Rich Communication Services) behaves similarly to iMessage in this regard, showing delivery receipts even when blocked.

What most people don't realize is how this affects the sender's experience. On iPhone, blocked contacts see their messages marked as "delivered" in green (iMessage) or blue (SMS) bubbles, but with no read receipts.

The key difference is that iMessage's delivery confirmation comes from Apple's servers, while SMS delivery status depends on your carrier's network. Some carriers like Verizon or T-Mobile may show more reliable delivery confirmations than others, which can be confusing for senders who think their messages are actually being received.

Android devices with RCS enabled show similar behavior, though the implementation varies by manufacturer. Google's default Messages app uses RCS for enhanced features, which includes delivery receipts that work like iMessage's system.

However, Samsung's Messages app or third-party SMS apps might handle blocking differently—some may show messages as "delivered" while others might not provide any confirmation at all. This inconsistency is why you'll sometimes see different behaviors even between Android devices.

Here's a concrete example to illustrate: If you block someone on iPhone and send them an iMessage, your phone will show the message as "delivered" in your sent folder, but their device will show nothing.

However, if you use SMS instead, some carriers might show the message as "delivered" to the sender, while others might not provide any status at all. The variability comes from how each carrier implements SMS delivery reports—a feature that's completely separate from Apple's iMessage system.

The technical reason behind this is that iMessage uses Apple's push notification service to track delivery status, while SMS relies on your carrier's SMSC (Short Message Service Center).

When you block someone, your device simply filters out all messages from that contact at the application level, but the underlying network protocols still handle the transmission attempt. This is why you might see delivery confirmations even when the recipient never gets the message.

For Android users, the experience depends on whether you're using standard SMS or RCS. With RCS enabled, you'll see similar delivery confirmations to iMessage, but with standard SMS, the behavior might be more inconsistent.

The key takeaway is that blocking creates a one-way filter—your device ignores messages from that contact, but the network might still provide delivery information to the sender's device.

Workarounds to send messages after blocking someone

If you absolutely need to send a message to someone you've blocked, creating a brand-new contact is your most reliable workaround. On iPhone, go to Contacts, tap the "+" icon, and add their number under a different name (like "Work Colleague #2").

This bypasses the block because it's a fresh entry. On Android, open your Contacts app, tap the "+" button, and enter their details under a new name—just avoid using the same phone number you blocked. The key is to never associate the blocked number with the original contact.

Third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal often ignore native blocking rules. Install the app, create a new account using a different phone number or email, then search for their contact. These platforms operate independently of your device's native messaging system, so blocking in SMS/iMessage won't affect them.

Just remember: if you use the same phone number for both accounts, some apps might link them and reveal you're the same person. 💫

For a temporary solution, you can unblock someone briefly to send a message, then reblock them immediately. On iPhone: Settings > Notifications > Blocked Contacts > select their name > tap "Unblock This Contact." Send your message, then reblock them the same way.

On Android: Settings > Blocked Numbers > find their number > tap "Unblock." The risk here is accidental unblocking if you forget to reblock, so set a reminder or use a separate device if possible. I recommend testing this first with a less critical contact to understand the timing.

Another clever trick is using a burner email address or social media DMs. Platforms like Facebook Messenger or Instagram handle blocking differently than native SMS. Create a new account, find their profile, and send a message through the platform's app.

Since these services don't integrate with your phone's contact list, they won't trigger the block. The downside? They might recognize you if you've interacted before through the same account type.

If you're tech-savvy, you could also try using a virtual phone number service like Google Voice or TextNow. These services provide separate phone numbers that operate independently of your main line. Blocking your personal number won't affect messages sent through the virtual number.

Just be aware that some carriers may flag suspicious activity if you're sending many messages through a new number. For most people, creating a new contact or using a third-party app is simpler and more effective.