How to Block Someone on Facebook: A Step-by-Step Guide
Facebook, with its billions of users, is a great way to stay connected with friends, family, and even acquaintances from your past. However, there are times when you might want to sever ties with someone on the platform. Whether it’s due to constant unwanted messages, annoying posts, or simply a desire for more privacy, Facebook’s blocking feature allows you to effectively cut off communication and visibility.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of blocking someone on Facebook, covering all devices (desktop, Android, and iOS) and addressing common questions and concerns.
## Why Block Someone on Facebook?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s briefly discuss why you might consider blocking someone. Common reasons include:
* **Harassment or Bullying:** Blocking is a crucial tool to stop online harassment, bullying, or any form of abusive behavior.
* **Unwanted Contact:** If someone is constantly messaging you despite your lack of interest, blocking can put an end to the unwanted communication.
* **Privacy Concerns:** You might want to prevent someone from seeing your posts, profile information, or photos.
* **Avoiding Conflict:** Blocking can be a way to avoid further arguments or disagreements with someone.
* **Moving On:** After a breakup or falling out, blocking can help you create distance and move on.
## What Happens When You Block Someone on Facebook?
Understanding the consequences of blocking is important before you take action. When you block someone on Facebook:
* **They Can’t See Your Profile:** They won’t be able to find your profile, posts, photos, or other content on Facebook.
* **You Can’t See Their Profile:** Similarly, you won’t be able to see their profile or content.
* **They Can’t Message You:** They won’t be able to send you messages through Facebook Messenger.
* **You’ll Be Removed from Their Friends List (and Vice Versa):** If you were friends, blocking automatically unfriends them.
* **They Can’t Tag You:** They won’t be able to tag you in posts or photos.
* **They Can’t Invite You to Events or Groups:** They won’t be able to invite you to events or add you to groups.
* **Limited Interaction in Mutual Groups/Events:** While you might still be in the same groups or attend the same events, your interaction will be severely limited. You won’t see each other’s posts as frequently, and Facebook may filter your content from their view, and vice versa. Public posts made in a group are an exception, though; both users will still be able to see those.
* **Apps and Games:** If you both use the same app or game, the blocked person may still be able to see your name and profile picture within that specific app or game. Blocking on Facebook does not necessarily extend to all third-party applications.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Blocking is Not a Secret:** The person you block won’t receive a notification saying they’ve been blocked. However, they will likely realize it when they can no longer find your profile or contact you.
* **Blocking is Different from Reporting:** Blocking prevents interaction. Reporting is for reporting violations of Facebook’s Community Standards (e.g., hate speech, harassment).
* **Blocking is Reversible:** You can unblock someone at any time, but keep in mind that you’ll need to re-friend them if you want to be connected again.
## How to Block Someone on Facebook: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get into the specific steps for blocking someone on different devices:
### Method 1: Blocking from Their Profile (Desktop)
This is a straightforward method, especially if you can easily find the person’s profile:
1. **Log into Facebook:** Open your web browser and go to [www.facebook.com](www.facebook.com). Log in using your email address or phone number and password.
2. **Find the Person’s Profile:** Use the search bar at the top of the page to find the person you want to block. You can search by their name, email address, or any other information you have.
3. **Go to Their Profile:** Click on their name in the search results to go to their profile page.
4. **Click the Three Dots:** On their profile page, look for three horizontal dots (`…`) located either below their cover photo or next to the “Message” button. Click on these dots to open a dropdown menu.
5. **Select “Block”:** In the dropdown menu, select the “Block” option.
6. **Confirm Your Decision:** A confirmation window will appear explaining what happens when you block someone. Read the information carefully and then click the “Confirm” button to proceed.
7. **Blocking Complete:** The person is now blocked. You will no longer see their posts, and they will not be able to find you on Facebook.
### Method 2: Blocking from Settings (Desktop)
This method is useful if you can’t easily find the person’s profile or prefer to manage your blocked list directly:
1. **Log into Facebook:** Open your web browser and go to [www.facebook.com](www.facebook.com). Log in using your email address or phone number and password.
2. **Go to Settings & Privacy:** Click on the downward-facing arrow icon in the top-right corner of the Facebook page. This will open a dropdown menu.
3. **Select “Settings”:** In the dropdown menu, select “Settings & Privacy,” then click on “Settings.”
4. **Navigate to “Blocking”:** In the left-hand sidebar of the Settings page, scroll down and click on “Blocking.”
5. **Enter the Person’s Name or Email:** In the “Block users” section, you’ll see a field labeled “Add to blocked list.” Enter the name or email address of the person you want to block in this field. As you type, Facebook will suggest potential matches from your friends list and beyond.
6. **Select the Correct Person:** From the suggestions, select the person you want to block. If the person doesn’t appear in the suggestions, make sure you’ve typed their name or email address correctly.
7. **Click “Block”:** Once you’ve selected the person, a small window will pop up confirming their name. Click the “Block” button next to their name to confirm.
8. **Confirmation Window:** A confirmation window will appear explaining what happens when you block someone. Read the information carefully and then click the “Block [Person’s Name]” button to proceed.
9. **Blocking Complete:** The person is now blocked and added to your blocked list. You can view and manage your blocked list on this same page.
### Method 3: Blocking from a Post or Comment (Desktop)
This method is useful if you see a post or comment from the person you want to block:
1. **Find Their Post or Comment:** Locate a post or comment made by the person you want to block.
2. **Click the Three Dots:** On the post or comment, look for three horizontal dots (`…`) located in the top-right corner of the post or comment section.
3. **Select “Block [Person’s Name]”:** In the dropdown menu that appears, select the option that says “Block [Person’s Name].” The name will be dynamically filled with the person’s name.
4. **Confirm Your Decision:** A confirmation window will appear explaining what happens when you block someone. Read the information carefully and then click the “Confirm” button to proceed.
5. **Blocking Complete:** The person is now blocked.
### Blocking on the Facebook Mobile App (Android and iOS)
The process for blocking someone on the Facebook mobile app is very similar for both Android and iOS devices:
**Method 1: Blocking from Their Profile (Mobile App)**
1. **Open the Facebook App:** Launch the Facebook app on your Android or iOS device.
2. **Search for the Person:** Tap the search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the top of the screen and enter the person’s name in the search bar.
3. **Go to Their Profile:** Tap on their name in the search results to go to their profile page.
4. **Tap the Three Dots:** On their profile page, look for three horizontal dots (`…`) located below their profile picture or next to the “Message” button. Tap on these dots to open a menu.
5. **Select “Block”:** In the menu that appears, tap the “Block” option.
6. **Confirm Your Decision:** A confirmation window will appear explaining what happens when you block someone. Read the information carefully and then tap the “Block” button to proceed.
7. **Blocking Complete:** The person is now blocked.
**Method 2: Blocking from Settings (Mobile App)**
1. **Open the Facebook App:** Launch the Facebook app on your Android or iOS device.
2. **Tap the Menu Icon:** Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) located in the top-right corner of the screen (Android) or the bottom-right corner of the screen (iOS).
3. **Scroll Down and Tap “Settings & Privacy”:** Scroll down the menu until you find “Settings & Privacy.” Tap on it to expand the options.
4. **Tap “Settings”:** In the expanded “Settings & Privacy” menu, tap on “Settings.”
5. **Scroll Down to “Audience and Visibility” and Tap “Blocking”:** Scroll down the Settings page until you find the “Audience and Visibility” section. Under this section, tap on “Blocking.”
6. **Enter the Person’s Name or Email:** In the “Block users” section, you’ll see a field labeled “Add to blocked list.” Enter the name or email address of the person you want to block in this field. As you type, Facebook will suggest potential matches from your friends list and beyond.
7. **Select the Correct Person:** From the suggestions, tap on the person you want to block. If the person doesn’t appear in the suggestions, make sure you’ve typed their name or email address correctly.
8. **Tap “Block”:** Once you’ve selected the person, a small window will pop up confirming their name. Tap the “Block” button next to their name to confirm.
9. **Confirmation Window:** A confirmation window will appear explaining what happens when you block someone. Read the information carefully and then tap the “Block [Person’s Name]” button to proceed.
10. **Blocking Complete:** The person is now blocked and added to your blocked list. You can view and manage your blocked list on this same page.
**Method 3: Blocking from a Post or Comment (Mobile App)**
1. **Find Their Post or Comment:** Locate a post or comment made by the person you want to block.
2. **Tap the Three Dots:** On the post or comment, look for three horizontal dots (`…`) located in the top-right corner of the post or comment section. Tap on these dots to open a menu.
3. **Select “Block [Person’s Name]”:** In the menu that appears, select the option that says “Block [Person’s Name].” The name will be dynamically filled with the person’s name.
4. **Confirm Your Decision:** A confirmation window will appear explaining what happens when you block someone. Read the information carefully and then tap the “Confirm” button to proceed.
5. **Blocking Complete:** The person is now blocked.
## How to Unblock Someone on Facebook
If you change your mind and want to reconnect with someone you’ve blocked, you can easily unblock them:
**On Desktop:**
1. **Go to Settings & Privacy:** Click on the downward-facing arrow icon in the top-right corner of the Facebook page. This will open a dropdown menu.
2. **Select “Settings”:** In the dropdown menu, select “Settings & Privacy,” then click on “Settings.”
3. **Navigate to “Blocking”:** In the left-hand sidebar of the Settings page, click on “Blocking.”
4. **Find the Person You Want to Unblock:** Scroll down to the “Block users” section. You’ll see a list of people you’ve blocked.
5. **Click “Unblock”:** Find the person you want to unblock and click the “Unblock” button next to their name.
6. **Confirmation Window:** A confirmation window will appear. Click “Confirm” to unblock the person.
**On the Mobile App:**
1. **Tap the Menu Icon:** Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) located in the top-right corner of the screen (Android) or the bottom-right corner of the screen (iOS).
2. **Scroll Down and Tap “Settings & Privacy”:** Scroll down the menu until you find “Settings & Privacy.” Tap on it to expand the options.
3. **Tap “Settings”:** In the expanded “Settings & Privacy” menu, tap on “Settings.”
4. **Scroll Down to “Audience and Visibility” and Tap “Blocking”:** Scroll down the Settings page until you find the “Audience and Visibility” section. Under this section, tap on “Blocking.”
5. **Find the Person You Want to Unblock:** You’ll see a list of people you’ve blocked.
6. **Tap “Unblock”:** Find the person you want to unblock and tap the “Unblock” button next to their name.
7. **Confirmation Window:** A confirmation window will appear. Tap “Confirm” to unblock the person.
**Important Note:** When you unblock someone, you won’t automatically become friends with them again. You’ll need to send them a friend request, and they’ll need to accept it.
## Alternatives to Blocking: Muting and Unfollowing
Before resorting to blocking, consider these less drastic alternatives:
* **Muting:** Muting someone allows you to stop seeing their posts in your News Feed without unfriending or blocking them. They won’t know you’ve muted them.
* **Unfollowing:** Unfollowing someone is similar to muting, but it also removes their posts from your News Feed. You remain friends, but you won’t see their updates unless you visit their profile directly.
**How to Mute Someone:**
1. **Find a Post from the Person:** Locate a post from the person you want to mute.
2. **Click the Three Dots:** Click the three horizontal dots (`…`) in the top-right corner of the post.
3. **Select “Mute [Person’s Name]”:** Choose the option to mute the person.
**How to Unfollow Someone:**
1. **Find a Post from the Person:** Locate a post from the person you want to unfollow.
2. **Click the Three Dots:** Click the three horizontal dots (`…`) in the top-right corner of the post.
3. **Select “Unfollow [Person’s Name]”:** Choose the option to unfollow the person.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Will the person know I blocked them?**
A: Facebook doesn’t send a notification when you block someone. However, they will likely realize they’ve been blocked when they can no longer find your profile or contact you.
**Q: Can I block someone who isn’t my friend?**
A: Yes, you can block anyone on Facebook, regardless of whether they are your friend or not.
**Q: Can a blocked person still see my posts in mutual groups?**
A: Generally, no, Facebook filters content from blocked users in mutual groups. However, **public posts** that you make in groups can still be seen by the blocked person. So take caution when posting in public groups.
**Q: If I block someone, can they still see my profile picture?**
A: No, when you block someone, they can no longer see your profile picture or any other information on your profile.
**Q: Can I block someone on Messenger only?**
A: Yes, you can block someone on Messenger without blocking them on Facebook. This will prevent them from messaging you but allow them to still see your profile (if your privacy settings allow it).
**Q: How do I block someone on Messenger only?**
A: Open the Messenger app, tap on the person’s name, tap on their name at the top of the chat, scroll down and tap “Block.”
**Q: What’s the difference between blocking and reporting?**
A: Blocking prevents interaction with someone on Facebook. Reporting is for reporting violations of Facebook’s Community Standards (e.g., hate speech, harassment). You can report someone without blocking them, and vice versa.
**Q: How do I report someone on Facebook?**
A: On their profile, post, or comment, click the three dots (`…`) and select “Report post” or “Report profile.”
**Q: Can I block someone if I’m being harassed anonymously?**
A: If you’re being harassed anonymously, blocking the fake profile is a good first step. However, you should also report the profile to Facebook and consider contacting law enforcement if you feel threatened.
**Q: If I unblock someone, will they automatically become my friend again?**
A: No, unblocking someone doesn’t automatically re-friend them. You’ll need to send them a friend request, and they’ll need to accept it.
**Q: How do I see a list of people I’ve blocked?**
A: Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Blocking. You’ll see a list of everyone you’ve blocked.
## Conclusion
Blocking someone on Facebook is a powerful tool for protecting your privacy, safety, and well-being. Whether you’re dealing with harassment, unwanted contact, or simply want to create some distance, the blocking feature allows you to effectively cut off communication and visibility. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily block and unblock people on Facebook using various methods on both desktop and mobile devices. Remember to consider the consequences of blocking and explore alternative options like muting and unfollowing before making a final decision. If you have any further questions or concerns, refer to the FAQs section or consult Facebook’s Help Center.