iMessage is Apple's built-in instant messaging (IM) service, which lets you send text, picture, video, sound, and location to anyone else using iMessage on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. If you have sent iMessages to your friends but get no response, there's a chance you have been blocked. And you won't get an alert when it happens. In this post, we're going to walk you though several tips to know if someone has blocked you on iPhone iMessage, and what you can do. 

Part 1. How to Activate, Send & Block iMessage on iPhone 

If you sent an iMessage and nothing is shown on the other end, you may run into issues where your friends have blocked you from being able to contact them via iMessage. But first, you need to make sure that iMessage is activated before you can successfully send iMessages on your iPhone or iPad. Here are the processes involved. 

How to activate iMessage on iPhone: 

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone and tap "Messages". 
2. Tap the iMessage On/Off switch. The switch will be green when it's been turned on. 

How to send iMessage on iPhone or iPad: 

Sending an iMessage on iPhone is the same as sending an SMS message after you have activated it. If you're brand new to iPhone or iPad, here's how to do it: 

1. Start the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad, and click the Edit icon in the upper-right corner. 
2. Enter the phone number of someone using iPhone or other iOS devices. 
3. Type the message or content you want to send, and then click the Send arrow on the right side. 

How to block someone on iMessage: 

If you have an iPhone and want to stop an annoying contact messaging you, here's how to block someone via the iMessage on the iPhone or iPad: 

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad, and tap the conversation of the person you want to block. 
2. Tao the info icon in the top-right corner then the name of the contact. 
3. Scroll down to find and tap "Block Caller", then tap on "Block Contact" from the pop-up options. 

Part 2. How to Tell If You've Been Blocked on iMessage

Now you have learned how to activate and send iMessage on iPhone/iPad, as well as how to block someone via the iMessage. Below are several tips to help you tell if you're blocked on iMessage. 

Tip 1: Check the Bubble Color of iMessage You Sent 

Well, getting to know if you're blocked on iMessage is a no-brainer! You only need to check the bubble color of iMessage you send. Green bubbles represent SMS messages while blue bubbles represent iMessages. Any iMessage you sent without a delivered response and after a few minutes the iMessage bubble turns into green color indicates that you have been blocked.

However, this can be caused by the fail of iMessage network, then your iMessage will be revert back as text message. You can keep sending iMessages to eliminate the network issue. But if you keep having the iMessage bubbles turning from blue to green, then you have been blocked definitely.

Tip 2: Check the Status of iMessage You Sent 

Another tell-tale sign that you're blocked on iMessage is to check the status of the send iMessages. Usually, the "Send Read Receipts" for messages in iPhone's Settings is turned on and actually the default setting of this option is ON. If the iMessage you sent remains blue but never turns to Read, then you have either been blocked, or the receiver may not turn on the "Send Read Receipts" feature. 

Tip 3: Check the Status of iMessages on MacBook 

If you have a MacBook, it is quite easy to tell if someone blocked you on iMessage. Just send an iMessage from your iPhone or your MacBook. You will see a Delivered icon under the iMessage on your iPhone. If the MacBook shows NOTHING under the iMessage, neither Delivered or Read sign, then your friend may have blocked you. 

Tip 4: Make A Call to the Suspected Blocker 

A major way to tell if someone has blocked you on iMessage is to try giving them a call. Listen attentively to the receiving mode of the call. If the phone rings once and directs you to voicemail immediately, the person has unarguably blocked you. But if the call does not ring at all and direct you straight to voicemail, you cannot conclude yet until you try to call again. 

Part 3. How to Recover Deleted iMessages on iPhone or iPad 

You may accidentally delete some iMessages and want to retrieve them back. Here we recommend you use FoneGeek iPhone Data Recovery. This powerful program can help you recover deleted text messages/iMessages on iPhone, as well as contacts, call logs, voicemail, WhatsApp, photos, videos, notes, voice memos, etc. It is very easy to use, just follow the steps below:  

1. Download and install FoneGeek iMessage Recovery software on your computer. 
2. Launch it and connect your iPhone to the computer. You device should be recognized automatically, then click "Start". 
3. Select "Messages" from the listed file types and click "Scan" to begin scanning. 
4. After the scan, you can preview all found iMessages and text messages. Choose the conversations you need and click "Recover".