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WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. While it’s a great way to stay connected, there may be times when you need to block someone—whether due to spam, harassment, or simply wanting to cut off contact.

If you’re wondering how to block someone on WhatsApp, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process on both Android and iPhone, explain what happens when you block someone, and provide additional tips for managing your privacy.

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Why You Might Need to Block Someone on WhatsApp

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Before diving into the steps, let’s explore some common reasons why people block contacts on WhatsApp:

  1. Unwanted Messages or Spam – If someone is flooding your inbox with irrelevant or promotional messages, blocking them can stop the annoyance.
  2. Harassment or Bullying – Blocking is an effective way to prevent toxic individuals from contacting you.
  3. Privacy Concerns – If you no longer want someone to see your status, profile picture, or last seen, blocking restricts their access.
  4. Ending Unwanted Communication – Whether it’s an ex-partner or a persistent salesperson, blocking ensures they can’t reach you.

Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process.

How to Block Someone on WhatsApp (Android & iPhone)

The process is similar on both Android and iOS devices, with slight variations in navigation. Here’s how to do it:

Method 1: Blocking from the Chat Screen

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat of the person you want to block.
  2. Tap on their name at the top of the screen to open their profile.
  3. Scroll down and select “Block Contact”.
  4. Confirm your choice by tapping “Block” again.

Method 2: Blocking from WhatsApp Settings

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap the three-dot menu (Android) or Settings (iPhone).
  2. Go to Settings > Privacy > Blocked Contacts.
  3. Tap “Add” (Android) or “Block” (iPhone).
  4. Search for the contact you want to block and select them.
  5. Confirm by tapping “Block”.

Method 3: Blocking an Unknown Number

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If you receive a message from an unknown number and want to block them:

  1. Open the chat with the unknown number.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu (Android) or contact name (iPhone).
  3. Select “Block” and confirm.

What Happens When You Block Someone on WhatsApp?

Blocking someone on WhatsApp comes with several restrictions:

✔ They Can’t Send You Messages – Any messages they send will appear as a single gray tick (not delivered).
✔ No Calls or Video Chats – Blocked contacts can’t call you via WhatsApp.
✔ No Profile Updates – They won’t see your profile picture, status, or last seen.
✔ No Group Interactions – If you’re in the same group, they can still see your messages there, but they can’t message you privately.

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However, blocking doesn’t remove you from mutual groups, and they can still see your old messages unless you delete the chat.

How to Unblock Someone on WhatsApp

Changed your mind? Here’s how to unblock a contact:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Blocked Contacts.
  2. Find the contact you want to unblock.
  3. Tap “Unblock” and confirm.

Once unblocked, they can message you again, but previous chat history won’t be restored unless you’ve backed it up.

Additional WhatsApp Privacy Tips

Besides blocking, WhatsApp offers other privacy features to enhance your security:

1. Restrict Who Sees Your Last Seen & Status

Go to Settings > Privacy and customize who can view your activity.

2. Enable Two-Step Verification

Add an extra layer of security under Settings > Account > Two-step verification.

3. Report Spam Contacts

If someone is harassing you, block and report them to WhatsApp by selecting “Report Contact”.

4. Hide Your Profile Picture

Under Privacy > Profile Photo, choose who can see it.

For more WhatsApp security tips, check out WhatsApp’s official security guide.

FAQs About Blocking on WhatsApp

1. Can a Blocked Contact Know They’re Blocked?

WhatsApp doesn’t notify users when they’re blocked, but they may suspect it if they can’t see your updates or messages remain undelivered.

2. Can I Block Someone Without Them Knowing?

Yes, blocking is private. They won’t receive any notification.

3. Will Blocking Delete Our Chat History?

No, but you can manually delete the chat by swiping left (iPhone) or long-pressing (Android) and selecting “Delete Chat”.

4. Can a Blocked Contact Still Call Me?

No, blocking prevents all calls, messages, and status updates from that contact.

For more details, visit WhatsApp’s Help Center.

Alternatives to Blocking on WhatsApp

If you’re not ready to block someone but want to limit interactions, try these alternatives:

  • Mute Notifications – Long-press the chat and select “Mute”.
  • Archive the Chat – Hide the conversation without blocking.
  • Restrict Profile Visibility – Adjust privacy settings to limit what they see.

For more ways to manage unwanted messages, read this guide on handling spam.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to block someone on WhatsApp is essential for maintaining your privacy and peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with spam, harassment, or simply want to cut ties, blocking is a straightforward solution.

Remember, you can always unblock someone later if needed, and WhatsApp provides additional privacy settings to further secure your account.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends who might need it! For more tech tips, check out TechRadar’s WhatsApp guides.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!

By following this guide, you can effectively manage unwanted contacts on WhatsApp while keeping your experience safe and enjoyable. For further reading on digital privacy, visit Electronic Frontier Foundation.

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