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How to Block Messages on WhatsApp: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to block someone on WhatsApp? Consider it done. Blocking someone on WhatsApp is a straightforward process, and here’s the lowdown. Simply open the chat with the contact you want to block, tap on their name at the top, scroll to the bottom of their contact information page, and tap “Block [Contact Name]”. You’ll be asked to confirm your decision, and once you do, you’ll no longer receive messages, calls, or status updates from that contact. They also won’t be able to see your online status, last seen, profile picture updates, or status updates.

Diving Deep into the Block: A Step-by-Step Guide

The beauty of WhatsApp’s blocking feature is its simplicity. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the steps, covering both Android and iOS devices:

Blocking on Android

Open the Chat: Find the conversation with the person you wish to block.
Access Contact Info: Tap on the contact’s name at the top of the chat window. This will take you to their contact information screen.
Scroll to the Bottom: On the contact information screen, scroll down until you see the “Block” option.
Tap “Block”: Tap the “Block [Contact Name]” button.
Confirm Your Decision: A confirmation window will appear. Tap “Block” again to finalize the process.

Blocking on iOS (iPhone)

The process on iOS is virtually identical:

Open the Chat: Open the conversation with the person you want to block.
Tap the Contact’s Name: Tap on the contact’s name at the top of the chat screen.
Scroll Down: Scroll to the bottom of the contact information page.
Tap “Block Contact”: Tap the “Block Contact” option.
Confirm Blocking: Confirm your decision by tapping “Block” in the pop-up window.

Blocking an Unknown Number

Sometimes, you need to block a number that isn’t saved in your contacts. Here’s how:

Open the Chat: Open the conversation with the unknown number.
Tap “Block”: At the bottom of the chat, you’ll see options like “Block” and “Add to Contacts”. Tap “Block”.
Report and Block (Optional): You’ll have the option to report and block the number if it’s spam. Choose the option that best fits your situation and tap “Block”.

Understanding the Consequences of Blocking

Blocking someone on WhatsApp has specific consequences for both you and the blocked contact. It’s important to understand these before you proceed.

No More Communication: You will no longer receive any messages, calls, or status updates from the blocked contact.
They Can’t See Your Status: The blocked contact will not be able to see your online status (“Last Seen”), profile picture updates, or status updates.
Uncertain Delivery Status: Messages sent by the blocked contact will only show one checkmark (meaning sent), never two (meaning delivered) or the blue double checkmarks (meaning read). However, they won’t necessarily know for sure they are blocked.
It’s Not a Mutual Block: Blocking is unilateral. Blocking someone doesn’t automatically block you from their contact list. They would have to block you separately.

Unblocking a Contact

Decided you want to reconnect? Unblocking a contact is just as easy:

Go to Settings: In WhatsApp, navigate to the “Settings” menu.
Account: Tap on “Account”.
Privacy: Tap on “Privacy”.
Blocked Contacts: Find the “Blocked Contacts” option.
Select and Unblock: Tap on the contact you want to unblock, and then tap “Unblock [Contact Name]”.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blocking on WhatsApp

Here are 12 common questions about blocking on WhatsApp, designed to cover any remaining uncertainties.

1. Does the person I blocked know I blocked them?

Not directly. WhatsApp doesn’t notify someone when you block them. However, they may suspect it based on the lack of delivery receipts and inability to see your profile information.

2. Can a blocked contact still see my old messages?

Yes, they can still see any past messages that were exchanged before you blocked them. Blocking only prevents future communication.

3. If I unblock someone, will I receive the messages they sent while I blocked them?

No, you will not receive any messages they sent while they were blocked. Those messages are simply not delivered.

4. Can a blocked person still see me in a group chat?

Yes, both you and the blocked person will still be able to see each other’s messages in any shared group chats. Blocking only affects direct, one-on-one communication.

5. Can a blocked person call me on WhatsApp?

No, a blocked person cannot call you on WhatsApp. The call will not go through on their end.

6. If I change my profile picture after blocking someone, will they see the new picture if I unblock them later?

Yes, if you unblock them later, they will be able to see your current profile picture, even if it was changed while they were blocked.

7. Does blocking someone delete them from my contact list?

No, blocking someone does not delete them from your contact list. You’ll need to delete them separately if you wish to remove them from your contacts.

8. Can I block someone who isn’t in my contacts?

Yes, as explained above, you can block numbers that are not saved in your contact list directly from the chat window.

9. What happens if I block someone and then delete their contact from my phone?

The blocking will remain in effect. Even if you delete their contact, they will still be blocked on WhatsApp.

10. Is there a way to block someone from seeing my status updates without blocking them completely?

Unfortunately, no. WhatsApp doesn’t offer a feature to selectively hide your status updates from specific contacts without blocking them entirely. You can only share your status updates with “My contacts except…” by selecting who not to share with.

11. If I block and unblock someone repeatedly, will they be notified?

No, WhatsApp doesn’t notify the contact about being blocked or unblocked, regardless of how frequently it happens. However, repeated blocking and unblocking might raise suspicions on their end.

12. How do I know if someone has blocked me on WhatsApp?

While there’s no definitive way to be certain, here are some indicators:

You can no longer see their “Last Seen” or “Online” status.
You can no longer see updates to their profile picture.
Messages you send only show one checkmark (sent) and never get delivered (two checkmarks).
Your calls to them do not go through.

It’s important to note that these could also indicate other issues, such as a change in privacy settings or a lack of internet connection.