Can I Block Someone on Messenger But Not Facebook? The Definitive Guide

Yes, absolutely! You can block someone on Messenger without blocking them on Facebook, and vice versa. This separation provides users with granular control over their online interactions, allowing you to manage your relationships on each platform independently. Let’s dive into the nuances of how this works.

Understanding Facebook and Messenger Blocking

Think of Facebook and Messenger as connected but distinct neighborhoods. While they share the same address (Meta, formerly Facebook Inc.), they operate with their own sets of rules and social dynamics. This means that blocking someone in one neighborhood doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve blocked them in the other.

The Difference Between Blocking and Other Restrictions

Before we get deeper, let’s differentiate between blocking, unfollowing, and muting.

• Blocking: This is the most restrictive option. It prevents the person from contacting you through the platform you’ve blocked them on.
• Unfollowing: This simply removes the person’s posts from your newsfeed, without them knowing. You’re still connected as friends, but you don’t see their content.
• Muting: This silences notifications from the person, either for posts or messages, allowing you to avoid their content without fully blocking them.

How to Block Someone on Messenger Only

The process is straightforward. Keep in mind that interfaces change slightly over time, but the fundamental steps remain the same.

1. Open Messenger: Launch the Messenger app on your mobile device or access it through the Facebook website.
2. Find the Conversation: Locate the conversation with the person you want to block.
3. Access the Options: Tap on their name at the top of the conversation. This will usually bring up their profile information.
4. Scroll Down and Find ‘Block’: Look for the “Block” option in the settings menu.
5. Choose ‘Block on Messenger’: You will typically see two options: “Block on Messenger” and “Block on Facebook.” Select “Block on Messenger.”
6. Confirm Your Decision: Messenger will likely ask you to confirm your choice. Confirm that you want to block the person.

That’s it! They will no longer be able to message you on Messenger. You can still be Facebook friends (if you are) and see their posts if their privacy settings allow it.

How to Block Someone on Facebook Only

If you only want to restrict their access to your Facebook profile, you can do so independently.

1. Go to Their Profile: Find the person’s profile page on Facebook.
2. Click the Three Dots: Look for the three dots (ellipsis) on their profile page, usually located near the “Message” button.
3. Select ‘Block’: Choose “Block” from the dropdown menu.
4. Confirm Your Decision: Facebook will present you with a confirmation message explaining what happens when you block someone. Confirm your decision.

By blocking them on Facebook, they won’t be able to see your profile, posts, send you friend requests, or contact you on Facebook. However, it will not affect their ability to message you on Messenger.

Understanding the Effects of Blocking

Knowing what happens after you block someone is vital for managing expectations and relationships.

• On Messenger: The blocked person cannot send you messages. If they attempt to, they might not even realize they’ve been blocked (the message may appear to send on their end, but you won’t receive it).
• On Facebook: The blocked person cannot see your profile, posts, send you friend requests, or message you on Facebook. You will also be automatically unfriended if you were previously connected.
• Mutual Friends: Blocking someone doesn’t prevent you from seeing mutual friends’ posts that the blocked person comments on (unless the post’s privacy settings restrict it).
• Shared Groups: You might still encounter each other in shared Facebook groups. Blocking doesn’t remove you from groups or prevent you from seeing each other’s posts within those groups.

When Should You Use Each Option?

Choosing whether to block on Messenger, Facebook, or both depends on your specific circumstances.

• Messenger Only: If you want to avoid private conversations but are okay with seeing their public posts and interactions on Facebook, this is the ideal option. Perhaps it’s an acquaintance you want to avoid personal messages from.
• Facebook Only: This is useful if you want to restrict their access to your profile and prevent them from seeing your updates, but you don’t mind them contacting you privately. This can be useful in professional situations or with distant relatives.
• Both: This provides the most comprehensive block, preventing all contact and visibility on both platforms. This is often best for situations involving harassment, unwanted attention, or a desire to completely cut ties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to blocking on Facebook and Messenger, providing even greater clarity on the subject.

1. Will the Person Know I Blocked Them?

No, Facebook and Messenger do not directly notify the person when you block them. However, they might infer it based on their inability to find your profile or message you.

2. Can I Block Someone Who Isn’t My Friend?

Yes, you can block anyone on Facebook and Messenger, regardless of whether they are your friend or not.

3. What Happens to Our Past Conversations After I Block Someone on Messenger?

The conversation will remain in your Messenger archive, but you won’t receive any new messages from the blocked person. You can delete the conversation if you wish.

4. If I Unblock Someone, Will They Automatically Be Added Back as a Friend?

No, unblocking someone does not automatically re-friend them on Facebook. You will need to send them a friend request again, and they will need to accept it.

5. Can a Blocked Person See My Posts if We Have Mutual Friends?

Yes, if your posts are set to “Public” or “Friends of Friends” and a mutual friend shares or comments on your post, the blocked person might be able to see it through that friend’s interaction.

6. How Can I Tell if Someone Has Blocked Me?

There’s no definitive way to know for sure, but you can suspect you’ve been blocked if you can no longer find their profile on Facebook or send them messages on Messenger.

7. If I Block Someone on Facebook, Can They Still See My Comments in Shared Groups?

Yes, if you are both members of the same group, the blocked person can still see your comments and posts within that group. Blocking doesn’t remove you from groups or prevent you from seeing each other’s content in the group setting.

8. Can I Block Someone on Instagram Separately from Facebook and Messenger?

Yes, Instagram has its own independent blocking feature. Blocking someone on Instagram does not automatically block them on Facebook or Messenger. However, because Meta owns all three platforms, there are cross-platform blocking features which may affect this. Check settings to confirm.

9. Does Blocking Someone Prevent Them from Seeing My Profile Picture?

If you block someone on Facebook, they will not be able to see your profile picture or any other content on your profile.

10. Can a Blocked Person Still Tag Me in Photos or Posts?

No, a blocked person cannot tag you in photos or posts on Facebook. The tagging option won’t be available to them.

11. What Happens if I Block Someone on Messenger Who Is Also an Admin of a Shared Facebook Page?

Blocking them on Messenger won’t remove them as an admin from the Facebook Page. You would need to remove them from their admin role within the Page settings to prevent them from managing the Page.

12. Is There a Way to Block Someone on Facebook and Messenger Completely Without Them Ever Knowing?

While they won’t receive a notification, they might eventually realize they’ve been blocked due to their inability to find your profile or contact you. There is no foolproof way to prevent them from suspecting it, especially if you were previously active in each other’s social circles.

Hopefully, this guide has shed some light on the intricacies of blocking on Facebook and Messenger. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently manage your online interactions and curate a positive social media experience. Remember, you’re in control!