How to Block Someone on WhatsApp: Simple Steps

WhatsApp is a fantastic tool for staying in touch, but sometimes you need to create distance. Whether it's to stop persistent spam, end communication with a specific person, or simply secure your privacy, blocking a contact is a necessary and powerful feature.

This guide is designed to be a clear and direct tutorial. We'll show you exactly how to block someone on WhatsApp on any device—Android, iPhone, or your computer. We'll also explain precisely what happens after you hit the "Block" button and how you can reverse the action if you ever change your mind. Let's get started.

Part 1. How to Block a Contact on WhatsApp (Android & iPhone)

The most common place to block someone is directly from your phone. The process is very similar for both Android and iPhone, with two main methods available on each platform.

How to Block Someone on an Android Device

Method 1: Blocking from the Chat

This is the quickest way to block someone if you have an active conversation with the person.

Step 1. Launch WhatsApp on your Android phone. Locate and select the chat/contact that you are going to block.
Step 2. Click on the three-dot menu icon.
Step 3. A dropdown menu will appear. Tap on More.
Step 4. From the next menu, select Block.
Step 5. WhatsApp will display a confirmation pop-up. This pop-up gives you the choice to simply Block the user or to Report and Block. For unwanted but harmless contact, simply tap Block. If the user is sending spam or abusive content, choose "Report and Block" to also alert WhatsApp.

Method 2: Blocking from Your Settings

This method is useful if you don't have a recent chat and want to block someone directly from your contact list.

Step 1. Click on the three dot button on the main interface of WhatsApp. Then, select Settings.
Step 2. Tap on Privacy.
Step 3. Scroll down and go to the bottom of the Privacy page until you can finally see the "Blocked Contacts" section.
Step 4. You'll be able to view your blocked contacts in the list. Click on the add person icon.
Step 5. This will open your WhatsApp contact list. Scroll through or search for the person you wish to block and tap on their name. They will be immediately added to your block list.

How to Block Someone on an iPhone (iOS)

Method 1: Blocking from the Chat

Step 1. Open the WhatsApp app on your iPhone. Open the chat you wish to block.
Step 2. Tap on their contact name or phone number at the very top of the screen.
Step 3. Scroll down to bottom.
Step 4. You will see a red text option: Block [Contact Name]. Tap on it.
Step 5. A confirmation message will appear. Tap Block again to finalize the action.

Method 2: Blocking from Your Settings

Step 1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
Step 2. On the Settings menu, tap Privacy.
Step 3. Tap on the Blocked menu. It will show a count of how many contacts are currently blocked.
Step 4. Tap Add New.... This will open your contact list.
Step 5. Select the contact you want to block. They will be added to the list instantly.

Part 2. How to Block Someone on WhatsApp Web/Desktop

If you use WhatsApp on your laptop or desktop computer, you can manage your contacts just as easily without needing to pick up your phone.

Step 1. Open WhatsApp Desktop on your computer. If you don't have the program install, go to web.whatsapp.com in a browser.
Step 2. Click on the chat with the person you want to block from the list on the left.
Step 3. With the chat open, click on their name at the top of the conversation pane. You will see the Contact Info sidebar on your WhatsApp screen.
Step 4. Go to the bottom of this sidebar.
Step 5. You will see the option to Block. Click it.
Step 6. A final confirmation box will appear. Click the Block button to confirm.

Part 3. What Happens After You Block Someone?

Blocking is a private action, but it has clear consequences for how you and the blocked person can interact on the platform. Understanding these changes is crucial.

First and foremost: The person you block will not receive any notification telling them they have been blocked.

Here's a detailed breakdown of what a blocked contact can and cannot see or do:

• Visibility is Removed: They will no longer be able to see your Last Seen or Online status in the chat window. They also won't see your Status updates or any changes you make to your Profile Picture. They will typically see the generic grey default user icon instead of your picture.
• Messages and Calls Stop: Any messages, photos, videos, or calls sent by the blocked contact will not be delivered to you. From their perspective, any message they send will forever show a single grey checkmark (meaning "sent"), but it will never turn into the double grey checkmark (meaning "delivered").
• Group Chats Are Unaffected: This is a critical point to remember. Blocking is a one-on-one action. If you and the blocked person are in the same group chat, you will still be able to see each other's messages. If you want to avoid all contact, you must leave any mutual groups.

Part 4. How to Unblock Someone on WhatsApp

People and situations change. If you decide you want to resume contact, unblocking someone is simple and can be done at any time.

The following steps will show you how to unblock someone on WhatsApp:

Step 1. Open WhatsApp Settings.
Step 2. Go to the Privacy section.
Step 3. Tap on Blocked contacts (Android) or Blocked (iPhone).
Step 4. You can see a list of every contact you have blocked after clicking the Blocked button.
Step 5. Tap on contact name that you wish to unblock on your WhatsApp.
Step 6. Select the Unblock option.

Once you unblock them, all communication functions are restored immediately. They will be able to see your online status and profile picture again (depending on your overall privacy settings) and can call and message you.

Bonus: How to Back Up WhatsApp Messages Before Blocking Someone

If you want to block someone on your WhatsApp but keep the chat messages well, you can first back up your WhatsApp messages. To back up WhatsApp messages, using a third-party tool like TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer can help you get your WhatsApp backed up on your iPhone within several clicks.

Besides backing up WhatsApp messages, TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer allows users to transfer WhatsApp chats between iPhones, restore and export WhatsApp backup files to a computer, back up WhatsApp data to a computer, and preview the backup files. With the simple and concise user interface, users can easily migrate or back up their WhatsApp messages without encountering any hassles.

Part 5. Conclusion

You have now learned how to block someone on WhatsApp. This simple feature is one of the most effective tools at your disposal for protecting your digital space and curating a positive online environment. By using it wisely, you can ensure your communication remains on your terms, giving you the control and peace of mind you deserve.

Besides, if you need to back up some WhatsApp messages before you are going to block someone, just download and try using TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer to manage your WhatsApp data.