How to block messages on the platforms you use
Blocking someone stops them from sending you messages, seeing your posts, and contacting you through that platform. The exact steps depend on which app or website you use — Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and text messaging all have different blocking systems. On most platforms, blocking is faster than reporting and takes effect when ready, though the person blocked may notice they can no longer find your profile.
You do not need to tell the person you are blocking them, and most platforms do not notify them automatically. However, if they try to message you or visit your profile after you block them, they will see that the block is in place — they just will not receive a notification saying you did it.
Key Takeaways
- Blocking prevents someone from messaging you, seeing your posts, and finding your profile on that specific platform.
- Each platform has its own blocking system — blocking someone on Facebook does not block them on Instagram or WhatsApp.
- Blocking takes effect when ready and does not require the other person's permission or knowledge.
- If you block someone, they can still see old messages you sent them before the block, but cannot send new ones.
- You can unblock someone later if you change your mind, and they will be able to contact you again.
Blocking on Facebook and Instagram
On Facebook, open the person's profile, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Block." On Instagram, go to their profile, tap the three dots, and choose "Block." After you block someone on either platform, they cannot message you, see your posts, find your profile in search, or see your stories. They will not receive a notification that you blocked them, but if they search for your name or try to visit your profile, they will see a message saying the account is not available.
If you use Instagram Direct Messages, you can also block someone without going to their profile: open the conversation, tap their name at the top, scroll down, and select "Block." This works the same way as blocking from their profile. On both Facebook and Instagram, you can unblock someone anytime by finding them and selecting "Unblock."
Blocking on TikTok, Snapchat, and Discord
On TikTok, visit the person's profile, tap the three dots, and select "Block." They will not be able to message you, like your videos, or see your profile. On Snapchat, long-press their name in your contacts or chat list and tap "Block." On Discord, right-click their name in a server or direct message and select "Block User." Blocking on Discord prevents them from sending you direct messages but does not remove them from shared servers — you will just not see their messages in those servers.
All three platforms allow you to unblock later. On TikTok and Snapchat, go back to their profile and select "Unblock." On Discord, open your settings, go to "Blocked," find their name, and click the X to unblock them.
Blocking on WhatsApp and text messaging
On WhatsApp, open the conversation with the person, tap their name at the top, scroll down, and select "Block Contact." You can also long-press their name in your chat list and select "Block." After blocking, they cannot send you messages, see when you are online, or see your last seen time. Their old messages remain in your chat history, but you will not receive new ones from them.
For text messaging (SMS), the process depends on your phone. On iPhone, open the conversation, tap "Details" in the top right, scroll down, and select "Block this Caller." On Android, open the conversation, tap the three dots, and select "Block number." Both systems prevent the person from texting you, though they may not know they are blocked — their message may appear to send on their end even though you do not receive it.
What happens to old messages after you block someone
Blocking someone does not delete messages they already sent you. On Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and text messaging, old conversations stay in your chat history and you can still read them. The person you blocked cannot see that you read their old messages, and they cannot send new ones. If you want to remove the conversation entirely, you can delete the chat thread separately — this is different from blocking.
On some platforms like Instagram and Facebook, if you block someone and then unblock them later, the old messages reappear. On others like WhatsApp, the conversation stays deleted if you deleted it, even after unblocking. Check your platform's settings if you want to know exactly what happens to message history when you unblock someone.
Blocking versus reporting and muting
Blocking stops someone from contacting you and seeing your profile. Reporting tells the platform that someone is breaking the rules — it may result in the platform removing their account or content, but it does not stop them from messaging you. Muting hides someone's posts and stories from your feed without them knowing, but they can still message you and see your profile.
If someone is harassing you, blocking is usually the fastest way to stop the messages. If you believe they are breaking the platform's rules — posting threats, sharing your private information, or impersonating someone — report them as well. Reporting and blocking are not mutually exclusive; you can do both. If someone is just posting things you do not want to see but is not harassing you, muting may be enough.
What to do if someone blocks you or if blocking does not work
If you cannot message someone or find their profile, they may have blocked you. You will not receive a notification, but you can try searching for their name or visiting their profile — if you see a message saying the account is not available or you cannot find them, they have likely blocked you. You cannot unblock yourself; only they can unblock you.
If someone keeps contacting you from different accounts after you block them, that is harassment. Take screenshots of the messages and report the accounts to the platform. Most platforms have options to report harassment or block multiple accounts at once. If the harassment continues or involves threats, you can also contact local law enforcement or your phone carrier if it is happening through text messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone tell if I blocked them?
They will not receive a notification, but they can figure it out by trying to message you or search for your profile. If they see a message saying your account is not available or they cannot find you, they will know you blocked them. On some platforms like WhatsApp, they may notice they cannot see your profile picture or last seen time.
If I block someone on Facebook, are they blocked on Instagram too?
No. Facebook and Instagram are owned by the same company, but blocking is separate on each platform. You have to block them individually on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and any other app you use. Blocking someone on one platform does not affect the others.
Can I block someone without them seeing that I read their old messages?
Yes. After you block someone, they cannot see whether you have read their old messages or when you read them. They also cannot see your read receipts, online status, or last seen time. The blocking prevents them from seeing any new activity from you.
What if I block someone by mistake?
You can unblock them anytime. On most platforms, go to your settings or the person's profile and select "Unblock." After you unblock them, they can message you and see your profile again. Old messages will reappear on most platforms, though some apps handle this differently.
Does blocking someone delete our conversation?
No. Blocking keeps the conversation in your chat history so you can still read old messages. If you want to remove the conversation, you have to delete it separately. Deleting a conversation is different from blocking — the person can still message you after you delete the chat.