How to block (and unblock) someone on WhatsApp

WhatsApp is the most popular chat app in the world, with more than two billion users worldwide. Unfortunately, this popularity has also made the app a prime target for spammers and scammers. 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 before they ever pop up on your phone. Whether they’re a spammer, stranger, or just an overzealous suitor, here’s how to block someone on WhatsApp and never hear from them again!

How to block someone on WhatsApp

Even if someone is not in your contact list, they can still send you messages through WhatsApp. People usually get the hint if you ignore their messages, but sometimes it’s necessary to completely block their number. This will prevent them from sending any future messages, and it can be undone just as 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.

How 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.

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.

How to unblock someone on WhatsApp

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 at once 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.

That’s it for our guide on how to block someone on WhatsApp! Check out more WhatsApp news and guides below.