3 Fast Ways to Block and Unblock Contacts on WhatsApp

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Prevent WhatsApp contacts from messaging you

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 Fact Checked

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On iPhone

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On Android

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On WhatsApp Web

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

If someone is bothering you on WhatsApp, you can easily block them. When someone is blocked, they won't be able to call or message you. Here's how to block contacts on WhatsApp using an Android, iPhone, or computer.

Blocking Someone on WhatsApp

To block a WhatsApp contact on iPhone, go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked > Add New… and select the contact. On Android, go to Settings > Privacy > Blocked contacts > Add and select the contact.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

On iPhone

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1
Open WhatsApp. Tap the WhatsApp app icon, which resembles a white phone and speech bubble outline on a green background. This will open WhatsApp to the last page you had open if you're signed into your account.
- If you aren't signed into WhatsApp, tap Agree & Continue and then follow the on-screen prompts to verify your WhatsApp number.
2
Tap Settings. It's in the bottom-right corner of the screen.^{[1]
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- If WhatsApp opens to a chat conversation, first tap the "Back" button in the top-left corner of the screen.
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This is near the top of the Settings page.
It's at the top of the Account page.
You'll find this near the bottom of the Privacy page. Doing so opens your WhatsApp block list.
6
Tap Add New…. It's at the top of the page.
- If you have any contacts blocked, Add New... will appear below the bottom contact's name.
Tap the name of the contact whom you want to block to add them to your block list.
8
Unblock the contact if necessary. If you ever want to unblock the contact, do the following:
- Tap Edit in the top-right corner of the "Blocked" page.
- Tap the red circle
  to the left of the name of the contact whom you want to unblock.
- Tap Unblock to the right of the contact's name.
9
Block a contact from a chat. If you want to block someone who isn't in your contacts, you can block them from within their chat settings:
- Tap the chat with the person whom you want to block.
- Tap the contact's name or number at the top of the chat page.
- Scroll down and tap Block Contact.
- Tap Block when prompted.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

On Android

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1
Open WhatsApp. Tap the WhatsApp app icon, which resembles a white phone and speech bubble outline on a green background. This will open WhatsApp to the last page you had open if you're signed into your account.
- If you aren't signed into WhatsApp, tap AGREE AND CONTINUE and then follow the on-screen prompts to verify your WhatsApp number.
2
Tap ⋮. It's in the top-right corner of the WhatsApp main screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
- If WhatsApp loads to a conversation when you open it, first tap your Android's "Back" button before tapping the ⋮ icon.
This option is in the drop-down menu.
You'll find this near the top of the page.
It's near the bottom of the Privacy page, just under the "Messaging" heading. Doing so opens your block list.
This person-shaped icon with a plus sign next to it is in the top-right corner of the screen. Your Android's WhatsApp contacts list will open.
Tap the contact whom you want to block. Doing so immediately adds the person to your block list.
8
Unblock the contact if necessary. If you ever want to unblock the contact, do the following:
- Long-press the contact's name on the "Blocked contacts" page.
- Tap Unblock name when prompted.
9
Block a contact from a chat. If you want to block someone who isn't in your contacts, you can block them from within their chat settings:
- Tap the chat with the person whom you want to block.
- Tap ⋮ in the top-right corner.
- Tap More.
- Tap Block.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

On WhatsApp Web

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Open WhatsApp Web. Go to https://web.whatsapp.com/ in your computer's web browser.
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Sign into WhatsApp Web if necessary. If you aren't signed into WhatsApp Web in your browser, do one of the following (depending on your smartphone) before proceeding:
- iPhone — Tap Settings in the bottom-right corner of the main WhatsApp page, tap WhatsApp Web/Desktop, point your iPhone's camera at the QR code on the right side of the WhatsApp Web page on your computer, and wait for the code to scan.
- Android — Tap ⋮ in the top-right corner of the main WhatsApp page, tap WhatsApp Web in the drop-down menu, point your Android's camera at the QR code on the right side of the WhatsApp Web page on your computer, and wait for the code to scan.
You'll see a list of open chats with your contacts in the left panel. If needed, enter a name in the search bar to quickly find a conversation.
This is in the top-right corner of the Chats window.
This is in the drop-down menu.
6
Click Block again. The contact will be blocked.
- If you also want to report the user, make sure the box is checked next to Report to WhatsApp.

Community Q&A

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Question

Why am I still seeing blocked contacts in a group?

Community Answer

Because blocking just blocks the person from personally contacting you. A group is a public space, so you can still see blocked contacts in the group.

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Question

How else can I block someone?

Community Answer

Click on the three vertical dots on the top right hand corner of your screen. Then, choose the option 'More.' Click on 'Block', then click on 'Ok'

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Question

Can I receive a blocked person's messages in a group chat?

Community Answer

Yes, because blocking them just blocks the person from personally contacting you. A group chat is a public space, so you can still see blocked contacts in the group.

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Thank you for your feedback.
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Tips

If you decide to unblock a contact later, you will not receive any messages that were sent while they were blocked.

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Blocking a contact neither removes you from their contact list nor removes their entry from yours. You must physically delete this person from your Contacts in order to remove them.

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Blocked contacts will not be able to see any edits to your profile picture, name, or status updates from the time you block them. Similarly, your "last seen" timestamp and online status will no longer be available to a blocked contact.

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Warnings

There is currently no option to block unknown users before they message you.

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You cannot unblock your number from another person's contact list.

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From certain indicators, users may be able to tell if you have blocked them.

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