Table of Contents

How to Block Someone on Messenger and Facebook: The Definitive Guide

So, you’ve reached that point. Someone’s online presence is no longer a welcome addition to your digital life. Whether it’s an ex, a persistent salesperson, or just someone whose posts are grating on your nerves, knowing how to block someone on Facebook and Messenger is a vital skill in the modern online landscape. Fear not, intrepid digital navigator! This guide will provide you with a clear, concise, and comprehensive roadmap to blocking bliss.

The Straight Answer: Blocking on Facebook and Messenger

The good news is, blocking someone is straightforward. The slightly less good news is that Facebook and Messenger, while integrated, require slightly different approaches. Here’s the breakdown:

Blocking on Facebook:

Navigate to the Profile: Go to the profile of the person you wish to block.
Find the Three Dots: Look for the three horizontal dots (…) on their profile page, usually located near the “Message” button.
Select “Block”: Click the dots, and a dropdown menu will appear. Select “Block.”
Confirm Your Decision: A confirmation window will pop up, explaining what blocking entails. Click the blue “Confirm” button.

Blocking on Messenger:

Open the Conversation: Open your Messenger app and locate the conversation with the person you want to block.
Access Conversation Settings: Tap on their name at the top of the conversation to access the conversation settings.
Scroll and Find “Block”: Scroll down the options until you see the “Block” section. You’ll typically find two options here.
Choose Blocking Method:
- Block on Messenger: This option blocks them only on Messenger. They can still see your Facebook profile and content (depending on your privacy settings) and potentially interact with you elsewhere on Facebook.
- Block on Facebook: This option blocks them on both Messenger and Facebook, preventing them from seeing your profile, posts, and contacting you through either platform.
Confirm Your Decision: Confirm your choice.

Key Takeaway: Blocking on Facebook automatically blocks them on Messenger. Blocking only on Messenger leaves them able to see your Facebook profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blocking

Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of blocking on Facebook and Messenger with these frequently asked questions. Consider this your ultimate resource for understanding all things block-related!

1. What happens when I block someone on Facebook?

Blocking someone on Facebook is a digital declaration of independence. Here’s what they can’t do:

See your posts on Facebook: They won’t see anything you post, regardless of your privacy settings.
Tag you in posts or photos: They can’t tag you in anything.
Invite you to events or groups: They can’t send you invites.
Start a conversation with you on Messenger: They can’t message you.
Add you as a friend: They won’t even see the option to add you as a friend.

Essentially, you become invisible to them on the platform.

2. Will the person I blocked know that I blocked them?

Facebook doesn’t explicitly notify someone when they’ve been blocked. However, they will quickly realize something’s up when they can’t find your profile or message you. It’s a process of deduction, rather than a direct notification.

3. What is the difference between blocking and unfriending someone on Facebook?

Unfriending simply removes someone from your friend list. They can still see your public posts and profile information, and they can still message you (unless you adjust your privacy settings). Blocking, on the other hand, completely cuts off all contact and visibility. It’s a much more definitive action.

4. Can a blocked person still see shared friends’ posts that I am tagged in?

This is where it gets a little complex. If a blocked person is looking at a mutual friend’s post where you are tagged, they might see that you are tagged. However, if they click on your tag, they won’t be able to access your profile. So, they might see your name, but they can’t interact with you or see your content directly. This also depends on the privacy settings of the mutual friend’s post.

5. Can I block someone on Messenger without blocking them on Facebook?

Yes, as mentioned earlier, you can block someone solely on Messenger. This allows you to avoid their messages while still allowing them to see your public Facebook profile and interact with your public posts. This can be useful if you want to limit communication without completely cutting ties.

6. How do I unblock someone on Facebook and Messenger?

If you’ve had a change of heart (or perhaps made a mistake), unblocking is possible:

Unblocking on Facebook:

Go to Settings & Privacy: Click the downward-facing arrow in the top-right corner of Facebook.
Select “Settings”: Choose “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
Click “Blocking”: In the left-hand column, click “Blocking.”
Find the Person: A list of blocked people will appear. Find the person you want to unblock.
Click “Unblock”: Click the “Unblock” button next to their name.
Confirm: Confirm your decision.

Important Note: After unblocking someone, you will need to re-friend them if you want to be connected on Facebook as friends again.

7. If I unblock someone, can they immediately see my posts?

No, not necessarily. Even after unblocking, they are not automatically added back to your friend list. They’ll need to send you a friend request again, and you’ll need to accept it for them to see your friend-only posts. They will, however, be able to see any posts you’ve made public.

8. Can I block someone from seeing my Facebook profile picture?

You can’t selectively block someone from seeing your profile picture while allowing them to see other parts of your profile. You can, however, adjust the privacy settings of your profile picture to “Friends” (so only your friends can see it) or even “Only Me” (making it completely private).

9. If I block someone, will they see my comments on mutual friends’ posts?

This depends on the privacy settings of the post and the friend connections. If the mutual friend’s post is public, the blocked person might see your comment. If the post is only visible to friends, and you’re not friends with the blocked person, they won’t see your comment.

10. Can I block a Facebook page or group?

Yes, you can block Facebook pages and groups. To block a page, go to the page and click the three dots (…) below the cover photo. Select “Block” and confirm. Blocking a group is similar. Find the group, click the three dots (…) at the top, and select “Block Group.” This prevents the page or group from contacting you or appearing in your feed.

11. How can I report someone on Facebook instead of blocking them?

If someone is violating Facebook’s community standards (e.g., harassment, hate speech, violence), you can report them. Go to their profile or the specific post/message that violates the rules, and look for the three dots (…). Select “Report post” or “Report profile” and follow the prompts to provide details and submit your report. Facebook will then review the report and take action if necessary. Reporting is particularly useful in cases of abusive behavior.

12. Is there a way to temporarily block someone on Facebook?

Facebook doesn’t offer a direct “temporary block” feature. However, you can use the “Snooze” feature. Snoozing allows you to temporarily hide someone’s posts from your news feed for 30 days. To snooze someone, click the three dots (…) on one of their posts in your news feed and select “Snooze [Name] for 30 days.” While this doesn’t prevent them from seeing your content or contacting you, it does give you a break from their posts.

Conclusion: Mastering Your Digital Boundaries

Blocking on Facebook and Messenger is a powerful tool for managing your online experience. By understanding the nuances of blocking, unfriending, snoozing, and reporting, you can effectively curate your digital world and create a more positive and peaceful online environment. Now go forth and block with confidence! You are in control of your digital space.