Blocking and restricting people
Blocking
Blocking is total. The blocked person:
- Can't see any of your content — even posts you shared publicly before the block.
- Can't call, message, or add you to a group.
- Can't find your profile in search or suggestions.
- Isn't notified. Neither of you is told the other has blocked you.
Block someone
- From a profile — tap ⋮ → Block.
- From a conversation — tap ⋮ → Block.
- From your block list — Settings → Privacy → Blocked → Add person.
Unblock someone
Settings → Privacy → Blocked → tap the person → Unblock. You may need to re-friend each other; blocking severs the friend relationship on both sides.
Restricting
Restrict is a softer option, useful when you don't want a confrontation but need distance:
- They can still see your posts (per your normal audience settings).
- They can still message you, but their messages land in a filtered inbox instead of your main inbox.
- You appear offline to them for presence and last-seen.
- They can't see your read receipts.
Restrict someone
- From a profile — tap ⋮ → Restrict.
- From a message — tap ⋮ → Restrict sender.
Restrict is a good option when you want to avoid drama with someone you might unrestrict later — for example, a distant family member.
Blocked and reported
Blocking is different from reporting. Blocking is a personal action (this person can't reach me). Reporting is a policy action (this person violated the guidelines; please review).
You can do both from the same menu — the Block action includes an optional Also report checkbox.
Circumventing a block
If you notice a blocked person contacting you from a new account or through a group chat proxy, report the new account. We treat block-evasion as a serious violation and act on it directly.
