Blocking stops someone from contacting you and seeing your posts

When you block someone on Snapchat, they cannot send you messages, view your stories, or see that you are online. They also cannot find your profile by searching for your username. If they try to message you, they will see an error saying the message could not be sent. Blocking is permanent until you choose to unblock them — Snapchat does not automatically unblock people after a set time.

The person you block will not receive a notification that you blocked them, but they may figure it out if they try to message you or search for your name and cannot find you. Blocking is different from removing someone as a friend: when you remove a friend, they can still see your public stories and search for you, but when you block them, they cannot.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the conversation with the person you want to block, tap their name at the top, and select "Block" from the menu.
  • You can also block someone from their profile by tapping the three dots and choosing "Block User."
  • Blocking prevents them from messaging you, viewing your stories, and finding your profile through search.
  • You can unblock someone at any time by going to Settings, selecting "Blocked," finding their name, and tapping "Unblock."

How to block someone from a conversation

Open Snapchat and find the conversation with the person you want to block. Tap their name or username at the top of the chat window — this opens their profile card. You will see a menu with several options. Tap "Block" and confirm when Snapchat asks if you are sure. The conversation will remain in your chat list, but you will not receive any new messages from them.

If you want to remove the conversation from your list after blocking, swipe left on the chat (on iPhone) or long-press it (on Android) and select "Delete." This removes the conversation thread but does not unblock the person — they remain blocked until you manually unblock them.

How to block someone from their profile

You can also block someone without an active conversation. Search for their username using the search icon at the top of the Snapchat home screen. When their profile appears, tap the three dots in the top right corner of their profile card. Select "Block User" and confirm. This blocks them when ready without sending a notification.

This method is useful if someone is harassing you but you have not chatted with them directly, or if you want to block someone before they contact you. The block takes effect right away.

How to unblock someone

Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Tap the settings icon (the gear) in the top right. Scroll down and tap "Blocked." You will see a list of everyone you have blocked. Find the person you want to unblock and tap their name. Select "Unblock" and confirm.

Once you unblock someone, they can message you again, see your stories, and find your profile through search. They will not be notified that you unblocked them. If you want to block them again in the future, you can do so using the same steps as before.

What happens to old messages when you block someone

Messages you sent to someone before blocking them will remain in your chat history. You can still read what you wrote, but they cannot see those messages on their end — the entire conversation disappears from their account when you block them. If you unblock them later, the conversation does not reappear for them; they would have to start a new chat with you.

Snaps you sent before blocking (photos or videos that disappear after viewing) are also deleted from their account once you block them. Stories you posted before blocking remain visible to them only if your account is public, but they cannot view new stories you post after the block takes effect.

Blocking versus other privacy controls

Snapchat offers several ways to control who contacts you. Removing a friend lets them still see your public stories and search for you, but they cannot see your private stories or send you messages if your settings require friends only. Muting someone silences their messages and stories in your feed without blocking them — they can still message you and see that you are online. Blocking is the strongest option and prevents all contact and visibility.

If you want to block someone temporarily while you decide what to do, muting is a gentler option. If someone is harassing you or you never want to interact with them again, blocking is the right choice. You can always unblock later if circumstances change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will they know I blocked them?

They will not get a notification, but they may realize it if they try to message you or search for your name and cannot find you. If they ask mutual friends about you, those friends might tell them you blocked them.

Can I block someone who already blocked me?

If someone blocks you first, you cannot send them messages or see their profile. You can still block them from your blocked list or by searching their name if you remember it, but the block will have no practical effect since they already blocked you.

What if I block someone by accident?

Go to Settings, tap "Blocked," find their name, and tap "Unblock." They will be able to message you and see your stories again when ready. Unblocking is when ready and reversible.

Can I block someone without them seeing my profile first?

Yes. Search for their username, tap the three dots on their profile, and select "Block User." You do not need to be friends with them or have messaged them first.