How to Unblock Someone on Messenger?

Liza Gupta
7 Min Read

So you’re looking to unblock someone on Messenger, huh? No worries, we’ve all been there. Maybe you had a falling out with a friend and now you’ve patched things up. Or perhaps you blocked someone by accident (it happens!). Whatever your reason, you’re in the right place.

First things first, let’s clear something up: blocking on Messenger isn’t the same as blocking on Facebook. When you block someone on Messenger, you’re just stopping them from messaging or calling you through the app. They might still be able to see your Facebook posts if you haven’t blocked them there too.

Now, you’re probably wondering, “Okay, but how do I actually unblock them?” Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you might think. Whether you’re using your phone or your computer, we’ve got you covered.

What happens when you block someone on Messenger?

When you block someone on Messenger, you’re preventing that person from contacting you through the app. It’s important to understand what this means.

  1. No messages: The blocked person can’t send you messages on Messenger.
  2. No calls: They also can’t make voice or video calls to you through the app.
  3. Separate from Facebook: Here’s a key point to remember – blocking on Messenger doesn’t automatically block them on Facebook. They might still be able to see your Facebook posts or leave comments unless you’ve also blocked them there.
  4. One-way block: Your block only affects their ability to contact you. You won’t be able to send them messages either.

Now that you know what blocking does, let’s move on to how you can unblock someone on different devices.

How to unblock someone on Messenger using an iPhone

  • Open the Messenger app on your iPhone.
  • Tap on three lines (Horizontal) in the top left corner.

click on messenger then click on three dots

  • Click on the gear icon (Settings).
  • Scroll down and tap on “Privacy & Safety.”

click on gear icon then tap on privacy & safety messenger

  • Select “Blocked accounts.”
  • Find the person you want to unblock in the list.

click on blocked accounts then select the person

  • Tap “Unblock” next to their name.
  • Confirm your choice when prompted.

click on unblock then confirm to unblock messenger

Remember: Unblocking on Messenger also unblocks them on Facebook.

How to unblock someone on Messenger using an Android

  • Launch the Messenger app on your Android phone.
  • Tap on three lines (Horizontal) in the top left corner.
  • Click on Settings (gear icon).

click on three dots then tap on gear icon android

  • Scroll down and tap on “Privacy & Safety.”
  • Select “Blocked accounts.”

privacy & safety then click on blocked account android

  • Find the person you want to unblock.
  • Tap on their name.
  • In the pop-up window, tap “Unblock.”
  • Confirm your decision when asked.

tap on their name then click on unblock android

Note: This action will unblock the person on both Messenger and Facebook.

How to unblock someone on Messenger using a desktop

  • Go to Facebook.com and log in to your account.

login facebook web browser

  • Click on the Profile Picture in the top right corner.

click on the profile facebook website xl

  • Select “Settings & Privacy.

settings & privacy website web browser

  •  Click on “Settings.”

click on settings facebook

  • In the left menu, click on “Blocking.”

click on blocking facebook desktop

  • Scroll down to the “Block users” section then Click on Edit.

click on edit blocking facebook

  • You’ll see a list of blocked users. Find the person you want to unblock.

click on see your blocked list block users

  • Click “Unblock” next to their name.

click on unblock facebook page

  • A confirmation window will appear with important information:
    • The person may be able to see your timeline or contact you, depending on your privacy settings.
    • Previously added tags may be restored.
    • You’ll need to wait 48 hours before you can block this person again if you change your mind.
  • If you’re sure, click “Confirm” to unblock the person.

unblock james tap on confirm

Important: Unblocking on desktop affects both Facebook and Messenger.

After unblocking someone, they’ll be able to message you and see your posts according to your privacy settings.

If you want to limit their access without blocking, consider adjusting your privacy settings or using the Restricted List feature.

What’s the difference between unblocking on Facebook and Messenger?

Here’s a little nugget of information for you: If you unblock someone on Facebook, they’re automatically unblocked on Messenger too. It’s like a two-for-one deal! However, if you’ve only blocked someone’s messages on Messenger, you’ll need to unblock them directly in the Messenger app or settings.

Why might you want to unblock someone?

There could be many reasons why you’re considering unblocking someone on Messenger. Maybe you’ve patched things up with an old friend, or perhaps you blocked someone by accident (hey, it happens!). Whatever your reason, it’s great that you’re taking steps to open up those lines of communication again.

Remember, unblocking someone doesn’t mean you have to start chatting with them right away. It simply gives them the ability to reach out if they want to. You’re still in control of who you talk to and when.

The takeaway

Unblocking someone on Messenger is a pretty straightforward process, whether you’re using an iPhone, Android device, or your computer. The most important thing to remember is that unblocking on Facebook also unblocks on Messenger, but not necessarily the other way around.

Now that you know how to unblock someone on Messenger, you’re all set to manage your connections the way you want. Whether you’re rekindling old friendships or just cleaning up your blocked list, you’ve got the know-how to do it.

Happy chatting, and remember – your Messenger experience is what you make of it. Don’t be afraid to use these blocking and unblocking features to create the most positive experience for yourself. After all, that’s what these tools are for!

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My love for tech is more than merely using gadgets. Yes, I adore learning how they operate and teaching other people about that as well. I began doing it by repairing my own devices, and soon enough, I was creating extensive guides to help other people repair their tech troubles as well. Whether it's optimizing a mobile phone or implementing a smart home, I like to make technology easy and approachable for anyone.
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