Blocking stops someone from contacting you and seeing your profile
When you block someone on Facebook Messenger, they can no longer send you messages, see that you're online, or access your profile. The block works across both Messenger and Facebook itself — if you block them on one, they're blocked on both. They won't get a notification that you've blocked them, but they'll notice they can't message you or find your profile when they search.
Blocking is different from muting or ignoring a conversation. If you mute someone, their messages still arrive but don't trigger notifications. If you ignore a conversation, the messages go to a separate folder. Blocking is the strongest option and is permanent until you choose to unblock them.
Key Takeaways
- Blocking someone on Messenger prevents them from sending you messages, seeing your online status, or viewing your profile.
- You can block someone directly from a conversation by opening their profile and selecting the block option.
- A blocked person won't know they're blocked, but they'll be unable to find your profile or message you.
- You can unblock someone at any time through your Facebook settings if you change your mind.
How to block someone from an open conversation
Open the conversation with the person you want to block in Messenger. Tap or click their name at the top of the chat window — this opens their profile card. Look for the three dots or menu icon (usually in the top right corner of the profile card) and tap it.
A menu will appear with several options. Select "Block" from the list. Facebook will ask you to confirm — tap "Block" again. The conversation will disappear from your Messenger inbox, and that person can no longer contact you.
How to block someone from your contacts or search
If you haven't chatted with someone yet but want to block them, search for their name in Messenger. When their profile appears in the results, tap or click their name to open their profile. Tap the three dots or menu icon and select "Block."
You can also block someone from Facebook itself. Go to their profile, tap the three dots next to their name or profile picture, and select "Block." This blocks them on both Facebook and Messenger at the same time.
What happens after you block someone
Once you block someone, they lose access to several things. They can't send you new messages. Any existing conversation between you disappears from your inbox (though you can still see it if you search for it). They can't see your profile, your posts, or whether you're online. They also can't add you as a friend or see your Stories.
The blocked person won't receive a notification saying you've blocked them. However, if they try to message you, they'll see an error message saying the message couldn't be sent. If they search for your profile, they won't find it. This makes it clear something has changed, even if Facebook doesn't explicitly tell them you blocked them.
How to unblock someone
If you change your mind, you can unblock someone through your Facebook settings. On the web, go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Click "Blocking" in the left menu. You'll see a list of people you've blocked under "Block users." Find the person you want to unblock and click "Unblock" next to their name.
On the Messenger app, tap your profile picture in the top left, then scroll down and tap "Privacy." Select "Blocked people" and find the person you want to unblock. Tap "Unblock" next to their name. Once you unblock someone, they can message you again and see your profile, but you won't automatically become friends.
Blocking versus other ways to limit contact
Blocking is the strongest action, but it's not always what you need. If someone is messaging you too much but you want to stay friends, you can mute their conversation instead. Muting silences notifications but keeps the conversation in your inbox. You can unmute anytime by opening the conversation, tapping their name, and toggling "Mute notifications" off.
If you want to reduce contact without fully blocking, you can also restrict someone. Restricting limits what they can see on your profile and makes your messages appear in a separate folder. They won't know they're restricted. To restrict someone on Facebook, go to their profile, tap the three dots, and select "Restrict." This doesn't affect Messenger directly, but it limits their access to your other Facebook activity.
Why someone might not be able to message you
If someone says they can't message you but you haven't blocked them, a few other things could be happening. They might have blocked you instead. They might have deactivated or deleted their account. Their message request might be sitting in your "Message Requests" folder if you're not friends — check there before assuming you've blocked them.
You can also control who can message you through your privacy settings. If you've set your Messenger to only accept messages from friends, non-friends' messages will go to a separate folder. Go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then "Privacy" to adjust who can contact you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a blocked person see my old messages?
No. Once you block someone, they can't see any of your messages, including old ones from before the block. The conversation disappears from their inbox entirely. They also can't see your profile, posts, or any information you've shared on Facebook.
Will they know I blocked them?
They won't get a notification, but they'll figure it out. When they try to message you, they'll see an error. When they search for your profile, they won't find it. If they're tech-savvy, they might check from a friend's account to confirm the block.
Can I block someone without them seeing our old conversation?
The conversation disappears from their view when you block them, but if they took screenshots or saved messages before you blocked them, they'll still have those. Blocking only removes their access going forward, not what they may have already saved.
What if I block someone by accident?
You can unblock them anytime through your Blocking settings. Go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then "Blocking," find their name, and click "Unblock." Once unblocked, they can message you again, but you won't automatically be friends unless you send a friend request.
Can I block someone on Messenger but stay friends on Facebook?
No. Blocking someone on Messenger automatically blocks them on Facebook too, and it removes you as friends. If you want to stay friends but stop their messages, mute the conversation instead. That way they can still see your profile and posts, but you won't get notifications from them.