No. Blocking does not make an iMessage automatically switch to a deliverable SMS. Apple says messages from a blocked contact or number are not delivered, and the sender is not told that they have been blocked. SMS fallback is a separate setting for when iMessage is unavailable; it does not override blocking.
What happens when someone blocks your number?
Apple says messages from a blocked contact or phone number are not delivered, and the person sending them does not know they are blocked. Apple does not document a universal sender-side bubble color, send button, or status for every blocked-recipient configuration, so no particular appearance on your iPhone can confirm what happened.
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See Apple’s guidance on blocking senders in Messages and its explanation of blocking phone numbers and contacts.
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No. SMS fallback and blocking are separate behaviors. Apple lets users configure Messages to try SMS automatically when iMessage is unavailable. That fallback can change the messaging type, but it does not make messages from a blocked sender deliverable. Apple’s message troubleshooting guide explains SMS fallback.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
| Behavior | What triggers it | What Apple says happens |
|---|---|---|
| Blocking | The recipient blocks a contact or number. | Messages from that sender or number are not delivered, and the sender is not notified. Apple Support. |
| SMS, MMS, or RCS instead of iMessage | iMessage is unavailable or off, or the conversation uses carrier messaging; SMS fallback may be enabled. | The message uses a non-iMessage type. This is not proof of blocking. Apple Support and Apple’s iPhone Messages guide. |
What does a green bubble mean?
A green bubble means the message was sent using RCS, SMS, or MMS rather than iMessage. Apple lists several possible reasons, including the recipient not having an Apple device, iMessage being turned off, or iMessage being temporarily unavailable. Green does not mean that the recipient blocked you. Read Apple’s explanation of why iPhone messages are green.
Likewise, bubble color, a missing read receipt, or a delivery status cannot conclusively identify a block. Apple says the sender is not told when blocked, and its public documentation does not establish a definitive sender-side block indicator.
Rank #2
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
- 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
How can you check blocked contacts on your iPhone?
The setting depends on your iOS version. On iOS 26, Apple directs users to Settings > Privacy & Security > Blocked Contacts. For iOS 18 and earlier, Apple documents blocked-contact management through settings associated with Phone, FaceTime, Messages, or Mail; the precise route varies by version. Apple says removing a block in one of those apps removes it across the listed apps. See its blocked-contact instructions.
Could another iMessage issue explain what you see?
Yes. A green bubble can result from iMessage being unavailable or disabled, among other causes, and does not establish that anyone blocked you. A separate iOS 26 activation issue can involve an inactive SIM with the same number: Apple advises updating to iOS 26.1 or later or removing the inactive SIM. That is an activation problem, not evidence of blocking. Details are in Apple’s iOS 26 phone-number activation guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
- Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
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