How to block someone on OfferUp

You can block a buyer or seller on OfferUp directly from their profile or from a conversation. Open the person's profile, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Block User." If you are blocking them from a message thread, tap the three dots above the conversation and choose "Block." Once blocked, that person cannot message you, see your listings, or contact you through the app — though they can still see your public profile if they search for it.

Blocking is different from reporting. When you block someone, you straightforward cut off contact with them. When you report someone for breaking OfferUp's rules — like scamming, harassment, or posting prohibited items — you send information to OfferUp's safety team, who may remove the account or take other action. You can do both at the same time if someone has both bothered you and violated the terms of service.

Key Takeaways

  • Blocking someone on OfferUp prevents them from messaging you or seeing your active listings, but they can still find your profile through search.
  • You can block from a person's profile (three dots, top right) or from inside a conversation (three dots above the chat).
  • Reporting a user sends information to OfferUp's safety team and is separate from blocking — use it when someone breaks the app's rules.
  • Blocked users remain blocked even if you delete and reinstall the app, because the block is stored on OfferUp's servers, not just your phone.

Blocking from someone's profile

Find the person's profile by searching for their username or by tapping their name from a past conversation or listing. Once you are on their profile page, look for the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it and a small menu will appear with options including "Block User." Select that option, and OfferUp will ask you to confirm — tap "Block" again to finish.

After you block someone, OfferUp removes any active conversations with them from your message list. If you had been negotiating a price or arranging a meetup, that thread disappears. The person will not receive a notification that you blocked them, but they will notice they can no longer message you or see your new listings.

Blocking from a conversation

If you are already messaging with someone and decide you want to block them, you do not have to leave the chat. Tap the three dots at the top of the conversation thread (above the person's name). A menu will pop up with several options, including "Block User." Tap it and confirm the block.

This method is faster if you are in the middle of a conversation that has turned uncomfortable or suspicious. You block them when ready without having to navigate to their profile first. The conversation will disappear from your inbox right away.

What happens after you block someone

Once someone is blocked, they cannot send you messages through OfferUp. If they try to message you, they will see an error or a message saying they cannot contact you. They also cannot see any new listings you post while they are blocked. However, they can still search for your username and view your profile page — they just cannot interact with you or see items you are currently selling.

If you change your mind, you can unblock someone by going to your account settings, finding the "Blocked Users" section, and tapping "Unblock" next to their name. Unblocking them restores the ability to message and see your listings, but it does not restore old conversations — those remain deleted.

Reporting instead of or in addition to blocking

If someone has scammed you, harassed you, posted counterfeit items, or broken OfferUp's community guidelines in another way, report them to OfferUp's safety team. Tap the three dots on their profile or in the conversation and select "Report User." Choose the reason that best describes the problem — scam, harassment, prohibited items, or another violation — and add any details that will help OfferUp investigate.

Reporting does not block the person automatically. You should block them separately if you do not want further contact. Reports go to OfferUp's team, who review the account and may suspend or remove it if they find a violation. This protects other users from the same person.

Blocking on different devices

OfferUp works on both iPhone and Android, and the blocking process is nearly identical on both. The three-dot menu is in the same location, and the option to block appears in the same place. If you use OfferUp on both your phone and a tablet, blocking someone on one device blocks them across all devices — the block is tied to your account, not to a single phone.

If you delete the OfferUp app and reinstall it, your blocks remain in place. OfferUp stores your blocked list on its servers, so logging back in restores all your previous blocks automatically.

When blocking is not enough

If someone continues to contact you after you have blocked them — for example, by creating a new account or messaging you outside OfferUp — save screenshots of the harassment and report it to OfferUp again. Include the evidence so the safety team can see the pattern. If the harassment involves threats or illegal activity, you can also report it to local law enforcement.

For transactions that go wrong, OfferUp has a dispute resolution process. If you paid through the app and the seller did not deliver, or the item was not as described, you can open a case through your transaction history and request a refund. This is separate from blocking and reporting, but it is another tool available if a deal falls apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone I blocked still see my listings?

No, blocked users cannot see new listings you post. However, they can still find your profile by searching your username and see any information on your profile page itself. They just cannot view or interact with items you are selling.

Will the person know I blocked them?

OfferUp does not send a notification saying you blocked them, but they will figure it out when they try to message you and cannot, or when they notice your listings have disappeared from their view. There is no way to block someone silently.

What is the difference between blocking and reporting?

Blocking stops someone from contacting you and seeing your listings. Reporting sends information to OfferUp's safety team about rule violations like scams or harassment. You can do both — blocking protects you, and reporting protects other users.

Can I unblock someone and then block them again?

Yes. Unblocking restores their ability to message you and see your listings. If you block them again later, the new block takes effect when ready. Old conversations do not come back when you unblock.

What should I do if someone harasses me after I block them?

If they create a new account or contact you outside OfferUp, take screenshots and report the new account to OfferUp with the evidence. If the harassment involves threats, contact local law enforcement. OfferUp's safety team can investigate patterns of abuse across multiple accounts.