There are few big mysteries in the information age, but one of them is knowing how to figure out whether someone has blocked your number.

I'm talking about your number being blocked on someone else's phone, which is a side function that ensures calls and texts from a specific number don't go through. It's got nothing to do with social media and it's also separate from WhatsApp blocking, which just functions on the app. Number blocking also isn't managed by cell companies or your phone's maker – it's solely a feature that works on your specific phone.

There's no concrete way to know whether someone has blocked your number. If your digits inhabit someone else's blocked list, it's impossible to know for sure without checking that list yourself.

However, if you're awaiting a response to a message or a callback, and you're suspicious that someone has blocked you, there are a few things you can do that'll give you an indication. They're not ironclad, so don't take them as gospel, but they might help you ease your mind a little. I'd always recommend giving the potential blocker some time and space before you try these methods, though.

To know if someone has blocked your phone number, the only thing you'll need is the phone with which that number is associated. However, it can help to have a separate phone, for a reason we'll get to later.