Can Blocked Numbers Text You? Myths vs. Reality

Privacy is not what it used to be. Around 90% of the world’s population uses smartphones. Yeah, this is useful. But it is also a cause for concern. Spam calls, relentless sales SMS, unwanted messages from people you would rather forget — sometimes blocking unwanted contacts is the only way to keep your peace (and safety). But what happens when you do this?

Blocking a number sounds simple — one hit and it is gone. No more calls, no more texts, no chat bubble, just peaceful silence.

Can blocked numbers text you? Will they know they are blocked? Or do their messages disappear into the abyss? With billions of texts sent daily and privacy concerns growing, it is time to clear up the confusion. Let’s separate fact from fiction and see what happens when you block someone's number.

The truth about message blocking

When you block someone, your phone or network does not erase them from existence (unfortunately). Instead, it uses two ways to filter out unwanted text messages:

1. Device-level blocking (handled by the phone). At its most basic level, your phone uses number matching, checking every incoming SMS or call against a block list stored on your device. If there is a match, the message never reaches you. Then there is sender ID analysis and spam detection, where your phone or carrier scans messages for suspicious patterns. Instead of blocking certain numbers, whitelisting ensures that only approved contacts can reach you.
2. Network-level blocking (handled by a carrier). If you ask your mobile operator to block a number, that person can not reach you at all.

And no, the person you blocked does not get notified that they have been blocked. They will just think you are unavailable, uninterested, or suddenly living offline. Meanwhile, you get exactly what you want — peace. And a little more control over who can reach you.

What happens when you block a number

When you block someone on an iPhone, any SMS or iMessage from that number simply does not appear on your device. The message has not been delivered to your inbox. iOS does not have a “blocked messages” folder for texts, so you have no way to retrieve a text that was sent while a number was blocked.

Blocked incoming calls are silenced and sent straight to voicemail. Your phone will not ring or show any notification. The caller can still leave a voicemail, but it goes into a special “Blocked Messages” section of your voicemail, separate from regular voice messages.

On most Android phones, texts from a blocked contact still arrive on the device but are automatically filtered to a hidden “Spam” or “Blocked” folder. This means the phone collects the messages without notifying you. You will not see the blocked texts in your main messaging inbox, but they are not immediately deleted. So, you can manually check the folder if you need to.

The blocked caller can often leave a voicemail, but like on iOS, you will not receive a notification.

Carriers (service providers) offer their call/text blocking or filtering services:

• AT&T. Provides a free app called AT&T ActiveArmor (formerly “Call Protect”) that can block known spam calls and certain numbers at the network level.
• Verizon. Verizon’s blocking options include free basic blocking (up to 5 numbers for 90 days) via Verizon Call Filter and more permanent blocking with a premium Verizon Smart Family plan.
• T-Mobile. Offers Scam Shield, a free service/app that flags likely scam calls and allows blocking of those calls at the network level.

Many regional or international carriers have similar offerings. For example, Sprint (now merged with T-Mobile) allowed number blocking via third-party messaging apps. In general, all major carriers support blocking a number upon request. Some do it for free, others might charge or require certain plans.

Can someone I blocked still send me messages?

Yes — blocking a number does not prevent the person from trying to call or text you, but it does not allow you to worry about these attempts. From the blocked person’s perspective, their calls and messages go through as normal. Nothing is stopping them from dialing your number or sending an SMS.

The key difference is that your device (or carrier) intercepts and hides or rejects unwanted communications:

• Blocked messages: The sender’s text message will leave the phone and may show delivery status, but your phone filters it out (device-level block) or the carrier blocks it. On the iPhone, the message is never delivered to you at all​. On the Android device, the SMS is delivered to the phone but routed to a spam/blocked folder. In both cases, the recipient does not see the SMS, and the sender is not informed that it was blocked.
• Blocked calls: Blocked callers can dial your number and will typically hear the phone ring and then be forwarded to voicemail if you don`t answer. Since the Facetime call is auto-rejected by you, you will not know they called unless you check your call log or blocked voicemail. The caller does not receive a notification that you have blocked them — it looks like you are simply not picking up the phone.

If they leave a voicemail, it will be hidden from you (as described above). In short, blocked numbers can still call and text you — the system just makes sure you never see those calls or messages.

Ways to block phone numbers on different device

Managing blocked contacts is easy, but the process depends on your device and carrier. Whether you are dealing with spam, persistent telemarketers, or someone you just do not want to hear from, there are several ways to keep them out of your inbox.

Blocking personal messages and phone calls

Your smartphone’s OS has built-in tools to block unwanted numbers, but how they work varies between Android and iOS. Some brands, like Samsung and Google Pixel, also have their blocking settings.

Blocking a number on Android

1. Open the Contact app on your Android device.
2. Find the recent call from the number you want to block.
3. Tap and hold the number, then select Block/Report Spam.

1. Confirm your choice by tapping “Block”.

1. Blocking a number on iOS
2. Open the Contact app and go to Recent.
3. Find the number you want to block and tap the (i) info icon next to it.
4. Scroll down and tap Block Caller.
5. Confirm by selecting Block Contact.

Asking your carrier to block a number for you

If blocking a number on your phone isn’t enough (for example, if you want to block them from leaving voicemails), your mobile carrier can help. Most mobile operators offer blocking services, but some require a paid plan for permanent blocking.

To request blocking from your carrier:

1. Log in to your carrier’s account portal (or call customer support).
2. Look for options like Call Blocking, Spam Protection, or Family Controls.
3. Add the unwanted number to your blocked list.
4. If needed, ask a representative to block the number at the network level.

Network-level blocking stops calls and texts before they reach your phone. However, some free blocking services expire after 90 days, so check with your carrier for details.

Blocking promotional text messages

Did you know that the average person receives around 10-15 promotional text messages per week? Text messaging has become a popular marketing channel, but if left unchecked, it can quickly overwhelm your inbox.

Bulk texting works through specialized platforms, like Decision Telecom, that allow businesses to send messages to thousands of recipients simultaneously. These systems typically work through:

• Short Message Service (SMS) gateways,
• bulk messaging platforms,
• short codes,
• long codes.

Text marketing also operates under specific legal frameworks that protect consumers:

1. All businesses must obtain your explicit permission before sending promotional texts. This opt-in consent is required by law under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
2. Even if you have agreed to receive messages in the past, you retain the right to revoke that permission at any time. Businesses must honor your opt-out request within 10 days.
3. Every promotional text must include instructions on how to unsubscribe.
4. After sending STOP, the company must send a one-time confirmation message acknowledging your request and confirming you will receive no further communications.

Remember that legitimate businesses will always honor your opt-out requests. If you continue to retrieve blocked messages after opting out, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Debunking common myths about blocking text messages

Myth 1 — Blocking Prevents All Communication

Blocking someone might feel like building an unbreakable wall around your phone, but it is not a “disappear forever” button. It just stops you from seeing their phone calls and SMS messages. The sender, however, can still fire off texts and dial your number like nothing happened. Their blocked texts? Sent straight into the void. Their calls? Rejected or redirected to voicemail.

And let’s be real — if someone wants to reach you, they will find a way. WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, email, a new number… there are plenty of various mobile channels they can use. Your carrier or phone app’s blocking feature only works on specific numbers, not across all platforms.

Myth 2 — Blocking Works the Same Way on Every Phone

It would be nice if blocking was universal — one tap and every phone reacted the same way. But that is not how it works. Different phones, message apps, and carriers — all have different rules for handling blocked contacts.

Depending on your service provider, a blocked call might still show up in your call log, or it might not register at all. Some carriers offer network-level blocking, which stops calls and texts before they even reach your phone. Others just let your device handle the filtering.

Myth 3 — Blocking Is Permanent

Think blocking someone is forever? Not at all. It is more of a temporary “I do not want to hear from you right now” switch than a lifelong ban. If you ever change your mind — or just blocked a person by accident —it takes all of five seconds to undo it.

Conclusion

Blocking a number is a quick and effective way to filter out unwanted calls and texts, but it doesn’t erase the sender from existence. While you will not see their messages or calls, they can still technically reach out.

The way blocking works depends on your device and carrier. On iPhones, blocked calls go straight to voicemail, and messages vanish completely. On Android, blocked texts often end up in a spam folder, while calls may be rejected or rerouted. If you need a more permanent solution, carrier-level blocking can prevent calls, texts, and even voicemails from coming through at all.

Blocking isn’t set in stone — you can always retrieve blocked messages, manage your blocked list, and unblock numbers whenever you want. It’s simply a tool to help you control who gets through to you.