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How to Block People on Facebook Messenger: A Comprehensive Guide

Blocking someone on Facebook Messenger is simpler than escaping a particularly persistent marketing email – and arguably just as satisfying. You have options, so let’s dive straight into how to banish those unwanted interactions.

How to block someone on Facebook Messenger? You can block someone directly through the Messenger app or website. Open the conversation with the person you wish to block. Tap on their name at the top of the chat. Scroll down to the bottom of their profile and select “Block”. You’ll be presented with two options: to block the person only on Messenger, or to block them entirely on Facebook. Choose the option that best suits your needs, and confirm your selection. That person will no longer be able to message you, call you, or see your posts (depending on which option you choose).

Understanding the Nuances of Blocking on Messenger

Before you go on a blocking spree, let’s unpack exactly what this digital banishment entails. It’s not quite the same as unfriending someone, nor is it a simple mute button. Blocking involves a layered approach, depending on the specific choice you make during the process.

Blocking on Messenger vs. Blocking on Facebook

This is a crucial distinction. When you hit that “Block” button, Facebook asks you whether you want to block the person only on Messenger or on both Messenger and Facebook.

Blocking on Messenger: This prevents the person from contacting you directly through Messenger. They can’t send you messages, call you (voice or video), or see your active status. However, you might still see their posts on Facebook if you are friends. You’ll still see their comments on shared posts in public groups, and they will still be able to see yours. You’ll even appear as if you’re still friends on Facebook. It just stops communication on Messenger only.
Blocking on Facebook: This is the nuclear option. This cuts ties completely, at least digitally. Blocking someone on Facebook also blocks them on Messenger, but the reverse is not always true. This prevents them from seeing your Facebook profile, posts, photos, and more. They can’t tag you, invite you to events or groups, start a conversation with you, or add you as a friend. Basically, you become invisible to them on Facebook and Messenger. This can also remove you as Facebook friends with the person.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking on Messenger (Mobile App)

Let’s break down the process on your mobile device:

Open the Messenger App: Launch the Facebook Messenger application on your smartphone or tablet.
Select the Conversation: Find and open the conversation with the person you wish to block.
Access Chat Settings: Tap the person’s name at the top of the chat window. This takes you to their profile within Messenger.
Scroll Down and Block: Scroll down to the very bottom of the profile page. You should see the “Block” option.
Choose Your Blocking Option: Tap “Block.” A pop-up will appear asking if you want to block messages and calls or block on Facebook.
Confirm Your Decision: Select your desired option and confirm your choice. Facebook will likely ask for a confirmation to ensure you didn’t tap the button accidentally.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking on Messenger (Desktop)

The process is similar on a desktop computer:

Open Facebook in a Browser: Go to Facebook in your web browser.
Access Messenger: Click the Messenger icon on the top-right corner. Or go to messenger.com directly.
Select the Conversation: Find and open the conversation with the person you want to block.
Access Chat Settings: Click the three dots (ellipsis) icon either at the top of the chat window, or in the details panel that appears on the right-hand side, depending on which version of the Messenger website you’re using.
Find the Block Option: A menu will appear. Scroll through the list until you find the “Block” option.
Choose Your Blocking Option: Click “Block.” Again, you’ll be asked if you want to block messages and calls or block on Facebook.
Confirm Your Decision: Select the appropriate option and confirm your choice.

What Happens After You Block Someone?

Once you block someone, here’s what they can and cannot do:

Cannot message you: They will be unable to send you new messages. If they try, the message will not be delivered, and they might not even realize you’ve blocked them (initially).
Cannot call you: Voice and video calls are immediately disabled.
Cannot see your active status: They won’t be able to see when you are online.
Limited Facebook visibility (if blocked on Facebook): They won’t be able to see your profile, posts, photos, or any content you share publicly or with friends.
Mutual invisibility (if blocked on Facebook): You also won’t see their profile, posts, or activity on Facebook.

Unblocking Someone

Regretting your decision? No problem. You can unblock someone at any time. Just navigate to your Facebook settings, then Blocking. You’ll see a list of people you’ve blocked. Find the person you want to unblock and click the “Unblock” button next to their name. Note that if you were not friends before, you’ll need to resend a friend request after unblocking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to blocking on Facebook Messenger:

Will the person know that I blocked them?
- Not directly. Facebook doesn’t send a notification saying, “You’ve been blocked!” However, they might suspect it if they can no longer message or call you, or see your profile.
Can I still see old messages from a person I’ve blocked?
- Yes, the old message history remains visible to you unless you delete it. You just won’t receive any new messages from them.
If I block someone on Messenger, does it automatically block them on Instagram?
- No. Blocking on Messenger and Instagram are separate actions, even though they’re both part of Meta. You’ll need to block them on Instagram separately.
Can a blocked person still see my comments on public posts?
- Yes. If you block them only on Messenger and you both comment on a public post or a post in a public group, they will still be able to see your comments, and you will see theirs. Blocking on Facebook is required to prevent this.
If I’m in a group chat with someone I blocked, what happens?
- You will both still be in the group chat, but you won’t be able to directly message each other individually. You’ll see each other’s messages in the group. Consider leaving the group if this is uncomfortable.
Can a blocked person still tag me in photos or posts?
- If you blocked them only on Messenger, they can still tag you. If you blocked them on Facebook, they cannot.
How do I find a list of people I’ve blocked on Facebook and Messenger?
- Go to your Facebook settings, then select “Blocking”. This page lists everyone you’ve blocked on Facebook, which includes Messenger.
Can someone tell if I’ve blocked them if we have mutual friends?
- Not definitively. While they might suspect it if they can’t find your profile, it’s not a foolproof way to tell. Mutual friends won’t receive a notification.
If I block someone, then unblock them, will they automatically become my friend again?
- No. Unblocking someone doesn’t automatically re-friend them. You’ll need to send them a new friend request.
Is there a way to temporarily block someone on Messenger instead of permanently blocking them?
- Yes. You can mute the conversation. This prevents you from receiving notifications from them without blocking them entirely. Access this option by long-pressing on the chat on mobile, or by clicking the three dots on desktop.
Does blocking someone prevent them from seeing my profile picture?
- If you block them only on Messenger, they can still see your profile picture. Blocking on Facebook prevents them from seeing your profile picture.
If I block someone, can they still see my previous posts that they were tagged in?
- If you block them only on Messenger, then yes, they can still see posts that they were previously tagged in. Blocking on Facebook will prevent them from doing so, removing you as a tag.

Blocking someone on Facebook Messenger is a powerful tool for managing your online interactions. Understand your options, choose wisely, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-curated digital life.