WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It offers convenient features like group chats, media sharing, voice and video calls. However, sometimes in relationships or friendships, people may choose to block each other on WhatsApp when they want distance or space.
A common question that arises is – if you unblock someone on WhatsApp, will they receive messages you sent them previously while they had you blocked? Let’s explore this in detail:
What happens when you block someone on WhatsApp?
When you block someone on WhatsApp:
- They can no longer see your profile photo, status updates or ‘last seen’ timestamp
- Any messages you send them will not go through and remain pending on your end
- You will not receive any messages or calls from their end
- If you are in any common WhatsApp groups, you will both remain participants but be unable to interact with each other
Essentially, blocking cuts off all direct communication via WhatsApp between you and that person.
What happens when you unblock someone on WhatsApp?
When you unblock someone on WhatsApp:
- They regain access to view your profile photo, status and ‘last seen’
- You regain access to send each other messages and calls
- You can both interact with each other again in common WhatsApp groups
Unblocking restores communication in both directions between you and that contact on WhatsApp.
Do pending messages sent while blocked get delivered after unblocking?
A key question many users have is – will messages they sent someone while that person had them blocked automatically become visible to that person after unblocking?
The answer is no. Messages sent by you while you were blocked do not get delivered even after you are unblocked. Those messages remain pending on your end.
For those messages to now get delivered, you will have to manually re-send them after unblocking that contact.
Why pending messages don’t deliver after unblocking
Technically, when you send a message on WhatsApp while being blocked by the recipient, the message remains ‘undelivered’ from your end. It does not reach or get stored on the recipient’s device.
Hence, when you unblock each other, since those messages never actually reached the recipient’s device earlier, they do not automatically show up. The recipient needs to receive them afresh after unblocking.
Can the other person see you have messaged them while blocked?
No, they cannot see any indication of messages sent by you while you were blocked. Your messages remain pending on your device only.
They have no visibility or record that you tried messaging them until you send those messages again after unblocking.
What gets delivered after unblocking on WhatsApp?
While old messages sent while blocked do not get delivered, here is what starts instantly working after unblocking a contact:
- New messages sent after unblocking will now get delivered
- Any calls made after unblocking will reach the contact
- Your status updates and last seen timestamp become visible to them
- You can see their profile picture, status and last seen again
- You can both send and receive messages in any common WhatsApp groups
So unblocking removes all restrictions and restores regular WhatsApp communication between both parties.
Can you tell if someone has unblocked you on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp does not directly notify you if you have been unblocked by someone. However, you can tell if someone has unblocked you if:
- You suddenly see their profile photo if it was hidden earlier
- You can now see their ‘last seen’ and online timestamp
- You start receiving messages from them which reach you
- They interact with you in a group chat from which they were previously blocked
Through these signs, you can gauge if someone has chosen to unblock and reinstate chat access with you on WhatsApp.
Use cases for unblocking on WhatsApp
Here are some examples where unblocking may occur, restoring communication between WhatsApp contacts:
- Relationships – Couples who took a break or blocked each other during a fight may choose to reconcile and unblock.
- Family – Siblings or cousins who blocked each other in anger may resume contact.
- Friends – Best friends who had a falling out unblock to patch up.
- Work – Colleagues who blocked each other due to office politics or conflicts may need to collaborate again.
As relationships and equations evolve, blocking and unblocking on WhatsApp acts as an on/off switch for contact.
Can you tell who blocked or unblocked you?
While you can gauge if you have been blocked or unblocked by someone based on chat access, WhatsApp does not reveal to users who exactly has blocked or unblocked them.
This information is kept confidential to avoid awkward confrontations or embarrassments between contacts. The app just silently facilitates blocking and unblocking without actively notifying users.
Strategies to reconnect after unblocking on WhatsApp
After unblocking someone on WhatsApp, how you reconnect depends on your specific situation. Here are some tips:
- If you had an argument, message apologizing and asking to meet to sort things out.
- If you just needed space, text saying you are ready to be in touch again.
- Resend key messages you want them to see that didn’t go through while blocked.
- On a call, request they unblock you so you can message.
- If in a group chat, reply casually to their messages to break the ice.
The approach depends on whether the blocking occurred due to a conflict, the need for temporary space or was mutual.
FAQs about unblocking on WhatsApp
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about unblocking contacts on WhatsApp:
Does WhatsApp notify when you unblock someone?
No, WhatsApp does not directly notify a user when they have been unblocked by a contact. But signs like restored chat access indicate they’ve been unblocked.
Can you unblock someone without them knowing?
Yes, when you unblock a contact the app does not explicitly notify them. They can indirectly tell by being able to message you again.
Do deleted messages send after unblocking?
No, any messages deleted while blocking will no longer be available to resend even after unblocking.
Can you temporarily unblock someone on WhatsApp?
Yes, you can unblock and re-block a contact any number of times as per your choice and requirement.
Does blocking on WhatsApp delete chat history?
No, blocking does not delete chat history which remains saved on both devices. Chats are restored when unblocking.
Can you get blocked on WhatsApp without sending a message?
Yes, you can be blocked by someone without ever messaging them, like if they don’t wish to be contacted.
In summary…
When you block someone on WhatsApp, all direct communication is cut off while you remain blocked. Unblocking restores two-way chatting capability again.
However, messages sent while blocked do not get delivered retroactively after unblocking. The recipient needs to receive those messages again afresh.
While WhatsApp does not directly notify you of blocking or unblocking, there are signs you can observe based on access to someone’s chat and profile. With its large global user base, blocking and unblocking are useful WhatsApp features to manage relationships and communications.