How to Block or Unblock Someone on WhatsApp

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Getting unwanted messages on WhatsApp can be frustrating. Whether it’s spam, frequent calls, or people you’d rather not hear from. Whatever the reason, you have full control over who can reach you on WhatsApp. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to block or unblock someone on WhatsApp using iPhone, Android, and WhatsApp Web or Desktop.

How to Block Someone on WhatsApp

You can block someone directly from a chat or through settings; both options are native to the app and easy to use. Here’s how:

Block on iPhone

From the Chat

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Open the chat of the person you want to block.
3. Tap their name at the top of the screen.
4. Scroll down and tap Block Contact.
5. Tap Block to confirm.
   

You can also block them directly in the chat list.
Open WhatsApp > long-press Chat Name > tap Block

From Settings

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap Settings at the bottom right.
3. Go to Privacy.
4. Scroll down and select Contacts. Then tap Blocked.
5. Tap Add New.
6. Select the contact you want to block.
   

This method is helpful if you want to block someone without opening their chat.

Block on Android

On Android, the steps are slightly different but just as simple.

From the Chat

1. Open WhatsApp and the contact’s chat.
2. Tap three dots in the top-right corner.
3. Tap More and select Block.
4. Tap Block again to confirm.
   
   

You can also choose to report the contact if needed.

From Settings

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap three dots in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings and then tap Privacy.
4. Tap Contacts and then Blocked Contacts.
5. Tap the Add icon in the top-right corner and choose the contact.
   

Block on Web/Desktop

If you’re using WhatsApp on your computer, you can block contacts there too. Follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp Web or the Desktop app.
2. Open the chat with the person.
3. Click their name at the top.
4. Scroll down and click Block.
   
5. Confirm your choice.
   

What Happens After You Block Someone on WhatsApp?

Once you block them, you’ll stop getting their calls and messages immediately. Anything they try to send while blocked won’t show up later, even if you unblock them. Your existing chat history stays on your phone unless you delete it yourself.

Here is what actually changes:

• Messages they send will show only one gray check mark and won’t be delivered.
• They cannot call you using WhatsApp voice or video.
• Your Last Seen and Online status will be hidden.
• Access to your WhatsApp Status & profile photo updates will be blocked.

Blocking only affects WhatsApp messages and calls. If they have your phone number, they can still contact you via regular calls or SMS unless you block them there too.

How to Unblock Someone on WhatsApp (iPhone, Android, Web)

Unblocking a contact quickly restores their access to your WhatsApp. Here’s how to do it:

Unblock on iPhone

From the Chat

1. Open the blocked chat.
2. Tap the contact’s name.
3. Scroll down and tap Unblock Contact.
   

From Settings

This method is useful if you do not want to open the chat first.

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap Settings and then Privacy.
3. Tap Blocked.
4. Swipe left on the contact and tap Unblock.

Unblock on Android

From the Chat

1. Open the chat.
2. Tap Unblock at the bottom of the conversation.

From Settings

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap three dots at the top right corner and then select Settings.
3. Go to Privacy, scroll to Contacts, and then tap Blocked Contacts. Same as the Block method.
   
4. Now, tap Contact.
5. Select Unblock.
   

Unblock on Web/Desktop

From the Chat

1. Open the chat.
2. Click the contact’s name.
3. Select Unblock.

From Settings

1. Click Settings at the bottom-left of the chat list.
2. Select Privacy, and then Blocked contacts.
3. Select the contact and click Unblock.

Final Thoughts

Blocking someone on WhatsApp is quick and easy on iPhone, Android, or desktop. It helps protect your privacy and stop unwanted messages. You can also unblock them at any time to resume the conversation.

Read more:

• How to Block a Number on iPhone
• How do you know if someone has blocked on Whatsapp
• How to Silence Unknown Callers in WhatsApp on iPhone
• How to block someone in Google Drive on iPhone

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Bhaskar Tech Writer

Bhaskar is a tech guru who turned wordsmith. Hiding his B.Tech degree in a closet, he ditched the corporate path to simplify tech for everyone. For the past 5 years, he’s been dishing out how-tos, reviews, and sharp insights. But there’s more! He’s a witty interview champ and has been sharing his wisdom for 3 years.

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