On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Technology Buyers Guide
Here’s a breakdown of what happens when you block someone on popular messaging apps and social platforms:
Android Messages & iMessage
- Blocked Sender View: Messages show as sent but don’t appear on your phone.
- Tip: Turn off read receipts to avoid suspicion.
- Alternative: Use “Hide Alerts” to mute notifications without blocking.
Facebook Messenger
- Message-Only Block: Messages appear sent, but unread. Blocking on all Facebook makes it obvious.
- Read Receipts: Cannot be disabled.
- Alternative: Ignore messages (sends them to spam) or mute notifications.
Signal
- Blocked Sender View: Messages show as delivered, not read.
- Read Receipts: Can only disable for all contacts.
- Alternative: Mute chats temporarily or permanently.
WhatsApp
- Blocked Sender View: Messages show as sent, not delivered; profile photo disappears.
- Read Receipts: Disabled globally, not per contact.
- Alternative: Mute notifications instead of blocking.
Instagram
- Blocked Sender View: Cannot find your account or send messages.
- Read Receipts: Cannot disable, so "seen" status is visible for unblocked chats.
- Alternative: Mute messages to avoid interaction without blocking.
LinkedIn
- Blocked Sender View: Displays an error message when attempting to message.
- Read Receipts: Toggle on/off in settings.
- Alternative: Mute conversations to stop notifications without blocking.
Twitter
- Blocked Sender View: A prominent “You’re blocked” message appears when they visit your profile.
- Read Receipts: Can be disabled globally.
- Alternative: Snooze Direct Message notifications instead of blocking.
Choose your method wisely based on the app and situation!