June 23, 2026, 8:36 am | Read time: 6 minutes

Everyone knows the blocking feature on WhatsApp–and has probably used it at some point. Whether it’s an ex-partner, a persistent flirt, or a particularly chatty acquaintance, blocking others is easy. But how can you tell if you’ve been blocked on WhatsApp?

At first glance, it’s not visible anywhere. WhatsApp doesn’t notify users about it. However, there are some clues. Important: None of these signs alone prove a block. Only when several indicators occur simultaneously can it suggest a block.

Blocked on WhatsApp? These are the signs

Sometimes there are contacts and groups on WhatsApp that just become annoying. They might send nonsense or simply too many messages or get caught up in endless discussions. If you have such contacts but don’t want to delete them, you can block them on WhatsApp. This can be done in two ways with just a few clicks.

To do this, open the relevant chat and then tap the three dots in the upper right corner. Under “More,” you’ll find the “Block” option. Alternatively, you can go through the chat window and contact information. At the bottom, there’s an option to block the contact. Once activated, the blocked person can no longer contact you via WhatsApp and won’t receive status updates. But how can you find out if the situation is reversed? The following signs may indicate this:

1. Profile picture disappeared

WhatsApp itself doesn’t offer a setting that shows if someone has blocked or deleted a contact. The developers justify this with privacy protection. Therefore, only detective work remains: Is the contact’s profile picture still visible?

A look at the profile can help. Are profile details still visible? Or has the picture suddenly disappeared, leaving only a gray placeholder? This can be a sign of a block.

However, there are other possible explanations. Users can, for example, set their profile picture to be visible only to saved contacts. If you’re not saved in the address book, you won’t see the picture either–regardless of whether a block is in place or not.

2. Timestamp

Another possible indicator is the timestamp under a contact’s name. It shows when the person was last online.

After a block, this information is usually no longer visible. However, the timestamp can also be disabled independently. Just because the display is missing doesn’t automatically mean a block is in place. The same applies to the “Online” status, which can also be hidden.

Also interesting: Ghosting–when messages go unanswered

3. The second checkmark is missing

If only one checkmark appears on sent messages for an extended period, it can also raise questions. But what do the checkmarks actually mean?

One checkmark indicates that the message was successfully delivered to the WhatsApp servers. Only the second checkmark signals that the message has reached the recipient’s device.

If this remains absent, there can be various reasons: The recipient currently has no internet connection, the smartphone is turned off, or there’s a technical issue. A block is also possible, but it cannot be definitively proven by a single checkmark.

If the checkmarks are blue, it means the message has been read–provided read receipts are enabled.

4. Call doesn’t go through

WhatsApp also allows for internet calls–both voice and video. If you suspect a block, attempting a call can provide further clues. If WhatsApp calls don’t go through over an extended period, it may indicate a block.

However, other causes are also possible. Technical issues or a lack of internet connection on the contact’s end can also prevent a connection from being established.

5. Create a WhatsApp group

And there’s another clue. You need to create a new group and add the person you suspect has blocked you. Open WhatsApp and access the menu via the three dots. There you’ll find the “New Group” option. You can then select contacts as members.

If adding the person fails or an error message appears, it may indicate a block. However, this is not definitive proof. WhatsApp now allows users to decide who can add them to groups. Privacy settings can also prevent a contact from being added.

Tip: If you’ve created a group and your suspicion isn’t confirmed, it’s advisable to be prepared for possible inquiries and have a plausible reason for the new group.

More on the topic

New Feature WhatsApp Tests Chats Without an Account–Here’s How the New Guest Access Works

More Data Protection How to Disable Meta AI in WhatsApp Chats

6. Verify security code

Lastly, a potential clue to a block is hidden in a feature that serves a different purpose. The “Verify Security Code” option allows you to check if a chat is still end-to-end encrypted.

To do this, open the relevant chat and then the contact information. Through the three-dot menu, you’ll find the “Verify Security Code” option. If the verification fails and WhatsApp instead prompts you to confirm encryption by other means, it may indicate a block.

However, this result should also be viewed with caution. The feature wasn’t developed to reveal blocks. Additionally, WhatsApp can change the technical processes at any time. The security code check is therefore only another clue and not definitive proof.

Also interesting: These WhatsApp messages can get you in trouble!

Blocking also for SMS and calls–is it possible?

If you’ve been blocked on WhatsApp, you can’t message or call the person within the app. However, you can still send messages and make calls via regular mobile networks.

However, consider why someone used the block feature and whether this boundary should be respected. If you want to ensure a contact can’t reach you at all, you should block the person not only on WhatsApp but also as a regular phone contact. This is possible in a few steps on both Android and iOS.

iOS

• Open the Phone app.
• Switch to “Contacts.”
• Select the desired contact.
• Scroll down and tap “Block this Caller.”

Android

• Open the Phone app.
• Select the desired contact.
• Open the three-dot menu.
• Tap “Block.”