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WhatsApp is a free instant messaging application used by people around the world to stay in touch. Users can interact with friends, family, and new acquaintances through messaging apps like WhatsApp, but they can also be exposed to unwanted connections and violations of personal privacy.
Fortunately, blocking a contact on a messaging network is a simple process. This article will guide you through the steps needed to block someone on WhatsApp using different devices.
How to block a number on WhatsApp on a PC
To open WhatsApp on a PC, you must first install it. The following steps will guide you through the process of installing WhatsApp Web on your PC:
- Open any browser on your PC/laptop and search for “WhatsApp Web”.
- Launch WhatsApp Messenger and click “Menu”, then click the vertical dot icon to open the QR code reader on your mobile device.
- Scan the QR code with your phone on your PC.
From here, you can perform any action on WhatsApp that you can in the mobile app, including blocking a number. Here’s how to do it:
- Open a chat with the person you want to block. To do this, click on the existing chat or its contact in the Contacts window.
- From the chat window, click the person’s name or number in the top left corner.
- You will see their contact information. Move to down
- Click “Block contact”
Please note that instead of “Contact”, you will see the name under which the number is saved on your phone or just the phone number if it is not saved.
You can also use the WhatsApp desktop client to access WhatsApp through a PC. Here’s how to block someone on the WhatsApp desktop client:
- Use the left panel to access the message window of the person you want to block.
- Click the three dots icon in the upper right corner and select Contact Information.
- Select “Contact Information” and “Block” from the drop-down menu.
- A pop-up message will appear to confirm the action. Click “Yes.”
- WhatsApp Windows desktop software shows a confirmation pop-up when blocking a contact.
Alternatively, you can use the Settings menu. That is how:
- You can access the settings by clicking the three dots icon in the profile row.
- Click on the “Blocked” option on the left side.
- If you’ve already blocked someone, you’ll see their name in this section. Select “Add blocked contact.”
- Type the name of the person you want to block and click on their name. After the confirmation message, they will be locked successfully.
How to block a number on WhatsApp on an iPhone
- Start WhatsApp.
- Tap “Settings” in the bottom right corner of your screen.
- Select “Account” from the Settings menu.
- Tap “Privacy” followed by “Blocked” in the Account menu.
- Select “Add new…” from the Blocked menu and enter the name of the person you want to block.
There is also an alternative strategy. The contact can be blocked in chat if you have already spoken to them or if you have received a message from an unknown number.
- Tap the contact’s name to open the chat.
- Go to the three horizontal lines and select “Block contact.”
- In the “Block Contact” section, click “Block.”
If you decide to unblock someone, you can do so by following the steps below:
- Tap “Settings” at the bottom right of the WhatsApp home screen.
- Select “Account” followed by “Privacy.”
- Go to “Blocked”.
- Tap the contact name and tap “Unblock Contact” on the contact details page.
How to block a number on WhatsApp on an Android
- Press WhatsApp.
- Go to the three dots in the upper right corner. Tap “Settings.”
- Select “Account” in the Settings section.
- Tap “Privacy” in the Account menu and then “Blocked Contacts.”
- To block a specific contact from your contact list, select their name and tap the “Add” icon.
You can also block someone via chat if you’ve already contacted them or received a message from an unknown phone number.
- Open the chat and tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
- Tap “More” and then “Block” from there.
If you want to unlock them later, the steps are:
- Go to the three vertical dots in the upper right corner. Then select “Settings”.
- Tap “More options.”
- Select “Account” from the Settings menu. Select “Privacy,” followed by “Blocked Contacts.”
- Tap the blocked contact’s name.
- Select “Unlock [contact name].”
How to block a number in a WhatsApp group
Only the administrator of a WhatsApp group can block someone. To do so, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the group chat.
- Select the group name by tapping it.
- If you’re not the administrator, you can see the administrator’s phone number and text or call them to tell them to block someone.
- If you are currently the group administrator, you can use the same screen to select the contact you want to block. Select “Block,” located under “Contact Information.”
- Once you’ve selected “Block,” press “Block” again.
How to block a number on WhatsApp without opening the message
- Open WhatsApp.
- In the lower right corner of the screen, tap “Settings.”
- From the Settings menu, choose “Account.”
- In the Account menu, tap “Privacy” followed by “Blocked.”
- From the Blocked menu, select “Add New…” and enter the name of the person you want to block.
Additional FAQs
Does the person know if I blocked them?
When you block a contact on WhatsApp you stop receiving their notifications, messages, calls and status changes. Additionally, the timestamp of your “last visit,” your online status, and any profile updates will be hidden from blocked contacts.
It is important to note that WhatsApp does not notify users when they have been blocked, so they will not be aware of the action. However, there are a few things someone can check to see if they have been blocked.
Here are some signs that can tell someone you’ve blocked them:
• Your profile photo will not be accessible.
• If you have blocked someone on WhatsApp, information such as your status, last visit date, and more will be hidden from them.
• It will not be possible to send a text message or voice message, images or videos.
• Voice and video calls will not be possible if someone is blocked.
Keep your WhatsApp privacy
Knowing how to block someone on WhatsApp can be very useful. In some cases, an unknown person could be sending you messages, someone could send you inappropriate content, or someone you don’t want to talk to could be bothering you. Therefore, using the blocking feature can help you chat only with the people you really want. Additionally, the feature protects sensitive information such as your phone number, activity status, and profile pictures from people you don’t want to share it with.
Have you ever blocked someone on WhatsApp? Do you think the feature is essential for a messaging app? Why did you decide to block someone? Let us know in the comments section below!
