Will SMS Be Delivered if Blocked on iPhone?
The short answer is: no, SMS messages from a blocked number will generally not be delivered to an iPhone. However, there are some nuances to this seemingly straightforward answer. Let's delve into the details.
When you block a number on your iPhone, the system prevents that number from contacting you through several avenues, including:
- SMS (text messages): Blocked numbers will typically not be able to send you text messages. These messages will not appear in your inbox, nor will they be silently delivered to a hidden folder.
- iMessage: If the blocked contact is using iMessage, the message will be similarly blocked. Unlike SMS, iMessage does not create a delivery receipt, so you won't get a notification that the message was blocked.
- Phone calls: This is the most obvious effect of blocking a number; calls will go straight to voicemail.
However, there are some exceptions and important considerations:
Will Blocked Texts Still Appear in Any Way?
No, blocked text messages from a blocked number will not appear in your inbox, your message history, or any hidden folders on your iPhone. The operating system is designed to prevent any delivery whatsoever.
What if the Blocked Number Uses a Different Service?
While highly unlikely, if the blocked sender uses a third-party messaging app (like WhatsApp or Telegram), and that app doesn't rely on the iPhone's blocking features, a message might still reach you. The blocking functionality primarily applies to native SMS and iMessage services.
Can Blocked Numbers Still Leave Voicemails?
Yes, even if a number is blocked, a person can still leave a voicemail message. However, you'll typically receive a notification that a voicemail from an unknown number has been received.
How Can I Check if a Number is Blocked?
You can check your blocked contacts list within your iPhone's settings. Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. If the number appears here, it's currently blocked.
Does Blocking a Number Block All Communication?
Essentially, yes, blocking a number on your iPhone aims to prevent nearly all communication avenues – SMS, iMessages, and phone calls. Remember that third-party apps are an exception, and voicemails are still possible.
What Happens if I Unblock the Number?
Once you unblock a number, messages sent after the unblocking will be delivered. Messages sent while the number was blocked will remain undelivered; you won't receive them retroactively.
In conclusion, while the iPhone's blocking feature is generally effective at preventing SMS delivery from blocked numbers, it's important to be aware of potential exceptions related to third-party messaging apps and voicemails. The system aims to provide a robust way to manage unwanted communication, and for the majority of cases, it successfully prevents messages from blocked contacts.
