If you no longer want someone to message or call you on WhatsApp, you can block their contact directly from the app. WhatsApp provides blocking options on iPhone, Android, and computer, and you can remove the block later if you change your mind.
This guide explains how to block and unblock someone on WhatsApp, what changes after blocking, and what happens to messages sent while a person is blocked.
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How to Block Someone on WhatsApp
There are several ways to block a WhatsApp contact. The easiest method is usually from the person’s chat, but you can also manage blocked contacts through WhatsApp’s privacy settings.
Block Someone on WhatsApp Using iPhone
Method 1: Block from a Chat
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
- Open the chat with the person you want to block.
- Tap the person’s name at the top.
- Scroll down.
- Tap Block Contact.
- Confirm by tapping Block.
You can also block a contact from the chat list if the option is available in your version of WhatsApp. Press and hold the conversation, then select the blocking option.
Method 2: Block from WhatsApp Settings
You can use this method if you don’t want to open the person’s conversation.
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap Settings.
- Select Privacy.
- Tap Blocked or Blocked Contacts.
- Choose Add New.
- Select the contact you want to block.
Block Someone on WhatsApp Using Android
Method 1: Block from the Chat
- Open WhatsApp.
- Open the conversation with the contact.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select More.
- Tap Block.
- Confirm that you want to block the contact.
Depending on the version of WhatsApp you’re using, you may also see an option to report the contact.
Method 2: Block from Settings
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Privacy.
- Open Blocked Contacts.
- Tap the Add icon.
- Select the contact you want to block.
How to Block Someone on WhatsApp Web or Desktop
You can also block a contact while using WhatsApp on your computer.
- Open WhatsApp Web or the WhatsApp desktop app.
- Open the conversation with the person.
- Click the person’s name at the top of the chat.
- Look for the blocking option in the contact information.
- Select Block.
- Confirm the action.
The exact appearance of the menus can vary between WhatsApp Web and different desktop app versions.
What Happens When You Block Someone on WhatsApp?
Blocking changes how the blocked person can interact with you on WhatsApp.
After you block someone:
- Their WhatsApp messages won’t be delivered to you.
- They can’t make WhatsApp voice or video calls to you successfully.
- They won’t be able to see certain information about your WhatsApp activity, such as your Last Seen and Online information.
- They won’t see changes to your profile photo or status updates in the normal way.
- Messages they send while blocked won’t be delivered to you later if you unblock them.
Your existing chat history isn’t automatically deleted just because you block someone. If you want to remove the conversation, you’ll need to delete it separately.
Does Blocking Stop Normal Phone Calls and SMS?
No. WhatsApp blocking only applies to communication through WhatsApp.
If the person has your phone number, they may still be able to contact you through your phone’s regular calling or messaging system. To prevent that, you need to use your phone’s separate call and message blocking features.
How to Unblock Someone on WhatsApp
If you decide that you want to communicate with a blocked contact again, you can unblock them from WhatsApp.
Unblock Someone on iPhone
From the Chat
- Open the conversation with the blocked contact.
- Tap the person’s name at the top.
- Scroll down.
- Tap Unblock Contact.
From Settings
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap Settings.
- Go to Privacy.
- Tap Blocked.
- Find the contact.
- Use the available unblock option.
Unblock Someone on Android
From the Chat
- Open the conversation with the blocked person.
- Tap Unblock if the option appears.
- Confirm the action if prompted.
From Settings
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap the three dots.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Privacy.
- Open Blocked Contacts.
- Select the contact.
- Tap Unblock.
Unblock Someone on WhatsApp Web or Desktop
- Open WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.
- Open the conversation with the blocked contact.
- Click the person’s name.
- Select Unblock.
You can also manage blocked contacts through the privacy settings if that option is available in your version of WhatsApp.
What Happens After You Unblock Someone?
Unblocking allows the person to contact you on WhatsApp again, subject to your other privacy settings.
However, messages sent while the person was blocked don’t suddenly appear in your chat after you unblock them. If they need to send you something, they will generally need to send a new message after being unblocked.
Block or Report: What’s the Difference?
Blocking is mainly used when you don’t want a particular person to contact you on WhatsApp.
Reporting can be useful when you believe an account is sending spam or other unwanted content. Depending on the situation, WhatsApp may provide both options when you block a contact.
If you simply don’t want to communicate with someone, blocking is the more direct option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block someone on WhatsApp without opening their chat?
Yes. WhatsApp provides blocked-contact controls through Settings > Privacy > Blocked Contacts. The exact menu name can vary depending on your device and app version.
Will someone know that I blocked them on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp does not normally send the other person a notification saying that you blocked them. However, they may notice indirect signs, such as messages not being delivered or certain profile information no longer being visible.
Can a blocked person call me on WhatsApp?
They can attempt to call you, but a WhatsApp call from a blocked contact won’t reach you normally.
Do blocked messages appear after I unblock someone?
No. Messages sent while the person was blocked aren’t delivered to you later simply because you removed the block.
Does blocking delete the WhatsApp chat?
No. Blocking and deleting a chat are separate actions. Your existing conversation can remain in your chat list unless you delete it yourself.
Can I unblock someone later?
Yes. You can remove a WhatsApp block whenever you want through the chat or blocked-contact settings.
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Conclusion
Blocking someone on WhatsApp is a straightforward way to stop unwanted WhatsApp messages and calls. You can block contacts from an individual chat or through the privacy settings on iPhone, Android, and supported computer versions of WhatsApp.
If you change your mind, you can unblock the person later. Keep in mind that unblocking does not restore messages that were sent while the contact was blocked, and WhatsApp blocking does not automatically block regular phone calls or SMS.
Abhi Rajput, founder of Earnabhi.com, is a tech lover with 6+ years of experience in SEO, digital tools, and smartphone troubleshooting. He writes simple, clear, and useful guides to help people solve real tech problems.