Blocking a number on your phone will stop you from receiving calls and text messages from that number. But does blocking a number also block that person from messaging you on WhatsApp? The answer is more complicated than you might think.
The short answer
Blocking a number does not automatically block that person on WhatsApp. To block someone on WhatsApp, you need to specifically block them within the WhatsApp app. Blocking their phone number alone is not enough.
The long answer
Here is a more in-depth look at how blocking phone numbers and blocking on WhatsApp work:
Blocking a phone number
When you block a phone number on your iPhone or Android device, it prevents that number from calling you or sending you SMS/text messages. This is because blocking happens at the network level – your mobile carrier gets a message that you don’t want to receive communication from that number.
However, this network-level block does not apply to over-the-top messaging services like WhatsApp. That’s because WhatsApp uses an Internet connection rather than traditional cellular networks to send messages.
Blocking on WhatsApp
To prevent someone from messaging you on WhatsApp, you need to specifically block them within the WhatsApp application. Here are the steps:
- Open the WhatsApp chat with the contact you want to block
- On iPhone: Tap on the contact name at the top, then tap Block Contact
- On Android: Tap the three dots at the top right, then Settings > Block
This will stop that person from seeing your WhatsApp status, sending you messages, or calling you on WhatsApp. But note they can still send you regular text messages unless you block their number separately.
Can messages get through if you only block the number?
If you only block someone’s phone number and don’t block them on WhatsApp, they will still be able to message you over WhatsApp. Their messages will show up normally in your WhatsApp chats.
That’s because WhatsApp doesn’t rely on traditional caller ID for messaging. It has its own system of identifying users by their registered phone number.
What happens when you block someone on WhatsApp
Blocking a contact on WhatsApp has the following effects:
- They can no longer see your WhatsApp status updates
- They can no longer send you WhatsApp messages
- Any messages they send will display as “blocked” to them
- They can’t send you photos or videos on WhatsApp
- Any calls made to you over WhatsApp will not go through
- If you are in a common WhatsApp group, they will still be able to contact you within the group
So in summary, blocking on WhatsApp gives you granular control to block messaging on the app specifically. It does not block phone calls or SMS outside of WhatsApp.
Can you tell if someone blocked your number?
If you try to call or text someone who has blocked your number, here is what happens:
- Your calls to them will go straight to voicemail or be rejected
- Your text messages will show as delivered on your phone but will not be received by the blocked number
- You may see an error message saying your messages couldn’t be delivered
However, there is no definite way to know if someone has blocked your number. Carriers handle blocked calls differently, and the call may go to voicemail for other reasons like poor cell reception.
Can you tell if someone blocked you on WhatsApp?
If someone blocks you on WhatsApp specifically, here are some signs:
- Your messages will show as delivered but you won’t see the “read” status
- You can no longer see their WhatsApp profile picture or “last seen” status
- Any calls you make to them on WhatsApp will not go through
- You’ll be removed from any common WhatsApp groups with that person
However, like with regular phone blocking, there is no definitive way to confirm if someone has blocked you on WhatsApp. The signs above may also happen if the person has Internet issues or deleted WhatsApp.
Can you undo blocking on WhatsApp?
Yes, you can undo blocking and unblock someone on WhatsApp. Here is how:
- On iPhone: Go to WhatsApp Settings > Blocked > Unblock next to the contact
- On Android: Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Security > Unblock
This will once again allow messaging between you and that contact over WhatsApp.
Key takeaways
- Blocking a phone number only blocks calls and SMS/text messages from that number
- To block someone on WhatsApp, you need to block them in the app specifically
- Blocking on WhatsApp prevents messaging, calls, and status updates between you and that contact
- You can unblock contacts you previously blocked on WhatsApp
The bottom line
Blocking someone’s phone number alone does not block them from contacting you on WhatsApp. To fully block a contact on all messaging channels, you need to block their number at the network level and block them within the WhatsApp application.
Blocking on WhatsApp gives you granular control to limit messaging on that platform specifically. Always be cautious when blocking contacts and think about whether you may need to message them again in the future.
| Blocking Method | Blocks Calls | Blocks Texts | Blocks WhatsApp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block Phone Number | Yes | Yes | No |
| Block on WhatsApp | WhatsApp calls only | No | Yes |
This summarizes the key differences between blocking at the network level versus within WhatsApp. In general, a combination of both is needed to fully block someone across all messaging channels.
Blocking contacts online can be a bit of a cat-and-mouse game as there are ways for determined people to get around blocks. But following the steps outlined here will allow you to gain more control over who can communicate with you on WhatsApp and traditional messaging/calling.
Do you have any other questions about how blocking and WhatsApp work? Let me know and I’m happy to explain further!
Text me more instructions if you would like me to write more on this topic.