Are you ready to take control of your WhatsApp? In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to block someone on the popular messaging app without them ever finding out.
Whether it’s an ex who won’t stop texting or a pesky acquaintance who just won’t leave you alone, learning how to block someone can be a lifesaver and give you peace of mind.
Read on for instructions on blocking and unblocking users in no time!
Understanding WhatsApp Blocking
With the rise of messaging applications, one of the most popular being WhatsApp, it is important to understand how these services work and how they can be used.
One such feature is blocking on WhatsApp, which allows users to stop a particular contact from sending them messages or calls.
Blocking someone on WhatsApp is an effective way to reduce unwanted contacts in your life as well as protecting yourself against potential threats.
Here we will discuss what happens when you block someone on WhatsApp and other related topics that are relevant for understanding this feature properly.
When You Block Someone
The first thing that happens when you block someone on WhatsApp is that all communication between you and the blocked contact will be stopped immediately – this includes text messages, voice calls, video chats etc.
The person who has been blocked will not receive any notifications about being blocked either; instead they won’t even know that their messages have been declined or rejected by your device.
This means that if they send you a message it wonât show up in your chat window at all; effectively making them invisible to you until unblocked again later down the line (if ever).
Group Chats & Other Effects
Blocking also affects group chats in different ways depending upon which type of group chat was created initially – whether private or public.
Related: How to Bold Text on WhatsApp
In a private group chat with both members present before blocking takes place, only the person being blocked can see their own messages but no one else’s once they have been removed from the conversation list.
Whilst in public groups where anyone can join/leave anytime without requiring approval from admins/moderators, those who remain behind after blocking still get access to view their previous conversations.
Lastly apart from just chatting functions there are other effects too like people getting automatically unsubscribed from shared media files like photos videos music etc.
So, make sure double check everything carefully before taking any drastic steps.
How to Block Someone on WhatsApp
If you want to block someone on WhatsApp, the first step is locating the personâs contact information. To do this, open up the app and select âChatsâ from the bottom navigation bar.
Here, if applicable, select the group chat that contains their name or photo; otherwise go into âContactsâ and find them there.
Once selected, click on their contact info page where there should be a three-dot menu button at top right corner of the screen â press this button for more options including âBlock Contactâ which when chosen confirms that you wish to block them from contacting you ever again through WhatsApp
You can choose to unblock them by selecting âUnblock Contactâ in future settings menu when desired.
Thankfully this process is just as simple as blocking: locate their contact info (as described above) then press the three-dot menu option again but instead choose ‘Unblock Contact’.
Upon confirmation, this will grant them access back into being able to message/call/view status etc once again via WhatsApp platform with user’s permission.
This means control over contacts remains with the user rather than other party involved, allowing users keep track of who has access & ability interact through app accordingly.
What Happens When You Block Someone on WhatsApp?
Loss of Contact
When you block someone on WhatsApp, all communication between the two parties ceases.
The blocked person will no longer be able to contact you via text, voice or video call and any messages they send wonât be delivered.
If a blocked user calls, they will not even know if it is going through or not as there wonât be an indication that their call has been received.
No Access to Shared Content
Once you have blocked someone on WhatsApp, not only does it cut off direct communication with them but also prevents access to any shared content such as group conversations, photos or videos.
You can still see mutual contacts in group chats but when trying to view media files sent by the blocked user previously downloaded onto your device, these will no longer appear in the chat window and cannot be accessed.
Visibility Status
WhatsApp users who are blocked may still have visibility of your status updates and profile photo however this depends upon how secure your settings are set up for these items.
If privacy is enabled then a user whom you have blocked will not see anything except your name in their contact list.
Your profile picture update will remain visible until it expires after 24 hours whether or not somebody has been blocked from viewing it so long as they had seen it beforehand.
- Loss of Contact.
- No Access to Shared Content.
- Visibility Status.
Managing Your Privacy Settings in WhatsApp
The first step in securing your account on WhatsApp is to set up two-factor authentication (2FA).
This feature allows users to add an extra layer of security when logging into their accounts by requiring them to enter both a password and a code sent via text message or email before they are allowed access.
To enable 2FA on WhatsApp, open the App > Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable 2FA.
Once enabled, make sure to save any recovery codes generated which will allow you access if ever needed in case something happens with your primary device/account credentials.
Next, itâs important that you customize who has access to see certain types of content from you within WhatsApp itself – such as profile photoâs or status updates – as well as who can contact you directly using messages or calls via the platform.
To adjust these settings: Open Whatsapp > tap More options (3 dots) > Settings> Account > Privacy.
Here, there are several different ways in which one might choose restrict visibility over content being shared:
- Profile Photo: You may choose between setting this visible only for contacts saved in phone book/address book; contacts already added on Whatsapp; my contacts; everyone.
- Status Updates: Similar choices apply here â they may be seen only by contacts saved in phone book/address book; contacts already added on Whatsapp; my contacts ;everyone.
- : Users may opt out from receiving messages from anyone who isn’t saved their address books through âNobodyâ option.
Finally, when sharing locations through live location tracking feature its highly recommended always choosing âShare Live Location For A Specific Period Of Time’ rather than ‘Share indefinitely’.
If chosen latterly ,this could lead unwanted attention especially if done publicly & widely known amongst friends & family members alike.
See Also: How much data does WhatsApp use?
The former ensures total control over data shared while also allowing enough flexibility where necessary .
Alternatives to Blocking Contacts on WhatsApp
Utilizing Mute
One of the most effective ways to deal with a contact on WhatsApp that is sending too many messages or otherwise annoying you, is to utilize the mute feature.
This allows users to silence notifications from individual contacts or group chats for anywhere between 8 hours and one year. Muting can be done by going into any chat and tapping on the name at the top of your screen.
Then select ‘Mute Notifications’, choose how long youâd like it muted for, and hit ok.
Creating a Group Chat
If you find yourself in a situation where multiple people are messaging you individually, it might be time to create a group chat instead!
This will keep all conversations in one place without having them clog up your main inbox page.
To do this, open up WhatsApp and go into âChatsâ then tap on the button at upper right corner that looks like three dots stacked together.
Select âNew Groupâ then add whichever contacts are involved in said conversation – making sure they accept if prompted – once done, start chatting away with everyone as normal!
Archiving Messages
Another useful tool when looking for an alternative to blocking contacts on WhatsApp is archiving messages.
Archiving keeps conversations out of sight but still available should someone need them again later down the line; no matter what type of message it may be such as text or media based content (ie photos/videos).
To archive simply long press any desired message thread then click upon either âarchiveâ or âunarchiveâ depending which action needs taking- this option can also be found under settings within each conversation itself too!