This is a common question for WhatsApp users who have been blocked by someone. Getting blocked can be frustrating and leave you wondering what the person who blocked you can and can’t see. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what happens when you get blocked on WhatsApp and whether or not the person who blocked you can see your messages.
What Does Blocking Mean on WhatsApp?
When someone blocks you on WhatsApp, it means they have prevented you from being able to contact them on the app. Some key effects of getting blocked include:
- You can no longer send messages to the person who blocked you
- Any messages you send will not go through and will remain stuck on “Sent”
- You cannot see the profile photo, “last seen” status or any other information about the person who blocked you
- If you are in a common WhatsApp group, you will not be able to see any messages from the person who blocked you
- You will not see when the person who blocked you comes online or types messages
In essence, getting blocked cuts off all forms of contact between you and the person who blocked you on WhatsApp.
Can Someone Who Blocked Me See My Messages?
No, someone who has blocked you on WhatsApp can no longer see any new messages you send after they’ve blocked you. This includes:
- Individual chats – Any new messages you send in a one-on-one chat will not be visible to the person who blocked you.
- Group chats – If you are both members of the same WhatsApp group, the person who blocked you will not be able to see your messages in the group.
- Media – Photos, videos, voice messages, documents or any other media you send cannot be viewed by the person who blocked you.
So in direct terms, no, someone who blocked you cannot see anything you send them after the time they blocked you.
What Messages are Visible to Someone Who Blocked Me?
While new messages are not visible, previously sent messages before the block remain visible. For example:
- If you had an existing one-on-one chat, the person can still scroll up and read messages from before they blocked you.
- In a group chat, they can read messages you sent in the group prior to being blocked.
- Any media or files exchanged before the block will still be accessible.
Essentially, blocking prevents any new communication but does not retroactively erase existing communication between you and the person who blocked you. Anything already sent can still be read or viewed by the blocker.
Does the Person Get Notified When I Message Them After They Blocked Me?
No, the person who blocked you will not get any notification that you tried to message them. When you send a message after being blocked, here is what happens:
- On your device, the message will remain stuck on “Sent” and never change to “Delivered” or “Read.”
- On the blocker’s device, there will be no indication whatsoever that you sent a message.
- There is no notification banner, sound or any other sign you messaged.
In other words, it’s as if you never sent the message at all from the blocker’s perspective. You remain blocked from communicating further over WhatsApp.
What if I Message From a Different Number?
Trying to message someone who blocked you from a different phone number won’t make a difference. WhatsApp blocks are based on your account, not your specific device or phone number. Some key points:
- If you are blocked by someone, you cannot message them from any device or number as long as you are using the same WhatsApp account.
- Similarly, blocking applies across devices. So if you are blocked on your iPhone, you are also automatically blocked on WhatsApp Web and your Android tablet.
- Creating a new WhatsApp account to try to contact the person who blocked you is considered harassment in violation of WhatsApp’s terms of service.
The only workaround is for the blocker to unblock you themselves, allowing you to message them again from any number or device. But there are no unilateral actions you can take to bypass a block from your end.
What Happens if I Delete and Reinstall WhatsApp?
Deleting and reinstalling the WhatsApp app does not undo a block. Since the block takes place at an account level, your blocking status remains unchanged when you sign back into your account after reinstalling WhatsApp. Some key points:
- Upon reinstalling WhatsApp, you will need to sign in using the same phone number to restore your account information and chat history.
- All previous blocks will remain intact, including any blocks against you from other users.
- You will not be able to message anyone who has blocked you, even after reinstalling the app.
Therefore, deleting and reinstalling WhatsApp will not allow you to circumvent blocks. The block will persist unless the user who blocked you decides to reverse their block.
Can I Tell if Someone Has Blocked Me on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp does not directly notify you if someone blocks you. However, there are some telltale signs you may have been blocked by another user:
- Your messages remain stuck on “Sent” rather than changing to “Delivered” or “Read.”
- You cannot see the profile photo, last seen status or any other info on the user’s profile.
- Any calls you place to the user do not go through.
- You do not see any updates from a group chat you share with the user.
If you are experiencing the above issues communicating with someone, it’s a strong indication they may have blocked you on WhatsApp.
Can I Appeal a Block from Someone on WhatsApp?
There is no direct way to appeal or protest being blocked by another WhatsApp user. Some key points:
- WhatsApp provides users the unilateral right to block anyone at their discretion without justification.
- There are no settings or options within WhatsApp to appeal or request reversing a block.
- Filing complaints via email to WhatsApp customer support will not lead to a block being reversed.
- You would need to appeal directly to the user who blocked you outside the app and hope they reconsider.
In most cases, being blocked is intended to be a unilateral no-contact decision and cannot be directly overturned through WhatsApp. You would need to resolve the underlying issue leading to the block with the user outside the app.
What Happens When Someone Blocks Me on WhatsApp?
| Action | Effect |
|---|---|
| You can no longer message the person who blocked you | Your new messages will remain stuck on “Sent” and never be delivered |
| You cannot see the blocker’s profile info | This includes profile photo, last seen status, etc. |
| You are removed from the blocker’s contacts | They disappear entirely from your contacts list |
| You stop seeing the blocker’s messages in group chats | Any new messages they send in groups will be hidden from you |
| You cannot call the person who blocked you | Your WhatsApp calls will not go through to a blocker |
In summary, being blocked cuts off all WhatsApp communication channels between you and the blocker across chats, groups, and calls.
Can Someone Still See My Messages After Blocking Me?
| Type of Message | Visible to Blocker? |
|---|---|
| New 1-on-1 chat messages | No |
| New group chat messages | No |
| New media (photos, videos, etc.) | No |
| Old 1-on-1 chat history | Yes |
| Old group chat messages | Yes |
| Previously exchanged media | Yes |
In summary, only messages sent prior to the block remain visible. Any new messages after being blocked cannot be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone who blocked me see my WhatsApp status updates?
No, someone who has blocked you will not be able to view any new status updates you post after blocking you. Any previous statuses they may have already seen remain visible.
Can I get blocked on WhatsApp without realizing it?
Yes, it is possible to get blocked by another user without any explicit notification from WhatsApp. You may only realize it if you notice your messages aren’t delivering or their profile goes blank.
Is there a way to message someone who has blocked me?
No, there is no way around a block within WhatsApp itself. Your messages will not be delivered to someone who has blocked you. The only way is if the user decide to unblock you themselves.
What happens to group chats when I’m blocked by a member?
You will remain part of the group chat, but will stop seeing messages from the person who blocked you. You will also appear blocked to them in the group chat.
Can I get blocked by WhatsApp itself?
Yes, WhatsApp can block your account for violations like spamming others. But that is separate from user-initiated blocks, and results in full suspension.
If I get a new phone, will blocks still apply?
Yes, blocking is linked to your account and will persist even if you switch phones or get a new number, as long as you use the same WhatsApp account.
Can someone who blocked me still see when I’m online?
No, someone who has blocked you will not be able to see your online status or last seen timestamp. You are essentially invisible to each other.
Do my messages go through if I remove the blocker from my contacts?
No, removing them from your contacts does not affect their block against you. Your messages will still not be delivered regardless.
Can I get blocked by someone who is not in my contacts?
Yes, you can be blocked by any WhatsApp user, even if they are not in your contacts. Anyone you message can choose to block you at any time.
Will my messages go through if I send them as media instead of text?
No, all forms of messages including text, media, calls etc. will be blocked. Sending media does not allow you to bypass a block.
Conclusion
Getting blocked on WhatsApp cuts off all forms of communication between you and the user who blocked you. While you can still see past chat history, any new messages you send will not go through after being blocked. There is no built-in way to appeal or protest a block – you would need to resolve the underlying issue outside WhatsApp. Overall, being blocked prevents the other user from seeing your messages, status updates, or any other activity occurring after the block. While frustrating, it is a unilateral decision that ultimately cannot be reversed except by the blocker themselves choosing to unblock you.