To unblock someone on Snapchat, open your profile, tap the gear icon for Settings, scroll to Privacy Controls, tap Blocked, then tap the X next to the person's name and confirm. They'll be off your blocked list straight away, but you won't be friends again until you add them.
The steps, one by one
- Open Snapchat and tap your profile picture or Bitmoji at the top left.
- Tap the gear icon at the top right to open Settings.
- Scroll down to the Privacy Controls section and tap Blocked.
- Find the person in the list and tap the X beside their name.
- Confirm when Snapchat asks if you want to unblock them.
These steps work the same way on iPhone and Android. Snapchat changes its menus from time to time, so if a name looks different on your screen, search the app's settings for the word "blocked" and you'll get there.
What happens after you unblock
Unblocking doesn't put things back the way they were. Here's what to expect:
- You're not friends again. The person isn't re-added automatically. If you want to chat, you need to add them again, and they may need to accept.
- Old chats don't come back. The conversation is cleared when someone is blocked, so don't expect to scroll up and find your old messages.
- Streaks and rankings start fresh. Don't expect an old streak or best friend spot to be waiting. I'd treat it as a clean slate.
- They can contact you again. Once they're unblocked and you're friends, or if your privacy settings allow it, they can send you snaps and messages.
If you add them back and later wonder who sits where, my guides to what followers mean on Snapchat and the Snapchat best friends list explain how those parts of the app work.
Block vs remove friend vs unblock
These three get mixed up a lot, and the difference matters. This table shows what each one does, in general terms. Snapchat updates its features, so check the app if something looks different.
| Action | What it does | What the other person sees | Can you undo it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block | Cuts off contact with that person | They can't send you snaps or chats, and may not find your profile in search | Yes, by unblocking |
| Remove friend | Takes them off your friends list but doesn't block them | They're no longer a friend, though they might still find your profile | Yes, by adding them again |
| Unblock | Takes them off your blocked list | They can find you again, but you aren't friends | You can block them again at any time |
A lot of people ask whether the other person gets a notification. As far as I know, Snapchat doesn't send a message saying you blocked or unblocked someone. They might notice that you've reappeared in search, though.
Can't find the Blocked list? Try these fixes
If the steps above don't match what you see, work through this list.
- Update the app. An old version may hide or rename menus. Update Snapchat from the App Store or Google Play and try again.
- Check you're on the right account. If you have more than one, the Blocked list belongs to the account you're logged in to.
- Search the settings. Look for Blocked, Privacy or Who Can in the Settings menu.
- Look for the name carefully. People can change their display name. The list may show the name they had when you blocked them.
- Restart the app. Close Snapchat completely, open it again and go back to Settings.
- Log out and in. Sometimes a fresh login clears a stuck screen.
- If the person is missing, they may have deleted their account or changed their username, or you may have blocked them on a different account.
If none of this helps, Snapchat Support in the app's Help section is the next stop. I'd leave third-party tools well alone; they're a quick way to get your account in trouble.
What to do right after you unblock
Unblocking is a good moment to check your privacy settings, because you're about to let someone back in. Go to Settings and look at the Privacy Controls section. You'll usually find options for who can contact you, who can see your story and who can see your location if you use the map.
- Contact me: choose whether everyone, only friends or a smaller group can send you snaps and chats.
- View my story: decide who can watch what you post. Friends only is the tightest simple choice.
- Location sharing: if you've turned it on, check who can see you before you add anyone back.
- Quick Add: if you don't want to show up as a suggestion to people, look for the setting that controls it.
Names for these settings can differ from one version of the app to another. If you can't see them, search Settings for the word "privacy" or "who can" and you'll find the nearest match.
A simple way to decide whether to unblock
Here's a short test I'd use. Ask yourself why you blocked them, whether that reason still stands, and whether you'd be comfortable if they sent you a message tonight. If the answer to the last one is no, wait. A block costs you nothing to keep, and you can always unblock later when you feel ready.
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If it was a mix-up, say you tapped the wrong name or blocked a friend by accident, then unblocking is the right fix. Add them back, send a quick message to say hi and move on. Most people understand that apps are easy to mis-tap.
Changed your mind? Blocking again
If unblocking someone was a mistake, you can block them again whenever you like. Open their profile or find them in your chats, then use the three-dot or settings menu on their profile to choose Block. I've written a short guide on how to block someone on Snapchat if you want the full steps.
Before you unblock anyone, ask yourself whether you really want them back in your life. If you blocked them for a reason, such as harassment or unwanted messages, it's fine to leave that block in place. You never owe anyone access to you. And if someone has blocked you, the respectful thing is to leave it be rather than look for a way round it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I unblock someone on Snapchat?
Go to your profile, open Settings, scroll to Privacy Controls, tap Blocked, then tap the X next to the person's name and confirm.
Will they be notified if I unblock them?
As far as I know, Snapchat doesn't send a notification when you unblock someone. They may notice you in search or on their friends list later.
Do I need to add them as a friend again after unblocking?
Yes. Unblocking only removes the block. You'll need to send a new friend request or add them again.
Will old chats and streaks come back?
Usually not. Chats are cleared when someone is blocked, and streaks start fresh. Treat it as a new start.
Why isn't the Blocked option showing?
The app may be out of date, or the menu name may differ on your version. Update Snapchat and search the settings for the word "blocked".
