Every social network and messaging platform has norms of courtesy similar to those we are accustomed to in the real world. Empathy and respect are key. However, not everyone shares the same opinion. Sometimes, you encounter disrespectful or annoying users. There are also WhatsApp accounts that aggressively try to sell you something or scam you. The best solution is to block these users.
Blocking contacts on WhatsApp isn't pleasant, but it’s an option worth considering when faced with users who lack respect for others or are overly intrusive. You might also choose to block someone because your relationship has ended and you no longer wish to contact them; you have the right to do so. Or to eliminate the spam accounts that abound on this messaging platform.
Next, we will clearly explain what blocking a contact does, what it’s for, and how it affects you and the blocked contact. Remember that you can block contacts, but you cannot block a WhatsApp group. However, you can leave a WhatsApp group without anyone noticing and forget about it, or just block the group admin.
Blocked contact on WhatsApp
There are several methods to block someone on WhatsApp. For example, from the app's Settings:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap the dropdown menu at the top right.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Privacy.
- Choose Blocked Contacts.
- Tap the icon to add contacts.
- Select the contact you want to block.
You can also block a WhatsApp contact from a chat:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Enter the chat with that contact.
- Tap the More icon.
- Select Block. You may need to do this twice.
- Optionally, you can report that contact to WhatsApp.
- Do this only if the contact is a spam or phishing account.
- Confirm that you want to block them.
- This method also works for blocking an unknown phone number.
What happens when you block a contact on WhatsApp
Now that we know how to block someone on WhatsApp, let’s see what happens after. WhatsApp’s Help Center says “You can block a person to stop receiving their messages, calls, and status updates on WhatsApp.” Also, they won’t be able to send you photos, videos, or files, nor can they make video calls or share their location. The contact chat will still be there, but you can delete it, archive it, or keep it just in case.
Unblocking a contact on WhatsApp
Additional information when blocking someone on WhatsApp:
- “Blocked contacts or phone numbers will no longer be able to call or send you messages.”
- “Blocked senders will not see your last online time, online status, status updates, or changes to your profile picture.”
- You also won’t see their statuses or online status.
- Blocked contacts remain on your contact list so you can unblock them if you want, and vice versa. You will still be on their contact list.
- “Under the name of the blocked contact and in the chat you share, you’ll see the notification: You blocked this contact.”
- The blocked account or user won’t receive any notification that they have been blocked.
It's also worth noting that “even if you block a contact, they will still be able to see your messages in a group chat in which both of you participate, and you will also be able to see theirs.” WhatsApp recommends that “you do not join groups with people you do not wish to communicate with.”
In short, blocking a contact on WhatsApp means that that user cannot bother you or see changes to your account. They won’t know when you block them either. This way, you can avoid users you don’t want to interact with or who have been intrusive. However, you can always unblock someone by returning to the list of blocked accounts and removing the account from there.
