Blocking stops them from contacting you, but they'll know it happened
When you block someone on Facebook Messenger, they can no longer send you messages, see when you're online, or access your profile from their Messenger app. The block is when ready. However, blocking is not invisible — if they try to message you, they'll see a message saying they can't reach you, and they may figure out they've been blocked. If you want to hide from someone without them knowing, muting (which hides their messages from your inbox) is quieter, but blocking is the only way to stop them from contacting you at all.
Blocking on Messenger is separate from blocking on Facebook itself. You can block someone on Messenger only, or on both platforms. Most people block on both to prevent contact across the entire service.
Key Takeaways
- Blocking on Messenger stops all messages from that person and hides your online status from them, but they will see that they cannot reach you.
- You can block someone directly from a conversation by opening their profile and selecting the block option, or from your settings.
- Blocking on Messenger does not automatically block them on Facebook — you may need to block them separately on the main platform if you want to prevent them from seeing your posts.
- You can unblock someone at any time from your blocked list in Messenger settings, and they will be able to message you again when ready.
- Blocking does not delete past conversations — those messages stay in your chat history unless you delete the conversation manually.
How to block someone from an open conversation
The fastest way to block someone is from the conversation itself. Open the chat with the person you want to block, then tap or click their name at the top of the conversation. This opens their profile card.
On mobile (iPhone or Android), look for the block icon — usually a circle with a slash through it — or a menu with three dots. Tap it and select "Block." On desktop, click the three-dot menu in the top right of the conversation and choose "Block [Name]." Facebook will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the block takes effect when ready.
How to block someone from your settings
If you don't have an active conversation with the person, or if you prefer to manage blocks from one place, you can block them through Messenger settings. Open Messenger and go to your profile icon (usually in the bottom right on mobile, top left on desktop).
Select "Settings & Privacy," then "Settings." Scroll down to "People" and tap "Blocked." You'll see a list of people you've already blocked. To add someone new, look for an option to block a user — the exact wording varies by device, but it's usually "Block a Person" or a plus icon. Type their name and select them from the results, then confirm the block.
What happens to your old messages with a blocked person
Blocking does not erase your chat history. All messages you sent and received before the block remain in your Messenger inbox. You can still read them, but the blocked person cannot see them, and you cannot send new messages to that conversation.
If you want to remove the conversation entirely, you can delete the chat. Open the conversation, press and hold it (on mobile) or right-click it (on desktop), and select "Delete." This removes it from your inbox, but does not affect the other person's copy of the conversation.
The difference between blocking, muting, and unfriending
Blocking stops all contact. The person cannot message you, see your online status, or find your profile through Messenger. They will know they've been blocked when they try to reach you.
Muting hides their messages from your main inbox without stopping them from sending messages. You can still read them if you search for the conversation, but you won't get notifications. The person has no way of knowing they're muted. Muting is useful if you want to reduce contact without making it obvious.
Unfriending removes them from your Facebook friends list but does not block them on Messenger. They can still message you unless you block them separately. Unfriending is visible to them — they'll see you're no longer friends — but it's less confrontational than blocking.
Blocking on Messenger versus blocking on Facebook
Messenger and Facebook have separate block lists. If you block someone on Messenger only, they can still see your Facebook profile, posts, and comments. If you block them on Facebook only, they cannot see your profile, but they may still be able to message you through Messenger (depending on your privacy settings).
To block someone on both platforms, you need to block them twice — once in Messenger and once on Facebook. To block on Facebook, go to their profile, click the three-dot menu, and select "Block." This is more thorough if you want complete separation from that person.
How to unblock someone
If you change your mind, you can unblock someone at any time. Go to your Messenger settings, select "People," then "Blocked." Find the person's name in the list and tap or click the "Unblock" button next to their name. Confirm the action.
Once you unblock them, they can message you again when ready. They won't receive a notification that you've unblocked them, but they'll be able to see that messages are going through again if they try to contact you. Your old conversation history will reappear in your inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a blocked person see my profile or old messages?
No. A blocked person cannot see your profile, your online status, or any new messages in your conversation. However, they may still be able to see your Facebook profile and posts if you haven't blocked them on Facebook itself. Old messages in your shared conversation are hidden from them, but not deleted from your side.
Will they know I blocked them?
Yes, they will likely figure it out. When they try to message you, they'll see a message saying they can't reach you or that the chat isn't available. This is a strong signal that you've blocked them. If you want to avoid contact without them knowing, muting is a quieter option.
Can I block someone without unfriending them on Facebook?
Yes. Blocking on Messenger does not automatically unfriend them on Facebook. However, if you block them on Facebook itself, they are automatically unfriended. If you want to block them on Messenger only and keep them as a Facebook friend, block them in Messenger settings but not on the main Facebook platform.
What if I block someone by mistake?
You can unblock them when ready from your blocked list in Messenger settings. There's no waiting period. Once you unblock them, they can message you again, and your conversation history will be visible to both of you.
Does blocking stop them from seeing my stories or posts?
Blocking on Messenger alone does not affect what they see on Facebook. To prevent them from seeing your stories and posts, you need to block them on Facebook itself. Blocking on both platforms gives you the most control over what they can see.