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How to block (and unblock) someone on WhatsApp
Despite its new privacy policy, WhatsApp is the most popular chat app on Earth, with over two billion users sending gifs, texts, and more. Unfortunately, this popularity means that WhatsApp is a goldmine for cyber threats. If you don’t know how to block someone on WhatsApp, a flood of unwanted messages can kill any enjoyment you get out of the app.
The good news is that it’s easy to stop these messages in their tracks. Whether the messages are from a spammer, stranger, or just an overzealous suitor, here’s how to block someone on WhatsApp and never hear from them again.
Read more: 21 essential WhatsApp tricks and tips you should know
QUICK ANSWER
To block someone on WhatsApp, go to the contact, go to the menu at the top corner, and select Block. To unblock someone on WhatsApp, go into your account privacy section and find the Blocked Contacts section. Find the person you wish to unblock and tap Unblock.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
How to block someone on WhatsApp
Users don’t have to be in your contacts to send you WhatsApp messages. However, people usually get the hint if you ignore their messages. This isn’t always the case, so sometimes, it’s necessary to block their number completely. This will prevent them from sending any future messages, which can be undone easily if you make a mistake.
When you first receive a message from an unknown number, WhatsApp automatically detects it and prompts you to block them or add them as a contact. If this prompt no longer appears, here’s another way to block someone on Whatsapp.
- Open WhatsApp and open the chat with the person you want to block.
- Tap the three dots in the top right, then More, then Block.
- Tap Report and Block or Block.
If the person is a suspected spammer, selecting Report and Block will signal to WhatsApp that they shouldn’t be on the platform. Don’t report someone unless they are spamming, spreading fake news, or otherwise breaking the WhatsApp terms of service.
Once blocked, any messages from that contact will show up as sent (one check) but not delivered (two checks) on their end. They will also be unable to call you, see your latest login time, or see any profile picture updates.
Read also: How to backup WhatsApp: Never lose a message again
How to unblock someone on WhatsApp
If you’ve blocked someone by mistake or changed your mind about wanting to communicate with them, it’s easy to unblock them. Here’s how to find blocked contacts and unblock them.
- From the WhatsApp home screen, tap the three dots in the top right, then Settings.
- Tap Account, then Privacy, then Blocked contacts at the bottom.
- Tap the number/name you want to unblock, then tap Unblock (name).
That’s all there is to it. You can also use this method to block many people by tapping on the plus icon in the top right.
Note that even if you unblock someone, you won’t be able to recover any messages they’ve sent while blocked.
Read more: WhatsApp not working? Here are 5 easy fixes to try to fix it
FAQs
You will still appear on their phone, and they will appear on yours. However, both of you will not be able to see the other’s status updates, whether or not you’re online, and obviously, you won’t be able to phone or message one another.