How to Block or Unblock a WhatsApp Contact

Someone annoying you? Stop unwanted messages from them

by
Tricia Goss
Tricia Goss
Writer
Tricia Goss has been a writer and editor for 10+ years. She's written tips and tutorials for Microsoft Office applications and other sites.
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Tricia Goss
Updated on February 26, 2020

WhatsApp is popular, and there's a chance that someone you don't want to connect with might contact you through the instant messaging app. It's easy to block an existing or unknown contact in WhatsApp or unblock someone if you change your mind.

Instructions in this article apply to WhatsApp for iPhones and Android smartphones.

Block Known Contacts

When you block a contact on WhatsApp, you stop receiving messages, calls, or status updates from them. The blocked user won't be able to view your status updates or other information.

Blocking a contact doesn't remove them from your contacts list. Delete the contact from your phone's address book to remove the contact from WhatsApp.

Block a Contact on WhatsApp for iPhone

  1. Open WhatsApp and select Settings from the bottom menu.

  2. Select Account.

  3. Select Privacy.

  4. Scroll down and select Blocked. Currently blocked contacts display.

    Blocked settings in WhatsApp

  5. Select Add New. Your list of contacts appears.

  6. Select a contact to add them to the blocked list.

    Alternatively, to block a contact, open a chat and tap contact name > Block Contact > Block or Report and Block. Or, swipe left on a chat and tap More > Contact Info > Block Contact > Block or Report and Block.

Block a Contact on WhatsApp for Android

  1. In WhatsApp, tap More Options (the three vertical dots).

  2. Tap Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked contacts.

  3. Tap Add.

  4. Search for or select the contact you want to block. The contact is added to your blocked list.

    Alternatively, open a chat with the contact, then tap More options > More > Block > Block. Or, open a chat with the contact, then tap contact name > Block > Block.

Block an Unknown Number

Blocking an unknown number is a simple process, as well.

Block an Unknown Number on WhatsApp for iPhone

If this is the first time a phone number has contacted you, open the chat and tap Block > Block. If you received more than one message, tap phone number > Block Contact > Block or Report and Block. The Report and Block option allows you to report the number as spam to WhatsApp.

Block an Unknown Number on WhatsApp for Android

In WhatsApp, open the chat with the unknown phone number. Tap Block, then tap Block again. If the message from the unknown number is spam, you have the option to tap Report and Block instead, which reports and blocks the number.

Unblock Contacts on WhatsApp

If you change your mind, it's easy to unblock a contact. You won't receive messages or calls that the person sent you while they were blocked.

If you didn't previously save a blocked contact's information on your phone, unblocking them will not restore them to your phone's contact list.

Unblock Contacts on WhatsApp for iPhone

  1. Open WhatsApp and select Settings from the bottom menu.

  2. Select Account.

  3. Select Privacy.

  4. Scroll down and select Blocked.

    Blocked settings in WhatsApp

  5. Swipe left on the contact you want to unblock.

  6. The contact is restored.

    Unblock contact in WhatsApp

Alternatively, open a previous chat with the contact, then tap contact name > Unblock Contact. Or, swipe left on a chat in the Chats tab, then tap More > Contact Info > Unblock Contact.

Unblock Contacts on WhatsApp for Android

  1. In WhatsApp, tap More Options (the three vertical dots).

  2. Tap Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked contacts.

  3. Tap the contact you want to unblock.

  4. Tap Unblock. You and the contact can send and receive messages, calls, and status updates.