How to Text Someone Who Blocked You on iPhone: 3 Easy Methods

If someone blocked your number on iMessage, you can sometimes text them by switching to SMS (green bubbles), sending to their Apple ID email, or using a different sender address. However, if they blocked you completely (phone number AND email), no method will work. Here’s how to text someone who blocked you on iPhone:

  1. Send as SMS: Tap and hold an unsent iMessage → Tap "Send as Text Message".
  2. Use their email: Tap and hold the message → "Send to Email Address".
  3. Change your sender: Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive → Under "Start New Conversations From," choose your email.

Now, let’s break down each step.

How Blocking Works on iPhone

When someone blocks you on iPhone:

  • iMessages (blue bubbles) won’t deliver. You’ll see a red exclamation mark (!).
  • SMS (green bubbles) may still work if they only blocked you on iMessage.
  • Calls go straight to voicemail after one ring.
  • No notifications are sent to you or the blocker.

Apple designed blocking to be private. If you’re fully blocked (phone + email), you can’t bypass it. Respect their choice—it’s a safety feature.

Signs You Might Be Blocked

Sign What Happens Not Always a Block?
iMessages never show "Delivered" Messages stay stuck with (!) Yes (no internet/service)
Texts turn green suddenly iMessage fails, switches to SMS automatically Yes (iMessage off)
Calls go to voicemail instantly Rings once → voicemail Yes (phone off/DND)
FaceTime fails repeatedly Call never connects Yes (network issues)

Important: These signs don’t guarantee a block. Check their status over 1-2 days, or try contacting them on WhatsApp or other apps.

How to Text Someone Who Blocked You on iPhone: 3 Methods

Method 1: Send as SMS (Green Bubble)

Works if: They only blocked you on iMessage, not SMS.

  1. Open your blocked conversation in Messages.
  2. If your message has a red exclamation mark (!), tap and hold it.
  3. Tap "Send as Text Message".
  4. The bubble turns green—this sends via your cellular network, not Apple.

Tip: Ensure SMS is enabled (Settings > Messages > Toggle on "Send as SMS").

Method 2: Send to Their Email

Works if: They use iMessage with their Apple ID email.

  1. Open the blocked chat.
  2. Tap and hold the unsent message.
  3. Select "Send to Email Address".
  4. Enter their Apple ID email (e.g., name@icloud.com).

Note: If you don’t know their email, learn how to add email contacts to iPhone.

Method 3: Use a Different Sender Address

Works if: They blocked your phone number but not your email.

  1. Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.
  2. Tap "Start New Conversations From".
  3. Select your email address (not phone number).
  4. Start a new message and enter their number/email.

Privacy: For more control, see our Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide.

What Won’t Work

  • Third-party apps or "hacks" claiming to bypass blocks (Apple’s system is secure).
  • Calling repeatedly: Blocked calls never ring on their end.
  • New Apple ID: If they blocked your device/email, it still fails.

If all methods fail, they’ve likely blocked you everywhere. Respect boundaries—harassment is never okay.

What to Do If You’re Blocked

  1. Wait 24-48 hours: They might have network issues or need space.
  2. Contact another way: Use social media, email, or WhatsApp.
  3. Reflect: Did you send spam? Learn to block spam calls to avoid this.
  4. Move on: If someone blocks you, accept their decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I tell for sure if someone blocked me?

No. Apple doesn’t notify you about blocks. Signs like undelivered iMessages, calls going straight to voicemail, or sudden green SMS bubbles only suggest a block—they could also mean the person has no service, has their phone off, or disabled iMessage.

2. Why do texts turn green when I’m blocked?

Green bubbles mean SMS (cell network), not iMessage. If someone blocks your iMessage (blue bubbles), your iPhone may auto-switch to SMS. But if they blocked your number entirely, SMS won’t deliver either.

3. Can I use a new number to text them?

Yes, but only if you use a different phone or number. If you text from the same iPhone, they might still recognize you. Consider apps like WhatsApp (Transfer WhatsApp guide) for a fresh contact method.

4. Does the "Send to Email" trick always work?

No. It only works if:

  • They use iMessage with their Apple ID email.
  • They didn’t block your email.
    If they blocked both your number and email, the message won’t go through.

5. Is it wrong to text someone who blocked me?

Respect their choice. Blocking is a privacy feature. If you’ve tried once (e.g., urgent message), stop. Repeated attempts can be harassment. If you face spam, learn to block spam calls yourself.

Conclusion

Texting someone who blocked you on iPhone is only possible in limited cases:

  • Switch to SMS if they only blocked iMessage (tap "Send as Text Message").
  • Use their email if they use iMessage with Apple ID (tap "Send to Email Address").
  • Change your sender address in Settings > Messages if they blocked your number but not email.

But if they fully blocked you (number + email), no method works. Apple’s system prioritizes privacy—and that’s a good thing. Instead:

  • Wait a few days in case it’s a misunderstanding.
  • Reach out via other platforms like WhatsApp or email.
  • Respect boundaries and move forward.

For more iPhone tips, explore our Ultimate Settings Guide or learn to customize your Home Screen.