How to Block Someone on WhatsApp (Android, iPhone and Web)

Blocking is the quickest way to stop someone reaching you on WhatsApp, whether that's a pushy stranger, a spam number or a contact you'd simply rather not hear from. If you run a small business on WhatsApp, you'll need it too, because the wrong numbers find you fast once your number's on a website. The good news is that it takes seconds and you can undo it later. Below are the steps WhatsApp's help centre gives for Android, iPhone and WhatsApp Web, plus what changes once you've done it.

Block a WhatsApp contact on Android

WhatsApp's help article gives a few routes. The quickest is from the chat itself:

1. Open the chat with the person.
2. Tap the three dots (More options) at the top, then More, then Block.
3. Untick Report to WhatsApp if you only want to block, then tap Block again to confirm.

You can also tap and hold the chat in your list, tap the three dots and choose Block. Or go the long way round: tap the three dots on the main screen, then Settings, Privacy and Blocked contacts (some versions show Privacy, Contacts, Blocked accounts), tap the add icon and pick the person from your contacts.

Block a WhatsApp contact on iPhone

1. Open the chat and tap the person's name at the top to see their contact info.
2. Tap Block followed by their name, then Block to confirm.
3. If you want WhatsApp to see the recent messages too, choose Block and report instead.

From the chat list, you can swipe left on the chat, tap More and choose Block. There's also a settings route: tap Settings or your profile picture, then Privacy, Contacts, Blocked and Add New, and select the contact.

Block someone on WhatsApp Web and the desktop app

1. Open the chat with the sender you want to block.
2. Click the menu on the chat, or the menu at the top right of the chat window.
3. Click Block, then Block again. Tick Report to WhatsApp first if you also want to report them.

Blocking a WhatsApp number that isn't in your contacts

Unknown numbers are where most of the rubbish comes from. When a number that isn't saved messages you for the first time, WhatsApp usually shows options at the top of the chat. According to its help centre, on Android you can tap Block from the Not a contact notice, use Safety tools and Block contact, or open the chat and use the three dots, More and Block. On iPhone, if it's the first time they've contacted you, open the chat and tap Block, then Block again.

If you're getting a flood of messages from unknown accounts, WhatsApp also has a setting called Block unknown account messages. You'll find it under Settings, Privacy and Advanced. WhatsApp says it blocks messages from unknown accounts when they exceed a high volume, while your contacts can still message you as normal. It doesn't block every unknown message, so you'll still need the individual block for the odd one.

What blocking someone on WhatsApp changes

Here's what WhatsApp's help pages say happens once you've blocked someone:

• They can no longer call you or send you messages.
• They can't see your last seen, online status, status updates or any changes to your profile photo.
• The chat stays in your list. You'll see a note that you blocked this person, and WhatsApp says they won't see that note.
• They stay in your phone's contacts, and you stay in theirs. Deleting a contact is a separate job in your address book.
• If you change your number using WhatsApp's Change number feature, your blocks carry over. If you set up a brand-new account, you'll need to block people again.

Wondering what it looks like from the other side? I've written up the signs WhatsApp lists when you've been blocked, and you'll see they're deliberately vague.

What a WhatsApp block won't stop

Blocking is powerful, but it has gaps that WhatsApp itself points out:

• Groups: if you're both in a group, you'll still see each other's messages there. WhatsApp suggests leaving groups with people you don't want to talk to.
• Groups themselves: you can't block a whole group. You can exit it and block the group admin instead.
• New numbers: if someone keeps coming back from different numbers, WhatsApp says you can block and report each new one.
• Third-party chats: where WhatsApp offers chats with other apps (only in some regions, as part of changing laws in Europe), people you've blocked might still reach you that way. You can block them from that chat by tapping their name and choosing Block user.

Block, report or both on WhatsApp?

Option	What it does	When I'd use it
Block only	Stops their messages and calls; nobody at WhatsApp sees anything	An ex-colleague, an old customer, someone you've simply had enough of
Report only	Sends WhatsApp recent messages; you'll still get their messages	Rarely; usually you'll want to stop contact too
Block and report	Stops contact and sends WhatsApp recent messages to review	Spam, scams, abuse, threats

If you're unsure what reporting shares, I've explained what WhatsApp receives when you report someone.

Blocking on a WhatsApp Business number

WhatsApp's help article says that when you block a business, you'll be asked to pick a reason first. If you run your own business account, the same block button works on customers, but use it sparingly. A blunt block on a real customer can turn into a bad review. For time-wasters and obvious scams, though, block and move on. Your time's worth more.

If you change your mind about a WhatsApp block

Nothing's permanent. You can lift a block at any time from the same chat or from the blocked list in Privacy. Bear in mind that WhatsApp doesn't deliver anything they sent while they were blocked. I've covered the steps in my guide to unblocking someone on WhatsApp. And if anyone has threatened you, report it to the platform and, if you're in danger, contact the police.

Frequently asked questions

Does someone know if I block them on WhatsApp?

WhatsApp says the note that you blocked this person only shows on your side. They may still notice signs, such as messages that never deliver, which WhatsApp lists in its article on being blocked.

Will blocking someone delete our WhatsApp chat?

No. WhatsApp says the chat stays in your list. You can delete it or archive it separately if you don't want to see it.

Can I block a WhatsApp group?

No. WhatsApp says you can't block a group, but you can exit it and block the group admin.

Does blocking remove them from my phone contacts?

No. You'll need to delete the contact from your phone's address book if you want them gone.

Can a blocked person see my profile photo?

According to WhatsApp, they won't see any changes you make to your profile photo after you've blocked them.