If I Unblock Someone On iMessage, What Happens?

There are times when we just don’t have the capacity to entertain someone’s chats or thoughts, and on impulse, we sometimes end up blocking them. However, as soon as we calm down and know we did something wrong, we unblock them. 

If you use iMessage as your primary messaging service, this guide will help you understand what happens when you unblock someone on iMessage.

iMessage, the messaging platform developed by Apple, is widely used among iPhone and iPad users. It offers a convenient and user-friendly way to send text messages, photos, videos, and more.

How Does the iMessage Blocking Feature Work?

Before we get into the details of what happens when you block someone on iMessage, let's take a moment to understand how the blocking feature works on iMessage.

When you block someone on iMessage, the following typically occurs:

• No Messages: You will no longer receive messages, calls, or FaceTime invitations from the blocked contact.
• Delivered Messages: Any messages sent by the blocked contact will not be delivered to your device, nor will you be notified of them.
• Message Reactions: You won't be able to see any reactions (likes, thumbs up, etc.) to your messages from the blocked contact.
• No Call Notifications: If the blocked contact attempts to call you, your device won't display any call notifications.

Now, let's move on to the main question: What happens when you unblock someone on iMessage?

How to Unblock Someone on iPhone

If you have blocked someone on iMessage, it is also good to know how to unblock them. Unblocking someone on iMessage is a straightforward process. Here's how you can do it on an iPhone:

Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Scroll down and find Messages in the list of options.

Step 3: Tap on Messages to access messaging settings.

Step 4: Under the settings, you will find Blocked Contacts. Tap on it.

Step 5: Now, you'll see a list of contacts you've blocked. Tap Edit in the upper-right corner.

Step 6: Next to the name of the person you want to unblock, tap the red circle with a minus sign ("-"). Then tap Unblock to confirm.

What Happens After Unblocking Someone?

Now let’s answer the million-dollar question that is: If I Unblock Someone On iMessage, What Happens? Unblocking someone on iMessage has several implications and consequences. Here's what you can expect:

Message Delivery

So the first and obvious thing is the flow of messages will be restored. Messages sent by the unblocked contact will now be delivered to your device. 

However, it is essential to note that if the person had sent messages while they were blocked, you won't see those previous messages; you'll only receive new ones. So, any messages sent during the time the person was blocked will not be visible to you. 

Notifications

Since you will now start receiving messages from them, you will also receive notifications for incoming messages and calls from the unblocked contact. Your device will behave as it did before you blocked them.

Group Chats

If the unblocked contact is part of a group chat that you're in, you'll see their messages in the group chat again.

Reactions

Other features like chat reactions will be restored as well. You will be able to see any reactions (likes, thumbs up, etc.) to your messages from the unblocked contact.

Blocking Again

Now, let’s say you unblocked someone, and it didn’t turn out to be so good. Then, you have the option to block them again. If you decide that you want to block the contact again in the future, you can follow the same steps in the "Blocked Contacts" section of your iMessage settings.

Considerations When Unblocking Someone

Unblocking someone on iMessage can have social and emotional implications. Here are some things to consider:

Open Communication

If you had blocked someone when they were irritating and you couldn’t take it anymore, unblocking them might indicate a willingness to communicate and resolve issues. Be prepared for open and honest conversations. This is good as it opens the line for communication again.

Take It Slow

If the reason for blocking was a conflict or misunderstanding, consider taking things slowly and rebuilding trust gradually. If you did it out of impulse or frustration, it might be a good idea to communicate. However, if you feel that you do not want to talk to the person and want them gone for good from your iMessage, unblocking them might not be such a great idea. 

Block Again If Necessary

If issues resurface or communication remains unhealthy, you can always choose to block the contact again. However, do consider the effects it will have on your bond with the person.

Frequently Asked Questions

To provide further clarity, here are some frequently asked questions about iMessage blocking and unblocking:

Final Thoughts

Unblocking someone on iMessage signifies a willingness to reopen lines of communication and potentially resolve conflicts. However, it's crucial to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being. Always ensure that your privacy settings align with your comfort level, and don't hesitate to reblock someone if issues persist. As technology continues to evolve, understanding these digital social dynamics becomes increasingly crucial for healthy online interactions.

Remember, communication is a two-way street, and mutual respect is key to maintaining positive relationships, whether in the digital or physical world.

Also Read:

Do iMessages Show Up on Phone Bill?
Will iMessage say delivered if phone is off?
Why Am I Still Receiving Texts from A Blocked Number?