How to Find Someone on Instagram That You Blocked: A Definitive Guide

So, you’ve been there, done that. Hit that block button with a vengeance. But time, as it often does, has shifted your perspective. Now you’re wondering, “How do I find that person on Instagram that I blocked?” Don’t fret; retrieving those you’ve banished from your digital kingdom is simpler than you might think. Let’s break it down.

The straightforward method is to access your blocked accounts list within Instagram’s settings. Once you’ve navigated to this list, you can easily find the profile you’re seeking and then, if desired, unblock them.

Accessing Your Blocked List: A Step-by-Step Approach

Finding your blocked list is like unlocking a secret panel in Instagram’s inner workings. Fear not; the combination is easy to remember.

Navigating to Settings

First, launch the Instagram app on your mobile device or open it in a web browser. Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner (or top right on the web version) to go to your profile page. Then, look for the three horizontal lines (the “hamburger menu”) in the top right corner and tap on them. This will reveal a menu. From this menu, select “Settings.”

Finding the Privacy Settings

Within the settings menu, you need to delve into the realm of Privacy. Scroll down or use the search bar at the top (if available) to locate “Privacy” and tap on it. This is where you control who interacts with your account and content.

Locating Your Blocked Accounts

Now, within the Privacy settings, scroll down until you find “Blocked Accounts.” It’s usually located under the “Connections” section. Tap on “Blocked Accounts,” and voila! You’ve arrived at the guest list of your digital “do not enter” zone.

Identifying and Unblocking the User

Here, you’ll see a list of all the accounts you’ve blocked. Scroll through the list to find the specific profile you’re looking for. Once you find it, next to their username, you’ll see a “Unblock” button. Tap on this button. Instagram will then prompt you to confirm your decision. Confirming this will unblock the user, allowing them to see your public content and potentially interact with you again, depending on your other privacy settings.

Alternative Methods: The Search Strategy

If, for some reason, the above method fails (perhaps due to a bug or unusual account configuration), you can try a more direct search.

Searching Directly on Instagram

This method relies on the assumption that you remember at least part of the person’s username or full name. Type their username or full name (or a portion of it) into the Instagram search bar. If you previously blocked them, their profile may still appear in the search results, albeit with limited information visible (assuming they have a public profile). If it appears, you might be able to recognize it and then unblock from their profile. This method isn’t always reliable, as Instagram’s search algorithm prioritizes relevance and factors in your past interactions (or lack thereof, in this case).

Using a Secondary Account

If you have a secondary Instagram account (or a trusted friend’s account), you can use it to search for the person’s profile. Since your secondary account wouldn’t have blocked the individual, their profile should appear in the search results normally. Once you’ve found the profile, you can then view their username and search for it on your primary account to unblock them using the Blocked Accounts list method.

Important Considerations

• Privacy Settings: Even after unblocking someone, they won’t automatically follow you. They will have to request to follow you again if your account is private.
• Memory Lane: If you can’t recall the exact username, think about any mutual friends, groups, or hashtags you might have shared. This can help jog your memory and narrow down your search.
• Re-blocking: Remember why you blocked them in the first place. Unblocking someone should be a deliberate decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 FAQs to further clarify the process and address potential concerns:

1. What happens when I unblock someone on Instagram?

   • When you unblock someone, they can potentially see your public posts and stories. If your account is private, they’ll need to send you a follow request. They also won’t automatically be following you.

2. Will the person I unblock know that I unblocked them?

   • No, Instagram does not notify the person when you unblock them.

3. Can I block someone again after unblocking them?

   • Yes, you can re-block someone at any time. The process is identical to the initial blocking process.

4. Is there a limit to the number of people I can block on Instagram?

   • No, there is no known limit to the number of accounts you can block on Instagram.

5. Can I see the list of accounts I’ve blocked on Instagram on both the app and the website?

   • Yes, you can access the list of accounts you’ve blocked on both the Instagram app (iOS and Android) and the Instagram website.

6. I blocked someone a long time ago, and I can’t remember their username. How can I find them?

   • Try searching using any partial information you remember, such as their full name or a variation of their username. If you have any mutual friends, check their followers list.

7. If I unblock someone, will they automatically see my past posts and stories that were visible when they were blocked?

   • Yes, if your account is public, they will be able to see all your public posts and stories that are still available after you unblock them. If your account is private, they will see your content once you approve their follow request.

8. Can someone tell if I’m searching for their profile if I’ve blocked them?

   • No, Instagram does not notify users when someone searches for their profile, regardless of whether they are blocked or not.

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

   • Blocking completely cuts off communication. The blocked person can’t see your profile, posts, or stories, and they can’t message you. Restricting is a less severe option. Restricting someone means their comments on your posts are only visible to them (unless you approve them), and their messages to you go to your message requests folder. They won’t know they’ve been restricted.

10. If I change my username, will the people I’ve blocked still be blocked?

    • Yes, changing your username will not affect your blocked list. The accounts you’ve blocked will remain blocked even after you change your username.

11. I accidentally blocked someone. Is there a quick way to undo it?

    • Yes, simply follow the steps outlined above to access your blocked list and unblock them.

12. Does blocking someone also prevent them from seeing my profile if they search on Google?

    • Blocking someone on Instagram primarily affects their ability to see your profile within the Instagram platform. Whether your profile appears in Google search results depends on your Instagram privacy settings and Google’s indexing policies. If your profile is public, it may still appear in Google search results, even if someone has been blocked on Instagram.

Finding someone you blocked on Instagram might seem like a digital treasure hunt, but with these methods, you should be able to locate them and make your own choice.