Sometimes you may receive messages or calls on WhatsApp that you do not want. These could be spam messages, repeated calls, or contacts you prefer not to communicate with. Thankfully, WhatsApp gives users simple tools to control who can contact them.
This guide explains how to block or unblock someone on WhatsApp using iPhone, Android, and WhatsApp Web or Desktop.
Also read: How to Share Your Screen on WhatsApp (iPhone, Android, and Desktop)
How to Block Someone on WhatsApp
WhatsApp allows you to block a contact either from the chat screen or through the app settings. Both options are easy and take only a few seconds.
Blocking a Contact on iPhone
Method 1: From the Chat
- Open WhatsApp.
- Open the conversation with the person you want to block.
- Tap the contact’s name at the top of the screen.
- Scroll down and select Block Contact.
- Tap Block to confirm.
You can also block someone directly from the chat list:
- Open WhatsApp
- Press and hold the chat name
- Tap Block
Method 2: From Settings
This option is helpful if you want to block someone without opening their conversation.
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap Settings at the bottom.
- Select Privacy.
- Tap Blocked.
- Choose Add New and select the contact you want to block.
Blocking a Contact on Android
The process on Android devices is very similar.
Method 1: From the Chat
- Open WhatsApp and go to the conversation with the contact.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Select More.
- Tap Block.
- Confirm your choice.
If needed, WhatsApp also gives the option to report the contact.
Method 2: From Settings
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Privacy.
- Open Blocked Contacts.
- Tap the Add icon and select the contact.
Blocking a Contact on WhatsApp Web or Desktop
You can also block people while using WhatsApp on your computer.
- Open WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.
- Open the chat with the person.
- Click the contact’s name at the top of the chat window.
- Scroll down and select Block.
- Confirm the action.
What Happens When You Block Someone
Blocking a contact stops them from communicating with you through WhatsApp. Once the block is active, several things change.
- Messages they send will not be delivered to you.
- They cannot call you using WhatsApp voice or video.
- Your Last Seen and Online status will no longer be visible to them.
- They will not see updates to your profile photo or status.
Any messages they send while they are blocked will not appear later, even if you unblock them in the future. Your existing chat history remains on your device unless you delete it.
Keep in mind that blocking only affects WhatsApp. If someone has your phone number, they may still contact you through regular calls or SMS unless those are blocked separately.
How to Unblock Someone on WhatsApp
If you change your mind later, you can easily unblock the contact. After unblocking, the person can send messages and call you again on WhatsApp.
Unblocking on iPhone
From the Chat
- Open the chat with the blocked contact.
- Tap the contact’s name.
- Scroll down and tap Unblock Contact.
From Settings
- Open WhatsApp and tap Settings.
- Go to Privacy.
- Tap Blocked.
- Swipe left on the contact.
- Tap Unblock.
Unblocking on Android
From the Chat
- Open the conversation.
- Tap Unblock at the bottom of the chat.
From Settings
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap the three dots and select Settings.
- Go to Privacy.
- Open Blocked Contacts.
- Tap the contact you want to unblock and select Unblock.
Unblocking on WhatsApp Web or Desktop
From the Chat
- Open the chat.
- Click the contact’s name at the top.
- Select Unblock.
From Settings
- Click Settings at the bottom of the chat list.
- Select Privacy.
- Open Blocked Contacts.
- Choose the contact and click Unblock.
Also read: How to Silence WhatsApp Calls From Someone Without Blocking Them
Final Thoughts
Blocking someone on WhatsApp is a quick way to stop unwanted messages or calls. The process works almost the same across iPhone, Android, and desktop versions of the app. If your situation changes, you can unblock the contact at any time and continue the conversation.
Using these simple settings helps you maintain privacy and control over your WhatsApp communication.
Abhi Rajput, founder of EarnAbhi.in, is a tech lover with 6+ years of experience in SEO, digital tools, and smartphone troubleshooting. He writes simple, clear, and useful guides to help people solve real tech problems.