How to Block Someone on Facebook (Phone and Computer)

Blocking is the strongest privacy tool Facebook gives you, and it's the one I point people to when someone's crossed a line. Whether it's an ex who won't let go, a stranger sending odd messages or a troll who keeps turning up in the comments on your business Page posts, you don't owe anyone access to your profile. The good news is that it takes seconds, and the person isn't told.

Block someone on Facebook from the phone app

These steps follow Facebook's Help Centre article called Block someone's profile, Page or alias on Facebook. Menus vary by app version, so a label on your screen might be worded slightly differently.

1. Open the Facebook app and go to the profile of the person you want to block. You can search for their name or tap their name on a post or comment.
2. Tap the three dots on their profile, usually next to the Message or Add friend button.
3. Tap Block.
4. Read the confirmation screen and tap Block again.

That's it. If you were friends, blocking removes the friendship at the same time, so you don't need to unfriend them first.

Block a Facebook profile from a computer

1. Go to facebook.com and open the person's profile.
2. Click the three dots below their cover photo, to the right of their name.
3. Click Block.
4. Click Confirm or Block in the box that appears.

You can also block from your settings, which is handy if you can't reach their profile. Click your profile picture, choose Settings and privacy, then Settings, and look for Blocking. In the app, Blocking usually sits under Audience and visibility. Type the person's name, pick the right profile and confirm.

What a blocked person can no longer do on Facebook

According to Facebook's help pages, once you block someone's profile they can't:

• See things you post on your profile.
• Tag you in posts, comments or photos.
• Invite you to events or groups.
• Start a conversation with you.
• Add you as a friend.

Facebook doesn't send them a notification. They may notice that they can't find you, but nothing pops up telling them what happened.

Facebook is also clear that blocking isn't a force field. Its help page says blocking may not stop every interaction, for example inside some apps or groups, and that it only affects your interactions on Facebook itself. If someone is threatening you, report it to the platform and, if you're in danger, contact the police.

One habit I'd recommend before you block anyone who's been abusive: take screenshots of the messages or comments first. Once you've blocked them, you won't be able to see their profile, and a record makes reporting much easier if things escalate. Report the content to Facebook as well as blocking, because blocking protects you while reporting lets Facebook review the account.

Block, restrict, unfriend or unfollow: which Facebook control fits?

Blocking is often more than you need. Here's how it compares with the gentler options, so you can choose the lightest one that solves your problem.

What you want	Use this	Still friends?
Cut all contact and hide your profile	Block	No
Stay friends but stop them seeing your friends-only posts	Restrict	Yes
End the friendship but keep things civil	Unfriend	No
Stop seeing their posts without them knowing	Unfollow	Yes
Have a short break from their posts	Snooze	Yes

If you'd rather stay connected but keep your everyday posts away from someone, my guide on adding someone to your Restricted list walks through it. And if you simply want them off your friends list without a full block, here's how unfriending works and what they'll notice.

Blocking trolls and spam accounts on a Facebook business Page

If you run a business Page, you'll eventually meet someone who's only there to cause trouble. You can block people from a Page as well as from your personal profile. Open the comment or message, tap the three dots or the person's name and look for the option to block them from the Page. Menus vary by app version and by whether you're using the newer Page experience.

My advice for small businesses is to block quickly when it's spam or abuse, but think twice when it's an unhappy customer. A calm public reply often does more for your reputation than a silent block, and other people reading the thread notice how you handle it.

If you can't block someone on Facebook

• Check you're on the right profile. Some people have similar names, and blocking the wrong one is easy to do.
• Update the app. Older versions hide the three dots in a different place.
• Try the Blocking section in your settings instead of the profile itself.
• If their profile won't load, they may have blocked you first or deactivated their account. You can still try the Blocking section.
• Make sure you're signed in to the right account, especially if you manage more than one profile or Page.

Changing your mind after you block someone

You can undo a block from the same Blocking section in your settings. Remember that unblocking doesn't restore the friendship; you'd need to send a new friend request. I've covered the full process in my guide to unblocking someone on Facebook on the app and desktop.

Frequently asked questions

Does someone know if you block them on Facebook?

Facebook doesn't send a notification. They might work it out because they can no longer find your profile or message you.

Does blocking someone on Facebook unfriend them?

Yes. If you were friends, blocking removes the friendship as well.

Can a blocked person still see my comments on other people's posts?

Facebook's help page says blocking may not stop every interaction, for example in some groups, so treat it as strong but not total.

Can I block someone who has already blocked me?

Their profile won't load for you, so try typing their name into the Blocking section in your settings instead.

Can I block someone from my business Page?

Yes. Open their comment or message on the Page and use the three dots or their name to find the block option. Menus vary by app version.