How to unblock phone number in whatsapp


How to block (and unblock) someone on WhatsApp

Despite its new privacy policy, WhatsApp is the most popular chat app on Earth, with over two billion users sending gifs, texts, and more. Unfortunately, this popularity means that WhatsApp is a goldmine for cyber threats. If you don’t know how to block someone on WhatsApp, a flood of unwanted messages can kill any enjoyment you get out of the app.

The good news is that it’s easy to stop these messages in their tracks. Whether the messages are from a spammer, stranger, or just an overzealous suitor, here’s how to block someone on WhatsApp and never hear from them again.

Read more: 21 essential WhatsApp tricks and tips you should know

QUICK ANSWER

To block someone on WhatsApp, go to the contact, go to the menu at the top corner, and select Block. To unblock someone on WhatsApp, go into your account privacy section and find the Blocked Contacts section. Find the person you wish to unblock and tap Unblock.


JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

  • How to block someone on WhatsApp
  • How to unblock someone on WhatsApp
  • How to know if someone blocked you on WhatsApp

How to block someone on WhatsApp

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

Users don’t have to be in your contacts to send you WhatsApp messages. However, people usually get the hint if you ignore their messages. This isn’t always the case, so sometimes, it’s necessary to block their number completely. This will prevent them from sending any future messages, which can be undone easily if you make a mistake.

When you first receive a message from an unknown number, WhatsApp automatically detects it and prompts you to block them or add them as a contact. If this prompt no longer appears, here’s another way to block someone on Whatsapp.

  • Open WhatsApp and open the chat with the person you want to block.
  • Tap the three dots in the top right, then More, then Block.
  • Tap Report and Block or Block.

If the person is a suspected spammer, selecting Report and Block will signal to WhatsApp that they shouldn’t be on the platform. Don’t report someone unless they are spamming, spreading fake news, or otherwise breaking the WhatsApp terms of service.

Once blocked, any messages from that contact will show up as sent (one check) but not delivered (two checks) on their end. They will also be unable to call you, see your latest login time, or see any profile picture updates.

Read also: How to backup WhatsApp: Never lose a message again

How to unblock someone on WhatsApp

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

If you’ve blocked someone by mistake or changed your mind about wanting to communicate with them, it’s easy to unblock them. Here’s how to find blocked contacts and unblock them.

  • From the WhatsApp home screen, tap the three dots in the top right, then Settings.
  • Tap Account, then Privacy, then Blocked contacts at the bottom.
  • Tap the number/name you want to unblock, then tap Unblock (name).

That’s all there is to it. You can also use this method to block many people by tapping on the plus icon in the top right.

Note that even if you unblock someone, you won’t be able to recover any messages they’ve sent while blocked.


Read more: WhatsApp not working? Here are 5 easy fixes to try to fix it

FAQs

You will still appear on their phone, and they will appear on yours. However, both of you will not be able to see the other’s status updates, whether or not you’re online, and obviously, you won’t be able to phone or message one another.

How to Block Someone on WhatsApp

  • You can block unknown numbers on WhatsApp by adding them to your block list in the account settings.
  • Blocked contacts can't call or send messages to you, and your status updates won't be visible to them.
  • Once you block a number, WhatsApp won't notify them that they've been blocked.

WhatsApp is one of the most popular free instant-messaging apps, used to help people keep in touch with each other around the world.

While the messaging app provides a convenient platform for users to connect with friends, family and new acquaintances, it can sometimes also become a potential platform for unwanted contacts and violation of personal privacy.

Fortunately, it is very simple to block a contact on the messaging platform. Here are all the ways you can block and unblock a contact on WhatsApp, whether you're using the Android or iOS app. 

How to block a contact on WhatsApp 

You can block someone on Whatsapp with the mobile app for Android or iOS devices.  

On Android

1. Open WhatsApp.

2. Tap the three vertical dots in the top right-hand corner to access the More options menu. Then, tap Settings.

On Android, the Settings menu can be accessed via the three vertical dots icon. Steven John/Insider

3. In the Settings menu, tap Account.

Go to your account settings. Steven John/Insider

4. From the Account menu, tap Privacy, and then Blocked contacts.

Tap "Privacy," then scroll down and tap "Blocked contacts." Steven John/Insider

5. From the Blocked contacts page, tap the Add icon on the top right-hand corner.

Tap "Privacy," then scroll down and tap "Blocked contacts. " Steven John/Insider

6. Search or select the contact you want to block.

Quick tip: If you've previously chatted with the contact, or you've received a message from an unknown number, you can block them directly in the chat. Open the chat and tap the three vertical dots. From there, tap More, then tap Block.

On iOS

1. Open WhatsApp.

2. Tap the Settings icon on the bottom right-hand corner.

3. In the Settings menu, tap Account.

4. In the Account menu, tap Privacy and then Blocked.

Tap the "Add" icon to manually select someone to block from your list of contacts. Steven John/Insider

5. From the Blocked menu, tap Add New and search or select the contact you want to block.

Quick tip:  If you've previously chatted with the contact, or you've received a message from an unknown number, you can block them directly in the chat. Open the chat and tap the name of the contact on the top. Scroll down and tap Block [name of contact].

What happens when you block someone on WhatsApp?

When you block someone on WhatsApp, you will no longer receive notifications, messages, calls or status updates from them.

In addition, your "last seen" timestamp and online status, plus any changes made to your profile, will not be visible to contacts you've blocked.

Note: WhatsApp does not notify a user when they have been blocked, so if you block someone, they won't know directly. Still, there are a few things a person can check to confirm they've been blocked.

How to unblock a contact on WhatsApp

You can also choose to unblock someone on Whatsapp. Here's how to do it on Android or iOS devices. 

On Android

1. From the WhatsApp home screen, tap the three vertical dots on the top right-hand corner to access the More options menu. Then, tap Settings.

2. In the Settings menu, tap Account. Tap Privacy, and then Blocked contacts.

3. Tap the name of the blocked contact.

4. Then tap Unblock [contact name or number].

Quick tip: You can also search for the contact you blocked. Open the chat, tap on the contact's name, then tap Unblock.

On iOS

1. From the WhatsApp home screen, tap Settings at the bottom right.

2. Tap Account then Privacy.

3. Tap Blocked.

4. Tap the contact name, and on the contact details page, tap Unblock Contact.

Quick tip: Similar to the process on the Android app, you can also search for the contact you blocked. Open the chat, tap on the contact's name, then tap Unblock [contact name or number].

Steven John

Freelance Writer

Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com.

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