How to View and Unblock Someone on Facebook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Facebook is one of the largest social media platforms in the world, with billions of users engaging every day. Sometimes, things can get heated, misunderstandings happen, or we just need a break from someone. That’s when the “block” feature on Facebook comes in handy. However, what if you’ve blocked someone in the past and want to reconnect with them? Maybe you’ve decided it was a mistake, or time has healed any issues between you two, and now you’re ready to unblock them.

In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at how to view and unblock someone on Facebook, whether you’re using the mobile app or the desktop version. We’ll also explore why people block others in the first place, how blocking works, and what to expect after unblocking someone.

What Happens When You Block Someone on Facebook?

Blocking someone on Facebook is like putting up an invisible wall between you two. Once blocked:

You and the blocked person can no longer see each other’s profiles.

They cannot send you messages, and you can’t send them messages either.

Your posts and activity won’t appear on their feed, and vice versa.

Tagging each other in posts, photos, or comments is no longer possible.

But don’t worry, blocking is not irreversible, and it doesn’t notify the other person when you block or unblock them. If you’re ready to tear down that wall, here’s how to do it.

How to View Blocked People on Facebook

Before you can unblock someone, you’ll need to know how to view your list of blocked users. Whether you’re using the Facebook app on your phone or accessing it via a web browser on your computer, the steps are slightly different. Let’s break it down.

Viewing Blocked People on the Facebook Mobile App

Open the Facebook app on your smartphone or tablet.

Tap the three horizontal lines (Menu) in the top-right corner for Android devices or the bottom-right corner for iPhones.

Scroll down and tap on Settings & Privacy, then select Settings.

Under the “Audience and Visibility” section, tap on Blocking.

You will now see a list of everyone you have blocked. Scroll through and find the person you want to unblock.

Viewing Blocked People on Facebook Desktop (Browser)

Open your preferred web browser and go to Facebook.com.

In the top-right corner, click the downward-facing arrow to open the drop-down menu.

Select Settings & Privacy, then click on Settings.

On the left-hand side, find the Blocking option and click it.

You will see your blocked list here. Scroll to find the person you want to unblock.

Now that you know how to view blocked people, let’s move on to the actual unblocking process.

How to Unblock Someone on Facebook

Once you’ve found the person you previously blocked, unblocking them is simple. However, keep in mind that unblocking someone will not automatically re-add them to your friend list. If you want to reconnect, you’ll need to send them a friend request again.

Unblocking on the Facebook Mobile App

After following the steps above to view your blocked list, locate the person you want to unblock.

Tap the “Unblock” button next to their name.

A pop-up will appear asking if you’re sure you want to unblock this person. Tap Unblock again to confirm.

That’s it! The person is now unblocked, but remember, they won’t be your friend again automatically. You’ll need to re-send a friend request if you want to connect.

Unblocking on Facebook Desktop (Browser)

From your blocked list (following the steps mentioned earlier), find the person you wish to unblock.

Click the “Unblock” button next to their name.

A confirmation message will appear. Click Confirm to unblock the person.

The person is now unblocked, but just like on mobile, you’ll have to send them a friend request if you want to reconnect on Facebook.

What to Do If You Can’t Unblock Someone

Sometimes, Facebook’s settings or occasional bugs may prevent you from unblocking someone. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Check Internet Connection: Make sure your internet connection is stable, as Facebook won’t update properly with a weak signal.

Update the Facebook App: Sometimes, app glitches occur, especially if you’re using an outdated version of Facebook. Make sure you have the latest update from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Clear Cache: If you’re using a browser, clearing your cache and cookies might resolve the issue.

Contact Facebook Support: If none of the above solutions work, you may need to contact Facebook’s support team for help.

How to Manage Your Facebook Privacy Settings to Avoid Blocking

Instead of resorting to blocking, you can make use of Facebook’s advanced privacy settings to limit someone’s access to your profile without going as far as blocking. Here’s how:

Adjust Post Privacy: You can set your posts to be visible only to certain friends, excluding those you don’t want to see your updates.

Use the “Unfollow” Feature: If someone’s posts are annoying but not enough to warrant blocking, you can unfollow them. This means you’ll stay friends, but their posts won’t appear in your feed.

Limit Friend Requests: If random people are sending friend requests, adjust your privacy settings so only “Friends of Friends” can send you requests.

Restrict Someone: This option places someone on a restricted list, meaning they’ll only see your public posts, even if you’re still friends.

Conclusion

Facebook gives us many tools to manage our social interactions, including the ability to block and unblock people. Whether you’re trying to mend a relationship or simply regretting a past decision, unblocking someone is a straightforward process that can help you move forward.

However, the decision to block or unblock someone should always be made with your mental and emotional well-being in mind. While Facebook provides ways to reconnect, it also offers tools to maintain your privacy and peace of mind without the need for blocking.

At the end of the day, social media is supposed to enhance our lives, not add unnecessary stress. So, take advantage of Facebook’s features to curate your online experience, and if you ever find yourself needing a break, don’t hesitate to block and unblock as needed!