How to Check Who You Blocked on Instagram: The Definitive Guide

So, you’ve wielded the mighty block button on Instagram, creating a digital fortress around your profile. Now, curiosity strikes: who resides on the other side of that wall? Finding out is surprisingly straightforward, though Instagram doesn’t exactly shout it from the virtual rooftops. Here’s the lowdown on how to unearth your list of blocked accounts, presented with the authority of someone who’s navigated the labyrinthine corridors of Instagram settings for years.

To check who you have blocked on Instagram, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.
3. Tap on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right corner.
4. Select “Settings and privacy”.
5. Scroll down until you find the section labeled “Who can see your content”.
6. Tap on “Blocked”.
7. This will display a list of all the accounts you have blocked on Instagram.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully unearthed your blocked list. Now, let’s dive deeper into some common questions and scenarios you might encounter.

Understanding Your Blocked List: FAQs

Beyond the simple steps, there’s a universe of nuanced questions surrounding Instagram’s blocking feature. Let’s explore some frequently asked questions to illuminate the finer points.

1. Can someone see that I blocked them on Instagram?

The short answer is: not directly. Instagram doesn’t send a notification that declares “You’ve been banished!” However, there are telltale signs. A blocked user won’t be able to:

• View your profile.
• Find your profile in search results.
• See your posts or stories.
• Send you direct messages.
• See mutual followers

They might suspect they’re blocked if your profile suddenly disappears. A truly dedicated detective might try accessing your profile through another account, confirming their suspicions.

2. If I unblock someone, will they automatically follow me again?

No, unblocking someone doesn’t automatically reinstate the follow. They’ll need to request to follow you again, assuming your account is private. If your account is public, they can simply follow you once more.

3. Will someone I blocked still be able to see my old comments or likes on their posts?

This is where things get a little intricate. If you commented on a public post before blocking someone, that comment will likely remain visible to everyone, including the person you blocked. Similarly, your likes on public posts will remain. However, they won’t be able to click through to your profile. If the post is private and they don’t follow the account that posted it, they won’t see your past interactions.

4. Can I block someone from creating new accounts to bother me?

While Instagram doesn’t offer a blanket “block all future accounts” feature, it does offer the ability to block specific accounts associated with someone. If you suspect someone is creating multiple profiles to harass you, block each account as it surfaces. Reporting the abusive behavior to Instagram is also crucial.

5. How do I report a blocked account for abusive behavior?

Even after blocking someone, you can still report them. Navigate to their profile (which you may need to find through a mutual friend’s account or by searching their username) and use the report option (usually found in the three-dot menu). Provide as much detail as possible about the abuse, including screenshots if available.

6. Is there a limit to the number of accounts I can block on Instagram?

Instagram hasn’t publicly disclosed a specific limit on the number of accounts you can block. However, it’s safe to assume there’s a practical limit. If you’re blocking an unusually large number of accounts, it might trigger some internal flags within Instagram’s system, so proceed with caution and consider whether reporting might be a more effective solution in some cases.

7. If I block someone, will it affect our mutual followers?

No, blocking someone won’t directly impact your mutual followers. They will still be able to see both your profiles (unless they also block you). However, blocking someone might influence the content they see in their feeds, as Instagram’s algorithms consider your interactions (or lack thereof) with different accounts.

8. What’s the difference between blocking and restricting someone on Instagram?

Blocking and restricting are two distinct tools for managing interactions. Blocking completely severs the connection – the blocked person can’t see your profile, posts, or stories. Restricting, on the other hand, is a more subtle approach. When you restrict someone:

• Their comments are only visible to them unless you approve them.
• Their direct messages go to your message requests folder.
• They won’t be able to see when you’re online or if you’ve read their messages.

Restricting is a less confrontational way to limit someone’s ability to interact with you.

9. Can a blocked person see my profile if they use a third-party app or website?

Generally, no. Instagram’s block feature is designed to prevent access to your content through any legitimate means. However, be wary of suspicious third-party apps promising access to blocked profiles. These apps are often scams or can compromise your account security.

10. If I block someone and then change my username, will they still be blocked?

Yes, changing your username won’t affect the block. The block is tied to the account ID, not just the username. Even if you completely overhaul your profile, the blocked person will remain blocked.

11. Can I block someone from liking or commenting on my posts without blocking them completely?

While Instagram doesn’t offer a direct “block likes and comments” option, you can use the restrict feature to manage comments. Additionally, you can set your account to private and only approve followers you want to interact with. This gives you more control over who can see and engage with your content. Also, you can turn off comments on individual posts.

12. If I block someone and then unblock them, will they see my past stories?

No, unblocking someone doesn’t retroactively grant them access to your expired stories. Stories are ephemeral by design, disappearing after 24 hours. Once a story is gone, it’s gone, regardless of whether someone was blocked or not.

Mastering the Block: A Final Word

The block feature is a powerful tool for managing your Instagram experience. Understanding its nuances, from how to access your blocked list to the subtle differences between blocking and restricting, empowers you to curate a safer and more enjoyable online environment. Use it wisely, and remember that reporting abusive behavior is crucial for maintaining a healthy and respectful community on Instagram. Embrace the power of control and protect your digital space.