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How to Block Someone on Snapchat: A Complete Guide from a Snapchat Veteran

So, you’ve decided to pull the digital plug on someone in your Snapchat life? Welcome to the club. Sometimes, the fleeting nature of Snaps just isn’t enough, and you need a more permanent solution. Blocking someone on Snapchat is straightforward, but there are a few nuances you should be aware of. Here’s the lowdown:

Blocking someone on Snapchat is accomplished by navigating to their profile, accessing the options menu (typically represented by three dots), and selecting the ‘Block’ option. You can access their profile either through your chat history, their Snap name in stories, or by searching for their username. Once blocked, they will no longer be able to view your stories, send you Snaps, or even find you via search within the app.

Understanding the Art of the Block: A Deep Dive

While the basic process is simple, understanding the consequences and alternative actions can empower you to make the best decision for your Snapchat experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking a User

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to block someone:

Open Snapchat: Launch the Snapchat application on your mobile device.
Navigate to the Chat Screen: Tap the chat icon (speech bubble) at the bottom left of the screen. This will take you to your list of conversations.
Find the Conversation: Locate the conversation with the person you wish to block.
Open the Profile: Tap on their Snapchat username at the top of the chat window. This will take you to their profile screen.
Access the Options Menu: Look for the three vertical dots or lines in the top right corner of the screen. Tap on them.
Select “Block”: A menu will appear with several options. Select the option labeled “Block.”
Confirm the Block: Snapchat will ask you to confirm your decision. Tap “Block” again to finalize the process.

Alternative Route: Blocking from Search

If you don’t have an active chat with the person or prefer a different approach, you can block them through the search function:

Tap the Search Icon: Tap the magnifying glass icon at the top of the Snapchat screen.
Enter the Username: Type the username of the person you want to block into the search bar.
Find the User: Locate the user in the search results.
Tap and Hold: Tap and hold on their name in the search results.
Tap Manage Friendship This will lead you to a sub-menu for managing your friendship.
Select “Block”: From the new pop-up screen, you can select “Block.”
Confirm the Block: Snapchat will ask you to confirm your decision. Tap “Block” again to finalize the process.

What Happens After You Block Someone?

This is crucial information! Blocking someone on Snapchat has a few key consequences:

They Can’t See Your Stories or Snaps: Your public stories will disappear from their view, and they will no longer receive any Snaps you send.
They Can’t Message You: They can’t send you new messages, and any previous chat history will remain visible but won’t be updated.
They Can’t Find You Via Search: If they try to search for your username, you won’t appear in the search results.
You Disappear From Their Friends List (and Vice Versa): You both are removed from each other’s friends lists.

Is Blocking Permanent?

No, blocking is not permanent. You can unblock someone at any time. To do so:

Tap your profile icon in the top-left corner.
Tap the Settings Gear in the top-right corner.
Scroll Down to “Blocked” under the “Account Actions” section.
Find the User you want to unblock.
Tap the “X” next to their name.

Once unblocked, they won’t automatically be added back to your friends list. You’ll need to re-add them, or they’ll need to add you.

Consider Before Blocking: A Word of Advice

While blocking is effective, it’s a rather decisive action. Before hitting that block button, consider these alternatives:

Muting: Mute their stories to stop seeing their updates without notifying them.
Removing as a Friend: Removing them as a friend will prevent them from sending you Snaps directly, but they may still be able to see your public stories if your profile is set to “Everyone.”
Ignoring: Sometimes, the best course of action is simply to ignore their messages or snaps.

Snapchat Blocking: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about blocking on Snapchat:

1. Will someone know if I block them on Snapchat?

Snapchat doesn’t send a direct notification to the person you’ve blocked. However, they might realize it if they can no longer find you, send you Snaps, or see your stories. It’s often a process of elimination for them.

2. Can I block someone who isn’t on my friends list?

Yes, you can. Even if they’ve only sent you Snaps or messages without being formally added as a friend, you can still block them. Use the search method mentioned earlier in the article.

3. Can I see my blocked list on Snapchat?

Yes, as described above in the “Is Blocking Permanent?” section, you can access your blocked list through your settings.

4. If I unblock someone, will they automatically be my friend again?

No, unblocking someone simply removes them from your blocked list. You’ll need to re-add them as a friend, or they’ll need to add you back.

5. Can a blocked person still see my old snaps?

No. When you block someone, they cannot see any of your old or new Snaps, Stories, or other content. The blocking action effectively cuts them off from your Snapchat presence.

6. What’s the difference between blocking and reporting someone on Snapchat?

Blocking prevents someone from contacting you and seeing your content. Reporting sends a report to Snapchat about a user who is violating their community guidelines. You can often block and report someone.

7. Can I block someone from viewing my location on Snap Map?

Yes, but this requires a bit more finesse. You need to adjust your Snap Map settings. You can either choose “Ghost Mode” to hide your location from everyone or select “Only These Friends” to share your location with a select group. Blocking someone does prevent them from seeing your location if you are sharing your location with friends.

8. If I block someone and then change my username, will they be able to find me again?

Potentially, yes. If they know your new username through another platform or from mutual friends, they could search for you and add you. Blocking is tied to the account, not just the initial username.

9. Can I block someone temporarily on Snapchat?

While there isn’t a specific “temporary block” feature, you can block someone and then unblock them later. Just remember that they won’t automatically be added back to your friend list.

10. Does blocking affect my Snapchat score?

No, blocking someone has no impact on your Snapchat score.

11. Can a blocked person still see my public profile?

If your account is set to “Everyone” for who can contact me and view my story, then someone who is not your friend, but not blocked, can see your profile. When you block someone, they cannot see any of your content, even public content.

12. What if I accidentally blocked someone?

No worries! Just go to your blocked list, find the person, and unblock them. Then, re-add them as a friend if you want to reconnect. Accidents happen.

Blocking someone on Snapchat is a useful tool for maintaining control over your digital space. By understanding the process, consequences, and alternatives, you can make informed decisions about your connections and create a more enjoyable Snapchat experience.