In today’s digital age, messaging apps have become an integral part of our lives. With WhatsApp being one of the most popular messaging platforms, it’s not uncommon to encounter unwanted contacts or messages from time to time. Whether it’s a pesky ex, a spammer, or someone who just won’t take the hint, knowing how to block someone on WhatsApp can be a lifesaver. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of WhatsApp blocking, exploring the reasons why you might want to block someone, the steps to take to block them, and even what happens when you block someone on WhatsApp.
Why Block Someone On WhatsApp?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of blocking someone on WhatsApp, let’s take a look at some common scenarios where blocking becomes necessary:
Harassment Or Spam
Sadly, online harassment and spamming are on the rise. If you’re receiving threatening, abusive, or unwanted messages from someone, blocking them is the best course of action. This not only helps you avoid unwanted interactions but also safeguards your mental well-being.
Unwanted Contacts
We’ve all been there – stuck with a contact who just won’t take the hint. Whether it’s an ex who refuses to move on or a acquaintance who insists on sending unsolicited messages, blocking them can be the most effective way to set boundaries.
How To Block Someone On WhatsApp?
Blocking someone on WhatsApp is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you block unwanted contacts:
Method 1: Blocking From A Chat
To block someone from a chat, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat with the contact you want to block.
- Tap the three vertical dots at the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap “More” from the dropdown menu.
- Tap “Block” from the list of options.
- Confirm that you want to block the contact by tapping “Block” in the pop-up window.
Method 2: Blocking From The Contacts List
Alternatively, you can block a contact from your contacts list:
- Open WhatsApp and navigate to the “Contacts” tab.
- Find the contact you want to block and swipe left on their name.
- Tap “Block” from the options that appear.
- Confirm that you want to block the contact by tapping “Block” in the pop-up window.
What Happens When You Block Someone On WhatsApp?
When you block someone on WhatsApp, they will no longer be able to:
- Send you messages or calls
- See your online status or last seen
- View your profile picture or status updates
However, it’s essential to note that blocking someone on WhatsApp doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be able to contact you via other means, such as email or social media. If you’re experiencing harassment or threats, it’s crucial to take additional steps to ensure your safety, such as reporting the individual to the authorities.
Can You Unblock Someone On WhatsApp?
Yes, you can unblock someone on WhatsApp if you change your mind or if the issue that led to the blocking has been resolved. To unblock someone, follow these steps:
Method 1: Unblocking From The Blocked Contacts List
- Open WhatsApp and navigate to the “Settings” tab.
- Tap “Account” from the list of options.
- Tap “Privacy” from the next screen.
- Tap “Blocked contacts” from the list of options.
- Find the contact you want to unblock and swipe left on their name.
- Tap “Unblock” from the options that appear.
Method 2: Unblocking From A Chat
Alternatively, you can unblock someone from a chat:
- Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat with the blocked contact.
- Tap the three vertical dots at the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap “More” from the dropdown menu.
- Tap “Unblock” from the list of options.
Tips And Precautions When Blocking Someone On WhatsApp
Blocking someone on WhatsApp can be a drastic measure, and it’s essential to exercise caution when doing so. Here are some tips and precautions to keep in mind:
Block Before You Report
If you’re experiencing harassment or abuse on WhatsApp, it’s recommended that you block the contact before reporting them to WhatsApp’s support team. This ensures that the harasser can no longer contact you while your report is being processed.
Be Cautious With Group Chats
When blocking someone in a group chat, be aware that they will still be able to see your messages and interact with you in the group, even if they can’t contact you privately.
Blocking Doesn’t Mean Eradication
Blocking someone on WhatsApp doesn’t delete their messages or remove them from your contact list. If you want to remove their messages or delete their contact information, you’ll need to do so manually.
Conclusion
Blocking someone on WhatsApp can be a liberating experience, especially when dealing with unwanted contacts or harassment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take control of your WhatsApp experience and ensure a safer, more enjoyable messaging environment. Remember to exercise caution when blocking someone, and don’t hesitate to report any instances of abuse or harassment to WhatsApp’s support team. With these tips and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to a WhatsApp experience free from unwanted distractions.
How Do I Know If I’ve Successfully Blocked Someone On WhatsApp?
You’ll know you’ve successfully blocked someone on WhatsApp when you no longer see their messages or calls in your chat list. Additionally, you won’t receive any notifications from them, and their messages will not be delivered to your phone. If you’re still unsure, you can try sending a message to the person you blocked to see if it goes through. If it doesn’t, you’ll know the block was successful.
Keep in mind that the person you blocked will not receive any notification that they’ve been blocked, so they may still try to contact you. However, their messages will not reach you, and you can rest assured that you won’t receive any unwanted communications from them.
Will The Person I Block Know That I’ve Blocked Them?
The person you block will not receive any notification or alert that they’ve been blocked. WhatsApp does not send out notifications when someone blocks another user. However, they may suspect that they’ve been blocked if they try to contact you and their messages are not delivered.
If the person you blocked tries to send you a message, they will see a single tick (indicating that the message was sent) but not the double tick (indicating that the message was delivered). They may also try calling you, but their call will not go through. In these cases, they may suspect that they’ve been blocked, but they won’t know for certain.
Can I Still See The Messages I Exchanged With The Person I Blocked?
Yes, you can still see the messages you exchanged with the person you blocked before you blocked them. The block only prevents them from contacting you in the future, but it doesn’t delete the existing chat history. You can still access the conversation and review the messages you exchanged with the person.
However, keep in mind that if you want to remove the conversation entirely, you can delete the chat thread. To do this, go to the chat list, swipe left on the conversation, and tap “Delete”. This will remove the conversation from your chat list, but it won’t affect the block you’ve already put in place.
Can I Block Someone On WhatsApp Without Them Knowing?
Yes, you can block someone on WhatsApp without them knowing. When you block someone, WhatsApp does not send out any notifications to the person being blocked. They will not receive any alerts or messages indicating that they’ve been blocked.
The block is a one-way action, and the person you blocked will not be aware of it unless they try to contact you and realize that their messages are not being delivered. You can block someone at any time, and they will not be notified of the block.
How Do I Unblock Someone On WhatsApp?
To unblock someone on WhatsApp, go to the Settings menu, then tap “Account”, and finally tap “Privacy”. From there, tap “Blocked contacts” and find the contact you want to unblock. Swipe right on their name, and tap ” Unblock”. Alternatively, you can also go to the chat list, find the conversation with the person you blocked, and swipe right on their name to unblock them.
Once you’ve unblocked someone, you’ll start receiving messages and calls from them again. They will be able to contact you as normal, and you’ll be able to see their messages in your chat list.
Will Blocking Someone On WhatsApp Block Them On Other Platforms?
Blocking someone on WhatsApp only blocks them on the WhatsApp platform. It does not affect their ability to contact you on other platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, or email. If you want to block someone on other platforms, you’ll need to do so separately.
For example, if you block someone on WhatsApp, they may still be able to send you friend requests or messages on Facebook, or follow you on Instagram. You’ll need to block them separately on each platform to prevent contact.
Can I Block Someone On WhatsApp Using A Computer?
Unfortunately, you cannot block someone on WhatsApp using a computer, as the blocking feature is only available on the mobile app. If you want to block someone, you’ll need to use your mobile device to access the WhatsApp app and follow the blocking steps.
However, if you’ve already blocked someone on your mobile device, you won’t be able to see their messages or communications on the WhatsApp web client on your computer either. The block applies across all devices connected to your WhatsApp account.