Why Am I Getting Messages From a Blocked Number
Receiving messages from a number you’ve already blocked can be a puzzling and frustrating experience. It might seem like, once a number is blocked, it should be impossible to get communications from it. However, there are several reasons why you might still be getting messages from a number that you blocked.
Firstly, it’s important to understand how blocking works on various platforms. When you block a number on your phone, the blocking feature is dependent on your carrier’s support and your device’s capabilities. Blocking a number traditionally prevents calls and texts from that number from being delivered to your phone. However, there are limitations:
1. Technical glitches: Sometimes, a software bug or hiccup in the system might cause previously blocked numbers to seep through the barriers inadvertently.
2. Third-party messaging apps: If you have an app that uses its own server to handle messages, such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, blocking a phone number from texting your standard messaging app won’t block them within these services. You need to block them directly within each app.
3. Carrier issues: Some users might find that their carrier doesn’t support blocking features very robustly, resulting in inconsistent performance of the blocking function.
4. Number spoofing: This technique is commonly used by spammers and telemarketers where they deliberately falsify the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity.
5. Blocked person changes numbers: The blocked contact might simply be using a different phone number to contact you.
6. VoIP services: Texts sent from online services such as Google Voice or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) applications may not always be stopped by typical phone blocks since they don’t come from regular mobile numbers.
7. Block expiration: Some devices or carriers may have limits on how long a number stays blocked before needing renewal.
8. Updates or resets: A phone update or factory reset could potentially erase some of your settings, including your list of blocked numbers.
To counter these issues:
– Regularly check for updates for your device and apps.
– Make sure to block numbers across all of your messaging and calling apps separately.
– Contact your carrier to ensure all available resources for blocking unwanted contacts are in place.
– Be vigilant about unknown numbers and consider secondary blocking strategies or apps specifically designed for call and message filtering.
In the end, staying informed about possible loopholes and maintaining robust blocking practices across all platforms will reduce the chances of getting unwanted messages from blocked numbers. If the issue persists despite all efforts, reaching out to professional assistance either through your carrier or technical support for your device can provide more personalized solutions based on the specifics of your situation.