So you need to block someone on Facebook? Yeah, we've all been there. Maybe it's your ex who won't stop checking your profile, that coworker who overshares political rants, or a random troll spamming your posts. Whatever the reason, I get it – blocking is Facebook's nuclear option when things get uncomfortable. But here's the thing: most guides out there just tell you the basic steps without explaining what actually happens after you hit that block button. That's why I'm writing this. I've blocked over a dozen people myself (including my annoying cousin during election season, no regrets), and I'll walk you through every detail the official guides skip.
What Blocking Actually Does on Facebook
Before we jump into the how-to stuff, let's get real about what blocking means. When you block someone:
- They instantly vanish from your world: Can't see your profile, posts, or even search for your name.
- Past interactions disappear: Your comments on their photos? Gone. Tags? Removed.
- Messenger gets blocked too: No more calls or messages from them.
- You become invisible to them: Seriously, it's like you never existed on Facebook.
But here's what people don't tell you – blocking isn't perfect. If you're in the same Facebook Group, you might still see their comments (just grayed out). And if they create a new account? Boom, they're back. Facebook's blocking has these annoying loopholes that drive me nuts.
Step-by-Step: How to Block on Facebook Like a Pro
Alright, let's get to the practical stuff. I'll show you every method because sometimes you need to block someone fast when they comment on your vacation photo at 2 AM.
Blocking Directly from Someone's Profile
This is the most common way to block on Facebook:
- Go to their profile page (just tap their name anywhere)
- Click the three dots (...) next to the "Message" button
- Select "Block" from the dropdown
- Confirm by clicking "Block" again in the pop-up
Pro tip: Do this from desktop for fewer clicks. The mobile app sometimes hides options behind extra menus.
| Platform | Steps | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Desktop | Profile > 3 dots > Block > Confirm | 10 seconds |
| iOS App | Profile > 3 dots > Block > Confirm | 15 seconds |
| Android App | Profile > 3 dots > Block > Block Account | 15 seconds |
Blocking from Messenger
When someone's harassing you in DMs:
- Open your chat with them
- Tap their name at the top
- Scroll down to "Privacy & Support"
- Select "Block" then confirm
From my experience, this doesn't always sync immediately with Facebook proper. Check your blocked list afterward to be sure.
Blocking From a Comment or Post
Saw a nasty comment? Here's the fastest blocking method:
- Hover over their name in the comment/post
- Click the three dots that appear
- Select "Block [Name]"
- Confirm in the pop-up window
This method saved me when my high school bully found my baking photos. Took 5 seconds flat.
What Happens After You Block Someone
| What They Lose Access To | What YOU Can Still See | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|
| Your profile/page | Their public posts through friends | They might realize they're blocked if they try searching for you |
| Tagging you | Their comments in mutual groups | Blocking doesn't remove existing tags - do that separately |
| Messaging you | Their profile if you search | Old messages remain unless manually deleted |
| Seeing your reactions | Their activity through mutual friends | If they create a new account, they can see you again |
Managing Your Block List
Found where Facebook hides your blocked list? Most people haven't:
- Click your profile picture > Settings & Privacy
- Go to "Settings" > "Privacy"
- Select "Blocking" in the left menu
Here you can:
- See all blocked accounts
- Unblock people with one click
- Block future friend requests
Warning: Unblocking doesn't re-add them as friends. They won't get notified, but might notice they can suddenly see your profile again.
Blocking vs. Other Options
Not sure if blocking is too extreme? Here's how it compares:
| Action | They See Your Posts? | You See Theirs? | Still Friends? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocking | No | No | No |
| Unfriending | Only public posts | Only public posts | No |
| Unfollowing | Yes | No | Yes |
| Restricting | Only public posts | Yes | Yes |
Personally, I think Facebook's "Restrict" option is underused. It's like shadowbanning – they can comment but only they see it. Perfect for passive-aggressive relatives.
Top Situations When Blocking is Your Best Option
- Stalking/ex harassment: Blocked my ex after he kept checking my hiking photos. Zero regrets.
- Scammers and bots: Those fake "Microsoft support" accounts? Block immediately.
- Offensive content sharers: My uncle's conspiracy theories finally earned him a block last Thanksgiving.
- Aggressive trolls: Don't engage – just block. Learned this after wasting hours arguing politics.
- Ex-employers/coworkers: Blocked my old boss who kept commenting on my career change posts.
Fixing Common Blocking Problems
Sometimes blocking doesn't work right. Here's troubleshooting from my own headaches:
"I Blocked Them But Still See Their Comments"
This usually happens in Groups or Events. Facebook treats these spaces differently. Solutions:
- Leave the group/event if possible
- Ask admins to remove them
- Mute the conversation temporarily
"They Created a New Account to Contact Me"
Facebook's biggest flaw. What I do:
- Block the new account immediately
- Adjust privacy to "Friends Only" everywhere
- Screenshot and report harassment to Facebook
Seriously, why doesn't Facebook have better protection against this?
Your Blocking Questions Answered
Will someone know I blocked them on Facebook?
Not directly. Facebook doesn't notify them. But clues include:
- Suddenly disappearing from friends list
- Your profile becoming inaccessible
- Old messages still visible but can't reply
Smart users might figure it out, but most just think you deactivated.
Can I block someone without them knowing?
Yes, that's the default. But if they go looking for your profile and can't find it, they might suspect. My tip: before blocking, unfollow and restrict first. Makes the disappearance less abrupt.
What happens to past messages when blocking?
Messages remain in both inboxes but:
- You can't send new messages
- They can't reply to old threads
- Chat history doesn't disappear automatically
You need to manually delete conversations if you want them gone completely.
Can a blocked person see screenshots of my profile?
If mutual friends show them? Unfortunately yes. Blocking only prevents direct access. That's why I recommend tightening privacy settings too.
How many people can I block on Facebook?
Technically unlimited, but after 500 blocks Facebook might temporarily restrict new blocks. Found this out blocking spambots during election season. Takes 24-48 hours to reset.
My Personal Blocking Mistakes (So You Avoid Them)
Blocked my sister during an argument once. Big mistake. Couldn't see pics of my nephews for weeks until I swallowed my pride and unblocked her. Lessons learned:
- Sleep on it: Blocking is permanent until undone
- Try restricting first: Gives breathing room without nuclear option
- Check mutual connections: Blocking complicates group chats
- Screenshot evidence: For serious cases, document before blocking
Another time I accidentally blocked a friend while scrolling on my phone. Took me days to realize why he wasn't messaging back. The unblock process is simple but awkward when you have to explain.
When NOT to Block on Facebook
Blocking isn't always the best solution:
- Minor disagreements: Unfollow instead - burned too many bridges over dumb arguments
- Business contacts: Restrict their access rather than full block
- Family members: Mute for 30 days first - holiday dinners get awkward otherwise
- Public figures/pages: Blocking doesn't work - report content instead
Advanced Blocking Strategies
After blocking dozens of people, I've developed some power techniques:
Prevent Future Contact
- After blocking, go to Settings > Blocking > Block Future Invites
- Add their email/phone number under "Block Users"
- Enable "Only Me" privacy for new friend requests
Blocking Secondary Accounts
When someone creates new accounts to bypass blocks:
| Detection Method | How To Confirm | Blocking Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Similar profile photos | Check metadata (upload dates) | Report fake account first |
| Same friends list | Compare mutual connections | Block then restrict mutuals |
| Identical posting style | Note phrasing patterns | Pre-emptively block variations of name |
Honestly, this shouldn't be necessary. Facebook needs to fix its block evasion problem.
Group-Specific Blocking
For shared hobby groups where you want to avoid drama:
- Ask group admins for member blocking tools
- Mute specific threads instead of full blocking
- Adjust notifications to "Only Highlights"
My book club does this perfectly – we block spammers but keep discussions open.
Final Reality Check About Blocking on Facebook
Let's be honest: blocking is a Band-Aid solution. It doesn't fix real-world relationships and creates digital ghosts. But for genuine harassment or mental health protection? Absolutely essential. Just remember:
- Blocking disappears when you deactivate your account
- New accounts require re-blocking (Facebook's biggest flaw)
- Workplaces/schools might have policies about blocking colleagues
- Legal threats require documentation beyond blocking
My general rule now? Block fast for safety, block slow for annoyance. And always ask: will this actually improve my peace or just create new problems?
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