Blocking someone on WhatsApp can be necessary when you want to maintain privacy or avoid unwanted communication. Whether you’re dealing with spam, harassment, or simply need a break from certain contacts, WhatsApp’s blocking feature is an essential tool. Conversely, there might come a time when you wish to reconnect with someone you’ve previously blocked. Unblocking them is just as straightforward.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to both block and unblock someone on WhatsApp. These instructions apply to both Android and iPhone users, ensuring you can manage your privacy settings regardless of your device. We will also explore the nuances of blocking, including how to handle unknown contacts and manage your blocked list effectively.
How to Block Someone on WhatsApp
Blocking someone on WhatsApp prevents them from sending you messages, viewing your status updates, or calling you. This method is particularly useful for stopping unwanted communication while maintaining a presence on the app.
- Open the WhatsApp Menu
Open WhatsApp and tap on the three vertical dots located in the top-right corner of the screen to open the menu.
- Access Settings
From the dropdown menu, tap on “Settings” to access the configuration options.
- Navigate to Privacy
In the “Settings” menu, select “Privacy” to view and manage your privacy settings.
- Open the Blocked Contacts List
Scroll down in the “Privacy” section and tap on “Blocked Contacts” to see the list of contacts you’ve blocked.
- Tap the “Add” icon
In the “Blocked Contacts” section, tap on the “Add” icon (represented by a plus sign or a person with a plus sign) to start selecting a contact to block.
- Select the Contact to Block on WhatsApp
From your contact list, select the person you wish to block. Once selected, they will be added to your blocked contacts list.
How to Unblock Someone on WhatsApp
Unblocking someone on WhatsApp allows them to contact you again via messages, calls, and status updates. This method is useful if you have resolved issues with the person or simply wish to reconnect.
- Open the WhatsApp Menu
Open WhatsApp and tap on the three vertical dots located in the top-right corner of the screen to open the menu.
- Access Settings
From the dropdown menu, tap on “Settings” to access the configuration options.
- Navigate to Privacy
In the “Settings” menu, select “Privacy” to view and manage your privacy settings.
- Open the Blocked Contacts List
Scroll down in the “Privacy” section and tap on “Blocked Contacts” to see the list of contacts you’ve blocked.
- Unblock a Contact
In the “Blocked Contacts” list, find and tap on the name of the person you want to unblock.
- Confirm the Unblock
A prompt will appear asking if you are sure you want to unblock the contact. Confirm by tapping “Unblock“.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Blocking Contacts on WhatsApp
Can a blocked contact see my WhatsApp status and profile picture?
No, once you block a contact on WhatsApp, they lose the ability to see any updates to your status or your profile picture. This includes any changes made after you have blocked them, enhancing your privacy from that individual.
How can I tell if someone has blocked me on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp does not notify users directly if they have been blocked, however, several indicators suggest blocking: inability to see the contact’s last seen timestamp, their profile photo, or changes in their status. Also, if your messages to them only show one check mark (message sent) and never show a second check mark (message delivered), it might indicate they have blocked you.
Can a blocked person on WhatsApp see my online status?
No, once you block someone, they cannot see when you are online or any new changes you make to your profile information such as your profile picture or status updates.
If I unblock someone on WhatsApp, will they know?
WhatsApp does not send any notification to users when they are unblocked. However, the unblocked contact will regain the ability to send you messages, see your online status, and any changes to your profile or status, depending on your privacy settings.
What does the receiver see when I block them on WhatsApp?
The blocked receiver does not get any direct notification about being blocked. They will stop seeing your last seen status, online status, and any updates to your profile photo or status. Messages sent to you will not show the delivered status (double checkmark).
How many contacts can I block on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp does not impose a limit on the number of contacts you can block. You can block as many contacts as you want, managing each from within your blocked contacts list in the privacy settings.
Does blocking a contact on WhatsApp block them from group chats?
Blocking someone will not block them from group chats that you both are part of. They will still see your messages and you will see theirs within the same group chat. However, they cannot contact you individually outside of the group.
Can I block someone on WhatsApp without them having my phone number saved?
Yes, if someone sends you a message and they are not in your address book, you can directly block them from the chat interface. You do not need to save their number beforehand to perform this action.
What should I do if I can’t find the blocking feature on WhatsApp?
If you’re unable to locate the blocking feature, first ensure that your WhatsApp application is updated to the latest version available for your device. If the problem persists, consider reinstalling WhatsApp. You can also visit the official WhatsApp Help Center online for guidance.
Can a blocked contact see changes made to my WhatsApp information before they were blocked?
Yes, any profile changes, like updates to your profile photo or status, made prior to blocking a contact remain visible to them as they are cached on their device. It’s important to remember that changes made post-blocking will not be visible.
I accidentally blocked a contact. How quickly can I unblock them?
You can unblock a contact immediately after blocking; simply navigate to the ‘Blocked Contacts’ list in your WhatsApp privacy settings, select the mistakenly blocked contact, and choose to unblock. They will be able to message and call you immediately after this action.
Does unblocking a contact restore old messages?
No, if a contact was blocked and they sent messages during that period, those messages will not be delivered to you even after you unblock them. WhatsApp’s blocking feature prevents any messages sent during the blocking period from being received.
Can I temporarily block someone on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp does not provide a specific feature for temporarily blocking someone. If you need to prevent someone from contacting you for a short period, you will need to manually block and then unblock them as required.
After unblocking a contact, will I receive messages they sent while blocked?
No, when you unblock someone on WhatsApp, you will not receive any messages or calls they tried to make during the period they were blocked. The blocking feature prevents any transmission of messages to maintain privacy.
Does unblocking a contact on WhatsApp restore them in my contact list?
Unblocking a contact on WhatsApp does not affect their status in your device’s contact list. They will only regain the ability to call or message you through WhatsApp, provided they were not deleted from your actual phone contacts.
Related: How to Edit Whatsapp Messages after Sending
Utilizing the WhatsApp message editing function is a proactive way to prevent misunderstandings or miscommunications arising from textual errors after sending a message. In our other guide, we show you how to edit and change sent WhatsApp messages, how to edit received messages before forwarding them and limitations of the editing feature.
Related: How to Check Your WhatsApp Number
Despite its widespread use, many users are often unsure about the phone number associated with their WhatsApp account, especially if they are using a dual SIM device or have recently changed their number. In our other guide, we show you where you can find your WhatsApp number on WhatsApp for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and on the web.
Related: How to Send Your Location on Whatsapp – Current or Live With Auto-Updates
WhatsApp provides a convenient way to share your location with friends, family, or colleagues. This can be particularly useful when meeting someone or ensuring that others can track your whereabouts during a journey. In our other guide, we show you how you can share your current or live location on WhatsApp to tell others exactly where you are.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:09 pm CET
