Blocking stops messages and calls from reaching you
When you block someone on Facebook Messenger, they cannot send you messages, see when you are online, or call you through the app. The block works one direction — they cannot contact you, but you can still see their profile and old conversations if you choose to look. Facebook does not notify them that you blocked them, though they may figure it out when their messages stop delivering.
Blocking is different from muting or unfriending. Muting silences notifications from someone but leaves the conversation open. Unfriending removes them from your friends list but does not stop them from messaging you if your settings allow it. Blocking is the strongest option when you want no contact at all.
Key Takeaways
- Blocking someone on Messenger prevents them from sending you messages, calling you, or seeing your online status.
- You can block someone directly from a conversation or from their profile, and the process takes less than a minute.
- Blocked people cannot see that you blocked them, but they may notice when their messages stop going through.
- You can unblock someone later if you change your mind, and they will be able to message you again when ready.
How to block someone from a Messenger conversation
Open the conversation with the person you want to block. At the top of the chat window, tap or click their name. A menu will appear with options including "Block" — select it and confirm when Facebook asks if you are sure.
On mobile, the name appears at the very top of the conversation. On desktop, it is also at the top, sometimes with a small arrow or menu icon next to it. The exact location varies slightly between the Facebook website, the Messenger app, and the mobile web version, but the block option is always in the same menu.
After you block them, the conversation stays in your message list but you will not receive notifications from it. You can delete the conversation entirely if you want it out of sight.
How to block someone from their Facebook profile
Go to the person's Facebook profile. Click or tap the three dots (more options menu) near their name or profile picture. Scroll down to find "Block" and select it. Confirm when prompted.
Blocking from the profile works the same way as blocking from Messenger — it blocks them across both Facebook and Messenger at once. You do not need to block them separately in each app.
What happens after you block someone
Once blocked, they cannot send you new messages or calls through Messenger. Any messages they try to send will not go through. If they try to call you, the call will not ring on your end.
They cannot see your profile picture, your status, or when you are online. They cannot tag you in posts or see posts you share with friends only. Old messages between you remain in your conversation history, but they cannot reply to them.
If they try to visit your profile, they will see a limited version with no option to message or add you as a friend. They may see a message saying the content is not available, depending on your privacy settings.
How to unblock someone
Go to your Facebook settings by clicking the downward arrow at the top right of any Facebook page. Select "Settings and Privacy," then "Settings." On the left side, click "Blocking." You will see a list of people you have blocked under "Block users."
Find the person you want to unblock and click "Unblock" next to their name. Confirm when Facebook asks. They will when ready be able to message you again, and you will see their online status and profile normally.
On mobile, the path is the same: tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Blocking. The unblock button appears next to each blocked person's name.
When blocking is not enough
If someone is harassing you, blocking prevents them from contacting you through Messenger, but they may try other ways to reach you — through email, phone, or other social media accounts. If the behavior is threatening or abusive, you can report it to Facebook separately from blocking.
To report someone, go to their profile or the message thread and tap the three dots menu. Select "Report" and choose the reason — harassment, hate speech, threats, or other options depending on what happened. Facebook reviews reports and may take action against the account.
If you are being stalked or threatened, consider reporting to local law enforcement as well. Blocking and reporting are tools within the app, but serious safety concerns may need outside help.
Blocking does not hide past conversations
When you block someone, your old messages with them stay in your conversation history. You can read them whenever you want. Blocking only stops new messages from coming in.
If you want to delete the conversation entirely, swipe left on it (mobile) or right-click it (desktop) and select "Delete." This removes it from your message list but does not affect the block — they are still blocked.
Some people delete conversations before blocking to avoid seeing the person's name in their chat list. Others keep the conversation for reference. The choice is yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone tell if I blocked them?
Facebook does not send a notification when you block someone. However, they may figure it out if they try to message you and the message does not show as delivered, or if they cannot find your profile. There is no way for them to know for certain from the app alone.
What if I block someone by accident?
Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Blocking. Find the person you blocked and click "Unblock." They will be unblocked when ready and can message you again right away. There is no waiting period.
Does blocking on Messenger also block them on Facebook?
Yes. Blocking someone on Messenger blocks them across Facebook and Messenger at the same time. You do not need to block them separately in each place.
Can a blocked person see my old messages to them?
They can still see messages you sent before you blocked them. Blocking stops new messages, but does not delete or hide the conversation history on their end. If you want to remove a message, you can delete it for everyone (within a short time window) before blocking.
What is the difference between blocking and muting?
Muting silences notifications from someone but leaves the conversation open — they can still message you and see when you are online. Blocking prevents them from messaging you at all. Use muting if you want to reduce notifications from someone you still want to hear from occasionally.