Blocking stops someone from contacting you and viewing your channel
When you block a user on YouTube, that person cannot send you messages, comment on your videos, or see your channel, uploads, or playlists. They also cannot view your subscriptions or any community posts you make. If they try to visit your channel directly, they will see a message saying the channel is not available.
Blocking is different from deleting a comment or hiding a user's comments — those actions only remove specific messages, not the person's access to your channel. A block is permanent until you choose to unblock them. The blocked user will not receive a notification that you blocked them, though they may discover it if they try to visit your channel or send you a message.
Key Takeaways
- You can block a user from their channel page, from a comment they left, or from your YouTube Studio settings.
- A blocked user cannot message you, comment on your videos, or see your channel, but they can still watch your public videos if they find them through search or recommendations.
- YouTube does not notify the blocked user that you have blocked them.
- You can unblock someone at any time through your blocked users list in YouTube Studio.
- If someone is harassing you across multiple accounts or making threats, reporting them to YouTube may result in account suspension or termination.
How to block someone from their channel page
Go to the channel of the person you want to block. Click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of their channel header (next to the Subscribe button if they have one). Select "Block user" from the dropdown menu.
YouTube will ask you to confirm. Click "Block" again to finish. The person's channel will immediately become unavailable to you, and you will no longer see their comments or messages. This method works on both desktop and mobile YouTube.
How to block someone from a comment they left
If someone has left a comment on your video that you want to block them for, hover over or tap their username in the comment. A menu will appear with options including "Block user." Click or tap that option and confirm.
This method is faster if you are already reading comments and do not want to visit their full channel first. The block takes effect immediately, and you will no longer see any of their comments on your videos going forward.
How to block someone through YouTube Studio
Sign in to YouTube Studio. On the left menu, click "Settings," then "Community" (or "Moderation" depending on your account type). Scroll to "Blocked users" and click "Manage blocked users."
Type the username or channel name of the person you want to block in the search box. Click their name when it appears, then click "Block." You can block multiple people this way without visiting their individual channels. This approach is useful if you want to block someone without them seeing that you visited their channel.
What a blocked user can and cannot do
A blocked user cannot send you direct messages, comment on your videos, see your channel page, view your uploads or playlists, see your subscriptions, or view your community posts. If they search for your channel by name, they will see a message saying it is unavailable. They also cannot subscribe to your channel or view any of your channel memberships or exclusive content.
A blocked user can still watch your public videos if they find them through search, recommendations, or a link from someone else. They cannot see that the video is from you, but they can watch it. If your videos are unlisted or private, they cannot access them at all. Any comments you left on their videos before the block remain visible to them.
How to unblock someone
Go to YouTube Studio, then Settings > Community > Manage blocked users. Find the person's name in your blocked users list. Click the X or "Unblock" button next to their name and confirm.
Once you unblock someone, they can message you, comment on your videos, and see your channel again. You will not receive a notification that you have unblocked them — the change is silent on both sides. If you unblock someone by mistake, you can block them again immediately.
When blocking might not be enough
If someone is harassing you repeatedly, creating new accounts to contact you after being blocked, or posting threats, blocking alone may not solve the problem. YouTube's reporting system handles more serious violations. Report the user by clicking the three-dot menu on their channel or comment and selecting "Report user." Choose the reason that fits — harassment, hate speech, threats, or spam.
YouTube reviews reports and may suspend or terminate accounts that violate community guidelines. Reporting does not notify the person that you reported them, and you can report and block the same user. Keep records of the harassment in case you need to contact YouTube support or law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a blocked user tell that I blocked them?
No. YouTube does not send a notification to someone when you block them. They will only know if they try to visit your channel and see the unavailable message, or if they try to message you and the message fails to send.
If I block someone, will they see my old comments on their videos?
Yes. Blocking only affects what they can see on your channel and what they can send to you going forward. Comments you left on their videos before the block remain visible to them and to other viewers.
Can I block someone without them knowing my channel exists?
If you block someone from their channel page, they may notice if they check their viewer list or analytics. If you want to block someone without drawing attention, block them from a comment they left on your video instead — that method is less likely to be noticed.
What happens if I block someone and then they try to subscribe to my channel?
A blocked user cannot subscribe to your channel. If they were already subscribed before you blocked them, the subscription is removed automatically when the block takes effect.