Block a buyer or seller in three steps

You can block someone on eBay through your account settings in about two minutes. The block prevents that person from bidding on your items if you're a seller, or from contacting you through eBay's messaging system. If you're a buyer, blocking a seller stops them from listing items to you and removes their listings from your search results.

The person you block will not receive a notification that you've blocked them. They may notice they can no longer message you or bid on your items, but eBay doesn't send a formal alert. Blocking is permanent until you choose to remove it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can block someone through Account settings > Blocking list, and the process takes less than two minutes on desktop or mobile.
  • Blocking a seller removes their listings from your search results and prevents them from contacting you, but does not cancel active purchases.
  • Blocking a buyer prevents them from bidding on your items and messaging you, but does not refund completed transactions.
  • You can unblock someone at any time by going back to your Blocking list and selecting the option to remove them.
  • Blocking is different from reporting abuse — use blocking for people you want to avoid, and reporting for fraud or policy violations.

How to block someone on desktop

Open eBay and sign into your account. Click the account icon in the top right corner (it looks like a silhouette), then select "Account settings" from the dropdown menu.

On the Account settings page, look for the left sidebar menu. Scroll down until you see "Blocking list" and click it. You'll see a section that says "Add to Blocking list" with a text box. Type the eBay username of the person you want to block, then click the "Add" button. eBay will confirm the block immediately.

If you're not sure of their exact username, search for it first by looking at their feedback profile or a completed transaction. Usernames are case-sensitive, so type it exactly as it appears on their profile.

How to block someone on the eBay mobile app

Open the eBay app and tap the "Account" icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a silhouette). Scroll down and tap "Account settings."

Tap "Blocking list" from the menu. You'll see the same "Add to Blocking list" section. Type the username you want to block and tap "Add." The block takes effect immediately.

The mobile app works the same way as desktop, but the menu layout is slightly different because of the smaller screen. If you have trouble finding Blocking list, use the search function within Account settings to jump directly to it.

What happens when you block someone

If you're a seller, a blocked buyer cannot bid on your items or place offers. If they try to bid, eBay will show them an error message saying they cannot bid on that item. They also cannot message you through eBay's messaging system.

If you're a buyer, a blocked seller's listings will no longer appear in your search results or recommendations. You won't see their store or items when you browse. They cannot message you, and if you have an active purchase with them, you can still complete the transaction, but they cannot contact you about it through eBay.

Blocking does not cancel completed transactions or refund money. If you've already paid for something from a blocked seller, the transaction continues as normal. Blocking only prevents future contact and future transactions.

Unblock someone if you change your mind

Go back to Account settings and click or tap "Blocking list." You'll see a list of everyone you've blocked. Find the person you want to unblock and click the "Remove" button next to their name. The block is removed immediately, and they can contact you and bid on your items again.

There's no limit to how many times you can block and unblock the same person. If you unblock someone by mistake, you can block them again right away.

When to block versus when to report

Use blocking when you simply don't want to deal with someone — they're rude, you don't like their prices, or you've had a bad experience and want to avoid them in the future. Blocking is a personal preference and doesn't affect their account.

Use reporting when someone has broken eBay's rules — they've committed fraud, sent you threatening messages, listed counterfeit items, or engaged in behavior that violates eBay's policies. To report someone, go to their profile, click "Report user," and describe the violation. eBay's Trust and Safety team will investigate.

You can both block and report the same person. Blocking stops them from contacting you right away, while reporting puts their behavior on eBay's radar for investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a blocked person see that I've blocked them?

No. eBay does not notify the person that you've blocked them. They may figure it out if they try to bid on your items or message you and get an error, but eBay doesn't send a message saying "You've been blocked."

Will blocking cancel my current purchase from a blocked seller?

No. Blocking only affects future transactions and communication. If you've already paid for an item, the order continues. The seller can still ship it, but they cannot message you through eBay about the order.

What if I block someone by mistake?

Go back to your Blocking list in Account settings and click "Remove" next to their name. The block is lifted immediately, and they can contact you and bid on your items again.

Can I block someone if I don't know their exact username?

You need their exact eBay username to block them. If you're not sure, find a transaction or feedback from them and copy their username from there. Usernames are case-sensitive, so it has to match exactly.

How many people can I block?

eBay does not publish a limit on how many people you can block. Most sellers block dozens or hundreds of buyers over time without running into restrictions. There's no practical limit for typical use.