How to Unblock Someone on YouTube: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve decided to lift the digital banhammer and reconnect with someone on YouTube. Maybe time has healed old wounds, or perhaps you just want to see what shenanigans they’re up to. Whatever the reason, unblocking someone on YouTube is a surprisingly simple process, though it’s tucked away in a slightly unexpected corner of the platform. Here’s the direct answer you’re looking for:

To unblock someone on YouTube, you need to access your blocked users list through a web browser (either on a computer or mobile device). YouTube’s mobile app doesn’t currently offer a direct unblocking feature.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) and go to YouTube.com.
2. Sign in to your YouTube account, if you aren’t already.
3. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner.
4. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
5. In the left-hand menu, click on Privacy.
6. Scroll down to the “Users” section. Here, you will see the option “Manage Blocked Users”. Click on it.
7. You’ll see a list of users you’ve blocked. Next to each user’s name, there will be an “Unblock” button.
8. Click the “Unblock” button next to the person you want to unblock.
9. The user is now unblocked and can interact with your content again.

That’s it! Simple, right? Now, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions that elaborate on this process and cover related scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Unblocking on YouTube

Here are some commonly asked questions about unblocking users on YouTube, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the process and its implications.

How Do I Find My Blocked Users List on the YouTube Mobile App?

Unfortunately, you cannot directly find and manage your blocked users list within the YouTube mobile app. The app lacks a dedicated feature for unblocking. You must use a web browser on either a computer or a mobile device, following the steps outlined earlier to access your blocked users list via YouTube.com. This is a significant limitation of the app, so browser access is essential for unblocking.

What Happens When I Unblock Someone on YouTube?

When you unblock someone, they are once again able to interact with your content on YouTube. This means they can:

• View your public videos and live streams.
• Comment on your videos.
• Subscribe to your channel.
• Send you messages (if you have messaging enabled).
• Potentially see your content in their recommendations, depending on YouTube’s algorithm.

Basically, you’re restoring them to the same level of access as any other YouTube user.

Will the Person I Unblocked Know I Unblocked Them?

No, YouTube does not notify users when they are unblocked. They won’t receive any direct notification or email indicating that they have been removed from your blocked list. However, they might realize they’ve been unblocked when they can once again interact with your channel and content. Their ability to see and interact with your channel will be the only indicator.

Can I Block Someone Again After Unblocking Them?

Yes, you can absolutely block someone again after unblocking them. If you find that the reasons you blocked them in the first place resurface, or if they start engaging in unwanted behavior, you can simply repeat the blocking process. Blocking and unblocking is not a one-time commitment!

Is There a Way to Unblock Someone If I Don’t Remember Their Username?

This can be tricky, but not impossible. If you don’t remember their exact username, you can try the following:

1. Check your email history: If you’ve interacted with them in the past (e.g., in comments or direct messages), search your email for their username or channel name.
2. Ask a mutual friend: If you have a mutual friend on YouTube, ask them if they know the person’s username or channel URL.
3. Review old videos: Scroll through your old videos and look for comments from accounts you suspect might be the person you’re trying to unblock.
4. Go through your Google Account Security: In some cases, the blocked user might be under the “Blocked” section of your overall google account security settings.

If none of these methods work, unfortunately, you might be unable to unblock them without remembering their username.

Can I Unblock Multiple People at Once?

No, YouTube does not offer a feature to unblock multiple users simultaneously. You must unblock each user individually by clicking the “Unblock” button next to their name in your blocked users list. This can be tedious if you have a large number of blocked users you wish to unblock. There are no workarounds or third party softwares that will bypass this.

Does Unblocking Someone on YouTube Also Unblock Them on Other Google Services?

No, blocking and unblocking on YouTube is specific to the YouTube platform. It does not affect your blocked list on other Google services like Gmail, Google Chat, or Google+. These services maintain separate blocked lists. If you’ve blocked someone on multiple Google services, you’ll need to unblock them individually on each service.

What Happens to Comments I Deleted From a User Before I Unblock Them?

Deleting comments is permanent and irreversible. Even if you unblock the user, their previously deleted comments will not be restored. YouTube does not keep a backup of deleted comments for privacy reasons.

If I Unblock Someone, Will They Automatically Subscribe to My Channel Again?

No, unblocking someone does not automatically resubscribe them to your channel. They will need to manually resubscribe if they wish to follow your content again. Unblocking simply restores their ability to subscribe, comment, and interact with your channel, but it doesn’t force any actions.

Can I See a List of People Who Have Blocked Me?

No, YouTube does not provide a way for users to see who has blocked them. This is a privacy measure to protect users who choose to block others. You won’t receive any notification or indication that you’ve been blocked by someone. If you cannot view someone’s channel, it could be due to various reasons, including them blocking you, making their content private, or deleting their channel.

Are There Any Third-Party Tools to Manage My Blocked Users List on YouTube More Efficiently?

Be extremely cautious when using third-party tools to manage your YouTube account. Many such tools are unreliable, insecure, or even malicious. Some tools may violate YouTube’s terms of service and could result in your account being suspended or terminated. It’s generally best to stick to the official YouTube interface for managing your blocked users list, even if it’s not the most efficient method.

What If I Accidentally Blocked Someone on YouTube?

If you accidentally blocked someone, simply follow the steps outlined at the beginning of this article to access your blocked users list and unblock them. It’s a quick and easy process to correct accidental blocks. There is no way to tell when you blocked someone though.

Unblocking someone on YouTube is a straightforward process, albeit one hidden in the settings. Understanding the implications of unblocking, and the limitations of the platform, ensures a smoother experience. Remember, maintaining a healthy online environment is a two-way street, and using the block/unblock features responsibly helps foster a more positive community on YouTube. Now go forth and reconnect (or block again, if necessary)!