Understanding iMessage and How to Tell if You’re Blocked
iMessage: An Obstacle for Android Users
Apple’s iMessage is a popular text messaging application that supports various devices, making it a significant barrier for anyone thinking of switching to Android. iMessage users can send messages through their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and MacBook, and the data-based protocol allows access to advanced features like media sharing, message reactions, status updates, and read receipts. While Google is catching up by adding iMessage features, there is no two-way interoperability with Google’s RCS messaging app, making it challenging for Android users to connect with iMessage users.
The Non-Confrontational Way to Handle Uncomfortable Situations
The text message’s detached nature can create uncomfortable situations, making it easier to get on someone’s bad side. iMessage can help deal with these situations non-confrontationally by allowing users to block the offending party without detection (unless the recipient knows what to look for).
How to Tell If You’re Blocked on iMessage
As a privacy-focused feature, there is no notification or clear indicator that someone has blocked you on iMessage. However, there are a few signs that you’ve been blocked on iMessage:
Check the Bubble Color
A green bubble indicates that you’re sending a regular text instead of using Apple’s proprietary messaging protocol. If someone has blocked you on iMessage, the service prevents instant messages from being delivered, and your message is sent as a regular text message, turning the text bubble green. However, a green text message bubble can also mean the recipient’s phone is turned off, offline, or switched to Android.
Check the Status Update of a Text to Confirm Delivery
iMessage includes delivery and read receipts, meaning that you can see when your messages are delivered, unless you’ve been blocked by the recipient or the message was sent as a regular text. If you’re not seeing “Delivered” under a text, you’ve most likely been blocked. However, ensure that you have an active internet connection and that your messages go through to other iMessage users before assuming you’ve been blocked.
Look for the Moon Icon in iMessage
Focus and Do Not Disturb Mode on iOS can disable notifications temporarily. If someone has their notifications turned off, they might not respond to your messages. Starting with iOS 15, incoming calls can ring through even if Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode is active, and recipients have the option to break through Focus Mode for those on their friends and family list.
Try to Call the Number You’re Texting
If someone blocks you on iMessage, you can’t call them. If you place a call to a number that blocked you, the call goes to voicemail after a single ring. If you’re that concerned and have tried other methods without success, you could try calling them from a different number.
When to Walk Away
If you’re having trouble getting in touch with someone or suspect that you’ve been blocked, it’s best to give them space. Obsessing over it can lead to cyberstalking, and it’s always best to communicate face-to-face or seek outside perspective.
Using All the Messaging Apps at Your Fingertips
iMessage is Apple’s cornerstone application, but for those unimpressed by it, Google Messages is a fantastic alternative with its own set of unique features. Once you’ve set up RCS Chat, Google Messages allows Android users to communicate seamlessly with other Android users and iMessage users.
