Finding out whether or not you have been blocked by a contact can be an uncomfortable experience. If you think you've been blocked and need to know anyway, you can do this by calling the contact several times and listening to the conversation end. Be aware that if you find out that a contact has blocked you and you continue to try to contact them, they may be able to file a harassment complaint against you.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Find out if you're blocked
Step 1. Call the contact you suspect has blocked you
Usually you can't tell if you're blocked by texting, so you'll have to call.
Step 2. Notice how the conversation ends
If the connection is lost after one (or sometimes half) rings and you are sent to voicemail, you are either blocked or your contact's phone is dead.
- Depending on your contact's provider, you may hear a message telling you that this person cannot be reached. This means you are blocked.
- Of course, if your contact picks up the phone, it means you haven't been blocked.
Step 3. Call your contact again to confirm
Sometimes you will be sent straight to voicemail even though the connection is free and you are not blocked; by calling again you can confirm the end of the call.
If the connection is still broken after one ring or less, your contact's phone is permanently empty/dead, or he or she has blocked you
Step 4. Call your contact back with an anonymous number
You can do this by typing *31* (if using a mobile phone) or #31# (if using a landline) for the number of the person you are trying to call. While you can't necessarily expect everyone to pick up a call from an anonymous number, it can confirm the status of your contact's phone.
- If the call transfers as normal (five or more rings), this person has blocked your number.
- If the connection still drops after one or less rings and goes to voicemail, this person's phone is dead.
Step 5. Ask a friend to call the contact's number
If you've confirmed that you've been blocked but want verbal confirmation, you can ask a friend to call them so you can talk to them about the situation. Keep in mind that as tempting as this may sound, it can damage the relationship between your friend and the person who blocked you.
Method 2 of 2: Bypass a block
Step 1. Understand the potential consequences
If you were accidentally blocked, then the person probably wouldn't mind hearing from you. But it can be seen as intimidation if you try to get around a block that was created to create distance between you. Clarify the legality of ignoring a block before continuing to circumvent it.
Step 2. Make your number anonymous
You can do this by typing *31* on a mobile phone or #31# on a landline for the rest of the number you are trying to call; this will cause your number to appear as unknown.
Most people will not answer if they see an anonymous or unknown number calling; this is because telemarketers often use this technique to still be able to call numbers registered on the Do Not Call list
Step 3. Send your contact a message via an Instant-Messaging (IM) app/service
For example, if you both have a Facebook profile, you can use Facebook Messenger for this. The same goes for WhatsApp, Viber, Skype and any other IM services you both have access to.
Step 4. Leave a voicemail
While your contact won't get a call about your call or voicemail, it will still land on their phone. You can use this loophole to get important communication across to him or her if needed.
Step 5. Try to get in touch via social media
If you absolutely must contact someone who has blocked you, you can email them or message them through various social media profiles. Again, keep the importance in mind here: if you're just upset that he or she has blocked you, it's better to leave the situation alone until both of you have calmed down a bit.