How to See Who You Have Blocked on Instagram: A Deep Dive

So, you’re wondering how to unveil that digital wall you’ve built and see who resides on the other side? No problem! It’s a simple process, really. You can easily access your blocked list on Instagram through the app’s settings, where you’ll find a curated collection of accounts you’ve restricted from interacting with you. Let’s get into it.

Here’s the streamlined breakdown:

1. Open Instagram: Fire up the Instagram app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Go to Your Profile: Tap your profile picture located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Access the Menu: Look for the three horizontal lines (the “hamburger menu”) in the top right corner and tap them.
4. Open Settings and Privacy: From the menu that appears, tap on “Settings and Privacy.”
5. Find “Blocked”: Scroll down until you locate the “Blocked” option. It might be under the “Who can see your content” or “How others can interact with you” sections.
6. Review Your Blocked List: Tap on “Blocked” to see a comprehensive list of all the accounts you have blocked on Instagram.

And that’s all there is to it! From this list, you can review the accounts, unblock them if you wish, or even block more if the mood strikes you. Now, let’s explore some of the frequently asked questions that often bubble up around this topic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blocking on Instagram

Here are some common queries and insights to help you master the art of blocking (and unblocking!) on Instagram.

1. What happens when I block someone on Instagram?

When you block someone on Instagram, several things occur:

• They can’t see your posts, stories, or Reels: Your content essentially vanishes from their view.
• They can’t send you direct messages: The communication channel is severed.
• They can’t find your profile in search: Trying to search for your username will yield no results.
• They can’t tag you or mention you: Your username becomes invisible to them in the context of tagging or mentioning.
• You both will no longer follow each other: If you were previously following each other, the connection is automatically severed.
• Past likes and comments disappear: Any likes or comments they left on your posts will be removed.
• They aren’t notified: Instagram doesn’t send a notification to the person you blocked, but they might figure it out eventually.

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

As mentioned earlier, Instagram does not send a notification to the person you blocked. However, they may realize it if they try to view your profile or message you and find they can’t. The absence of your content and the inability to interact with you are strong indicators. But, Instagram won’t explicitly tell them.

3. Can someone see my profile if I block them and then make my account private?

Yes, even if your account is private, blocking someone prevents them from seeing your profile. Blocking overrides privacy settings in this case. They won’t be able to send you a follow request either.

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

No. Unblocking someone does not automatically reinstate the follow relationship. If they wish to follow you again, they will need to send you a follow request (if your account is private) or simply follow you (if your account is public). And, you’ll need to approve them if your account is private.

5. Can I block someone from a specific post or story, instead of blocking their entire account?

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t offer a feature to block someone from viewing a specific post or story without blocking their entire account. The block function is all-or-nothing. If you want to limit who sees a particular story, you can use the “Close Friends” feature. For posts, limiting interaction through comment settings or deleting unwanted comments might be better alternatives.

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

While Instagram doesn’t publicly disclose a specific limit, there appears to be no practical limit to the number of accounts you can block. You can block as many accounts as you deem necessary to curate your Instagram experience.

7. Can I block multiple accounts at once?

No, Instagram does not provide a function for blocking multiple accounts simultaneously. You need to block each account individually by navigating to their profile and selecting the “Block” option.

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

Blocking completely severs the connection between you and another user, preventing them from seeing your content, messaging you, or finding your profile.

Restricting, on the other hand, is a softer approach. It allows the person to still see your content and interact with you, but their comments will only be visible to them unless you approve them, and their direct messages will go to your message requests instead of your main inbox. They also won’t be able to see when you are online. Restriction is a good option if you want to limit interaction without completely cutting someone off.

9. Can I block someone who doesn’t follow me on Instagram?

Absolutely! You can block anyone on Instagram, regardless of whether they follow you or not. The block will prevent them from finding your profile and interacting with you in any way.

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

Yes, changing your username does not affect your blocked list. The accounts you have blocked will remain blocked, even after you update your username. The blocking mechanism is tied to the underlying account ID, not just the username displayed.

11. Can I export or download my blocked list on Instagram?

As of now, Instagram does not offer a direct feature to export or download your blocked list. The list can only be viewed within the app’s settings. This is a common request, so perhaps Instagram will consider adding this functionality in the future.

12. Can someone create a new account to bypass being blocked by me?

Technically, yes, someone can create a new account to try and bypass your block. However, you can block that new account as well. If you suspect someone is repeatedly creating new accounts to harass you, you can report them to Instagram for violating their community guidelines. While it can feel like a game of whack-a-mole, persistent reporting can help address the issue. You can also look into privacy settings which allow only your followers to message you directly.

By mastering these blocking techniques and understanding their implications, you can effectively manage your online boundaries and curate a more positive and controlled experience on Instagram.