Blocking Someone on WhatsApp: A Handy How-To Guide

We all know how people can behave on the internet. Sometimes, when they log onto their phones or computers and engage with others online, they completely forget about basic decency and intelligence. It’s not uncommon to encounter individuals who are just plain dumb or troublesome, be it an ex or a friend who causes more problems than they’re worth. Thankfully, WhatsApp offers a solution – you can block these undesirable individuals!

WhatsApp may not be the only platform for social interaction, but it’s undeniably one of the most popular ones out there. With millions of users worldwide, chances are high that you’ll eventually run into someone whom you’d rather avoid. Blocking them on WhatsApp is a highly effective method to prevent them from annoying you while you’re enjoying your favorite chat app.

Worry not, for I’m here to guide you through the process of blocking someone on WhatsApp:

How to Block Someone on WhatsApp

Blocking someone on WhatsApp is actually pretty simple, let me show you how.

If you’re using WhatsApp on an Android device, follow these steps:

1. Open the conversation with the person you want to block.
2. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
3. Select “Block” and confirm your choice.

If you want to check who you’ve blocked, or if you want to allow chats with them again, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and select the three-dot menu icon.
2. Go to “Settings”, then “Account” and “Privacy”.
3. Select “Blocked Contacts” and choose the person you want to unblock.
4. Tap their name and select “Unblock” to allow communication again.

You can also block people using the Privacy menu. Simply select “Blocked Contacts” and click the search icon in the top right corner. Find the contact you want to block and select them.

If you’re using WhatsApp on an iOS device, the process is slightly different:

1. Open the conversation with the person you want to block.
2. Tap their name at the top of the screen.
3. Scroll down until you see “Block this Contact”.
4. Select “Block this Contact” and confirm your decision.

You can also use the privacy menu on iOS in a similar way to Android:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to “Settings”.
2. Select “Account” and “Privacy”.
3. Choose “Blocked” and click “Add New…” at the bottom of the list.
4. Search for the contact and select their name from the list.

The contact will be blocked in the same way as mentioned above.

If you want to unblock someone, go to the privacy menu as mentioned earlier. Tap their name and select “Unblock”. You can also tap a previous message and choose “Unblock” when prompted.

What happens when you block someone on WhatsApp?

Blocking on WhatsApp is exactly what it sounds like. It prevents someone from bothering or contacting you while you’re using the app.

Blocking accomplishes the following:

• You won’t receive any messages from the person you’ve blocked.
• They will see that their messages were not delivered, but won’t understand why.
• Your Status and Last Seen information won’t be visible to them anymore.
• Your previously received messages from them will be deleted.
• The messages you sent them will also be deleted.
• You will be removed from their contact list.
• They will be removed from your contact list.

How to deal with harassment on WhatsApp or anywhere else

It’s amazing how many people choose to act like jerks when they’re online. Even after more than 30 years of the internet being mainstream, some still treat it like the Wild West. They believe they can do or say whatever they want without any consequences.

While it may be impossible to completely avoid harassment, there are a few tips that might help:

Recognize it for what it is

Even though it’s easier said than done, understanding that online harassment is just some pathetic or entitled person acting out can help lessen its impact. In psychology, bullying is a sign of weakness, shame, or insecurity. In some cases, it’s all three. So remember that when it happens and feel pity instead of fear, if you can.

Document everything

If the harasser doesn’t take no for an answer or refuses to leave you alone, you have options: avoid them, block them, or take action. If you choose to take action, keep a record of every message, chat, and incident. Take screenshots if necessary and report the user to the platform. Present your evidence to support your case, and let WhatsApp handle the rest.

Steer clear of anonymous chatrooms or groups

WhatsApp requires users to reveal their identities, but not all social networks or online spaces do. Some countries or topics require anonymity, and platforms that allow anonymous logins naturally attract more troublemakers. These people hide behind anonymity, thinking they can’t be identified. Although everyone can eventually be identified, it doesn’t stop them from causing trouble. So, if possible, avoid these sites.

Be mindful of what you share

The more information you put out there, the more ammunition someone has to harass or target you. Before posting on social media, think about how someone could use that information against you. Remember that nothing is truly deleted, and even things you said years ago may still exist somewhere online.

This applies to contact details, addresses, diaries, and location information as well. Consider what harm someone could do with that information and share it sparingly.

Create an alter ego

Personally, I use my real name on social media, but I also have an online persona I use for social activities. This persona is a completely fictional person with their own email, Facebook account, Twitter account, WhatsApp account (with a burner SIM), personal blog, and more. I’ve been using this persona for six years now, and it’s still going strong. If people harass my persona, I don’t care because it’s not really me. And I can fight back without consequences in my real life.

Blocking someone on WhatsApp is refreshingly simple. It’s a good thing too because despite having to register with a phone number, there are still a considerable number of troublemakers on the platform who like to make life difficult for the rest of us. Now, at least you know one way to avoid them.