Meta-owned WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the most used instant messaging platforms in the world right now. The platform offers several features to keep conversations private and secure. While most users know about end-to-end encryption, very few are aware that this feature may also help them find out if someone has blocked them on the app.
Well, people usually suspect they have been blocked when they can no longer see a contact’s profile photo, messages show only a single tick, or calls fail to connect. However, these signs are not always accurate.
A person may have changed their privacy settings, switched to a new phone, or simply removed their profile picture. In such cases, it does not necessarily mean that you have been blocked.
Interestingly, there is another method (spotted by WABetaInfo) that many users are not aware of. It involves WhatsApp’s encryption verification feature, which is available on both Android and iPhone.
The feature was originally developed to help users confirm that their chats and calls are protected with end-to-end encryption, but it may also provide a clue when someone has blocked you, the report said.
Every WhatsApp chat uses unique encryption keys to keep conversations secure. These keys can change when a user installs WhatsApp, switches devices or links a new device to their account.
To make verification easier, the Meta-owned app introduced automatic encryption verification in 2023. Instead of comparing long security codes manually, users can now verify encryption directly from the chat settings.
– To try this method, open the chat of the person you suspect may have blocked you.
– Tap on their name at the top of the conversation to open the contact information page.
– Scroll down and select the ‘Encryption’ option. WhatsApp will then attempt to verify the chat automatically.
– If the verification completes successfully, there is usually nothing to worry about.
– However, if WhatsApp is unable to verify the encryption automatically and keeps asking you to use another verification method, there is a chance that the other person may have blocked you.
It is important to note that WhatsApp has never officially confirmed this as a block detection feature. There could be other reasons behind a verification failure.
Still, many users have reported that automatic encryption verification consistently fails in chats where they have been blocked.
While it is not a guaranteed method, it can offer a clue without the need to send a message or make a call. For users who want a more discreet way to check, the encryption verification feature may be worth trying.