- Unblock someone on Instagram from your blocked list
- Unblock someone on Instagram on a computer
- Unblocking from someone's Instagram profile
- What changes after you unblock someone on Instagram
- Following each other again after an Instagram unblock
- Unblocking someone who has more than one Instagram account
- Instagram options that are softer than blocking
- If you can't unblock someone on Instagram
- Unblocking on Instagram: quick reference
- Frequently asked questions
To unblock someone on Instagram, tap your profile picture, tap Menu, then Blocked below Who can see your content, tap Unblock next to their name and confirm. What people miss is that unblocking doesn't bring back their old likes and comments, or messages they sent while they were blocked.
Blocking someone on Instagram often happens in the heat of the moment, after an argument, a falling-out or a run of annoying comments. Weeks later things have calmed down, or you've realised you blocked the wrong account, and you want to undo it. I've had clients block a customer by accident while clearing spam from a busy post, so this happens to businesses too.
The good news is that unblocking takes a few taps. The less obvious part is what does and doesn't come back afterwards, which I'll cover below. Everything here follows Instagram's own help articles on blocking and unblocking.
Unblock someone on Instagram from your blocked list
The most reliable route is your blocked accounts list, because it works even when you can't find the person by searching. In the Instagram app on iPhone or Android:
- Tap Profile or your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap Menu in the top right.
- Below Who can see your content, tap Blocked.
- Tap Unblock to the right of the person's name.
- Tap Unblock again to confirm.
This list is also the easiest way to review everyone you've blocked over the years. For a business account that's a useful tidy-up: over time you may have blocked a real customer while clearing spam, and a quick scan of the names lets you let them back in before they notice anything is wrong.
Unblock someone on Instagram on a computer
On Instagram in a web browser, the list lives in Settings:
- Click More in the bottom left, then click Settings.
- Click Blocked below Who can see your content.
- Click Unblock next to the profile.
- Click Unblock again to confirm.
You can also unblock from an old chat on a computer. Click Messages on the left, open the chat with that person, click Information at the top, then click Block/Unblock and confirm.
Unblocking from someone's Instagram profile
Instagram's help article also lists blocking and unblocking from the person's profile. Go to their profile, open the menu in the top right and tap Unblock. Menus vary by app version, so if you don't see the option there, use the Blocked list in your settings instead, which always shows everyone you've blocked.
What changes after you unblock someone on Instagram
Unblocking reverses the block going forward, but it doesn't rewind time. Instagram's help pages are clear on a few points:
- Their old likes and comments don't come back. Instagram removes them from your photos and videos when you block, and unblocking won't restore them.
- Messages they sent while blocked are gone for good. Instagram says you won't receive those messages and they won't be delivered later if you unblock.
- Your old chat with them stays in your inbox, so you can pick up the conversation.
- Instagram doesn't notify people when you block them, and its help pages don't describe any alert when you unblock either.
If you want to message them again once the block is lifted, my walkthrough on checking your Instagram DMs on phone and desktop shows where your chats live on each device.
Following each other again after an Instagram unblock
Instagram's help pages don't say that follows are restored when you unblock, so don't assume you're connected again. Once the block is lifted, visit their profile and check: if the Follow button shows, tap it to follow them again. They'll need to do the same if they want to follow you back, and if either account is private, the usual follow request applies.
Unblocking someone who has more than one Instagram account
When you block someone from the Instagram app, Instagram gives you the option to block just that profile, or that profile plus other existing profiles they may have and any new ones they create. Instagram adds that this doesn't apply to other profiles of theirs that you already follow, which you'd need to block individually.
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So if you chose the wider option, check your Blocked list for other profiles of theirs and unblock each one you want to let back in.
Instagram options that are softer than blocking
If you're unblocking because the block felt too harsh, Instagram has gentler tools that might suit better next time. Its help article suggests restricting someone, deleting their comments, or blocking several people from commenting on your posts without fully blocking them.
On one of your posts, tap Comments, then Options in the top right, then Select multiple comments. From there you can hide comments, delete them or block the accounts. To restrict someone, tap and hold one of their comments and tap Restrict.
If you can't unblock someone on Instagram
- Update the app. Instagram's help asks you to use the latest version for the most up-to-date blocking experience.
- Check you're logged into the right account if you manage several, because each account has its own Blocked list.
- Look for the account under a new username. If they've changed it, scan your Blocked list by profile picture.
- If they've deactivated or deleted their account, there may be nothing to unblock. I've explained what the Instagram User label means when a profile shows up that way.
Unblocking on Instagram: quick reference
| Your device or screen | How to unblock |
|---|---|
| Instagram app | Profile, Menu, Blocked, Unblock, then confirm |
| Computer browser | More, Settings, Blocked, Unblock, then confirm |
| An old chat on a computer | Messages, the chat, Information, Block/Unblock |
| Their profile | Menu in the top right, Unblock (menus vary by version) |
Related guides live in the Instagram Help: 81 Guides to Followers, Hashtags, Money, Accounts and Fixes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I unblock someone on Instagram?
In the app, tap your profile picture, tap Menu, then Blocked below Who can see your content. Tap Unblock next to their name and tap Unblock again to confirm.
Does someone know if I unblock them on Instagram?
Instagram says people aren't notified when you block them, and its help pages don't describe any notification for unblocking either.
Will their old comments come back after I unblock them?
No. Instagram's help says unblocking won't restore their previous likes and comments on your photos and videos.
Will I get messages they sent while they were blocked?
No. Instagram says messages sent to you while someone was blocked aren't received and won't be delivered later if you unblock them.
Do we follow each other again after I unblock someone?
Don't assume so. Visit their profile after unblocking and tap Follow if the button shows. They'll need to do the same to follow you back.
