Block someone on YouTube by going to their channel, clicking the three-dot menu, and selecting "Block user"

The fastest way to block someone on YouTube is through their channel page. Find their channel, tap or click the three vertical dots next to the Subscribe button, and choose "Block user" from the menu. YouTube will then prevent that person from commenting on your videos, messaging you, or seeing your uploads in their recommendations. The block takes effect when ready.

You can also block someone from a comment they left on your video. Hover over or tap their comment, click the three dots that appear, and select "Block user". This removes their comment and blocks them at the same time. If you block someone by mistake, you can unblock them the same way — go to their channel, click the three dots, and select "Unblock user".

Key Takeaways

  • Blocking someone on YouTube prevents them from commenting on your videos, sending you messages, and seeing your channel in their recommendations.
  • You can block a user from their channel page or directly from a comment they left on your video.
  • A blocked person cannot see that they have been blocked, and they will not receive a notification.
  • You can unblock someone at any time by visiting their channel and selecting "Unblock user" from the three-dot menu.
  • Blocking is different from reporting; reporting sends a complaint to YouTube's moderation team, while blocking only affects what that person can do on your account.

Block someone from their channel page

Open the channel of the person you want to block. This works whether you are on a computer, phone, or tablet. Look for the Subscribe button near the top of the channel header.

Click or tap the three vertical dots (the menu icon) next to the Subscribe button. A dropdown menu will appear with several options. Select "Block user" from that menu. YouTube will confirm that the person is now blocked.

Block someone from a comment on your video

If someone leaves a comment you want to block them for, you do not have to visit their channel. Go to the comment itself on your video. On a computer, hover your mouse over the comment until three dots appear on the right side. On a phone or tablet, tap and hold the comment until a menu pops up.

Click or tap the three dots and select "Block user". YouTube will remove the comment and block that person from commenting on any of your videos going forward. This method is faster if you are already watching your comments and spot someone you want to block.

What blocking does and does not do

When you block someone on YouTube, they can no longer comment on your videos, send you direct messages, or see your channel in their recommendations. If they search for your channel by name, they can still find it, but they will not be able to interact with your content.

Blocking does not prevent a blocked person from watching your videos if they find them through search or a link. It only stops them from engaging with you directly. The blocked person will not receive a notification that you have blocked them, and they will not see a message saying they are blocked if they try to comment or message you.

Unblock someone if you change your mind

If you block someone and later want to undo it, the process is the same. Go to their channel, click the three vertical dots next to the Subscribe button, and select "Unblock user". They will when ready be able to comment on your videos and message you again.

YouTube does not keep a list of people you have blocked in an straightforward-to-find place, so if you forget who you blocked, you will need to remember their channel name or username. There is no "blocked users" page where you can see everyone at once.

Block versus report: when to use each one

Blocking and reporting are two different tools that do different things. Blocking is personal — it only affects what that person can do on your account. Reporting sends a complaint to YouTube's moderation team, who will review the content and decide whether it violates YouTube's rules.

Use blocking when someone is bothering you but has not broken YouTube's rules — for example, if they leave annoying comments or you straightforward do not want to interact with them. Use reporting when someone has posted content that is abusive, hateful, spam, or otherwise violates YouTube's Community Guidelines. You can do both at the same time: report the content and block the user.

Block someone on the YouTube mobile app

The steps are the same on the YouTube app for iPhone or Android. Find the person's channel or locate a comment they left. Tap the three vertical dots next to their name or the Subscribe button. Select "Block user" from the menu that appears.

On the mobile app, the three-dot menu may be in a slightly different location depending on your phone's operating system, but the option to block is always there. If you are having trouble finding it, make sure you are tapping the dots next to the person's name or the Subscribe button, not somewhere else on the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone tell if I blocked them?

No. YouTube does not notify people when they are blocked. If they try to comment on your video or message you, they will straightforward see an error or no response, but YouTube will not tell them the reason why.

Can a blocked person still watch my videos?

Yes. Blocking only prevents them from commenting, messaging you, and seeing your channel in their recommendations. If they search for your videos by title or find a link to them, they can still watch. Blocking is not the same as making your videos private.

What if someone keeps harassing me after I block them?

If they create a new account to continue bothering you, report that account to YouTube. Go to their channel or comment, click the three dots, and select "Report user". YouTube's team will review the report and take action if the behavior violates the Community Guidelines.

Can I block multiple people at once?

No. You have to block people one at a time. There is no bulk-block feature on YouTube. If you are dealing with a large group of harassers, report them to YouTube instead of blocking individually.

Will unblocking someone let them see my old videos?

Yes. When you unblock someone, they regain the same access they had before you blocked them. They can see your channel, watch your videos, and comment again. Unblocking does not hide your past uploads from them.