Blocking on Facebook: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re at the point where you need to sever digital ties with someone on Facebook. We’ve all been there. Maybe it’s an ex, a relentlessly annoying acquaintance, or someone with whom you just need a break. Whatever the reason, Facebook thankfully makes blocking relatively straightforward. Here’s how you do it:

The Definitive Guide to Blocking a Facebook Friend

Blocking someone on Facebook is a definitive action. It’s like building a digital wall, preventing almost all interaction between you and the blocked individual. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Navigate to their Profile: The easiest way is to search their name in the Facebook search bar. Alternatively, if you’ve interacted with them recently, they might appear in your news feed or in your “Friends” list.
2. Find the Three Dots: Once on their profile page, look for the three horizontal dots (“…”) located either below their cover photo or next to the “Message” button (depending on whether you’re using the desktop or mobile version of Facebook).
3. Select “Block”: Clicking the three dots will reveal a dropdown menu. Choose the “Block” option.
4. Confirm Your Decision: Facebook will display a confirmation message warning you about the consequences of blocking. Read this carefully! It explains what happens when you block someone (more on that later). If you’re sure, click the “Confirm” button.
5. That’s It! You’ve successfully blocked the individual.

Blocking via Settings

You can also block someone directly through your Facebook settings:

1. Access Settings & Privacy: Click the downward-facing arrow in the top right corner of Facebook (on desktop) or tap the three horizontal lines (the “hamburger menu”) in the bottom right corner on the mobile app. Select “Settings & Privacy,” then “Settings.”
2. Navigate to Blocking: In the left-hand menu (on desktop) or by scrolling down (on mobile), find and click/tap “Blocking.”
3. Enter the Name or Email: In the “Block users” section, type the name or email address of the person you want to block.
4. Select and Block: Facebook will display a list of potential matches. Find the correct person and click the “Block” button next to their name.
5. Confirm: As before, you’ll be prompted to confirm your decision. Click “Block” again to finalize.

Understanding the Consequences of Blocking

Before you hit that confirm button, understand precisely what blocking entails:

• They Can’t See Your Profile: They won’t be able to view your timeline, posts, photos, or any other content you share on Facebook.
• You Vanish from Their Friend List: You’ll disappear from their list of friends.
• No More Messaging: You can no longer send or receive messages from each other on Facebook or Messenger.
• No Tagging or Invitations: They cannot tag you in posts or invite you to events or groups.
• Mutual Friends: Blocking doesn’t prevent mutual friends from seeing both of your content. However, you won’t see any interactions they have with the blocked person’s content.
• Limited Interaction in Groups: You’ll still see each other’s posts in groups you both belong to, but you won’t be notified about them. Interactions might feel awkward, but it’s unavoidable.
• Unfriending vs. Blocking: Remember, unfriending is different from blocking. Unfriending simply removes someone from your friend list, but they can still see your public posts and potentially message you. Blocking is a much more comprehensive measure.
• They Won’t be Notified: Facebook doesn’t explicitly notify someone when you block them. However, they’ll quickly realize something’s up when they can no longer find your profile or interact with you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blocking on Facebook

Here are some common questions about blocking on Facebook:

1. What happens when I block someone on Messenger?

Blocking someone on Facebook also blocks them on Messenger. You will no longer be able to send or receive messages from that person through Messenger. They will not be able to see your online status or call you.

2. Can someone tell if I blocked them on Facebook?

Facebook doesn’t send a notification explicitly stating “You have been blocked.” However, the person will likely realize it when they can no longer find your profile, message you, or see your posts. It’s usually pretty obvious.

3. Can I block someone who isn’t my friend?

Yes, you can block anyone on Facebook, even if they aren’t your friend. The process is the same. Navigate to their profile (if possible) or use the blocking settings to search for their name.

4. Can a blocked person still see my old posts or photos?

No. Once someone is blocked, they cannot see any of your past or present posts or photos, regardless of privacy settings (unless they were tagged in a post by someone else, and the privacy settings of that post allow it).

5. How do I unblock someone on Facebook?

Go to your Settings & Privacy > Settings > Blocking page. You’ll see a list of people you’ve blocked. Click the “Unblock” button next to their name. Be aware that if you unblock someone, you’ll need to send them a friend request again if you want to be friends. You also have to wait 48 hours before you can re-block them.

6. Is there a limit to how many people I can block?

Facebook doesn’t publicly state a hard limit, but it’s safe to assume there is one. However, it’s unlikely you’ll ever reach it unless you’re blocking hundreds or thousands of people.

7. Does blocking someone prevent them from seeing my public posts?

Yes. Blocking prevents someone from seeing any of your content, even posts set to “Public.”

8. What if I’m being harassed on Facebook?

Blocking is a good first step, but if you’re experiencing harassment, consider reporting the individual to Facebook. You can do this through their profile or by reporting specific posts or messages. Facebook has policies against harassment and can take action, including suspending or permanently banning the user. You may also want to contact the police if you feel threatened.

9. Will blocking someone prevent them from seeing my comments on other people’s posts?

It’s complicated. If you and the blocked person are both commenting on a public post by someone else, you might see each other’s comments. However, you won’t see any direct interactions they have with you.

10. Can I block someone from seeing my business page?

Yes, you can block someone from your business page. Go to your page settings, then “People and Other Pages.” Find the person you want to block and click the gear icon next to their name. Select “Ban from Page.”

11. What’s the difference between blocking and reporting someone on Facebook?

Blocking prevents all direct interaction between you and another user. Reporting alerts Facebook to potential violations of their community standards (e.g., harassment, hate speech, spam). Reporting can lead to Facebook taking action against the reported user’s account.

12. If I block someone, can they still see my profile if they use a different Facebook account?

Technically, yes. Blocking applies only to the specific account you blocked. If the person creates a new account or uses someone else’s account, they could potentially view your public posts (if you have any). This is why it’s important to adjust your privacy settings accordingly. Consider setting your posts to “Friends” or “Friends of Friends” to limit who can see them.