The blocking function on Facebook can be a helpful tool if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed by interactions with another user. But sometimes the conflict blows over, or maybe you blocked them by mistake. If you’re ready to undo the block, here’s how to unblock someone on Facebook.

When you unblock someone on Facebook, it enables users to send you a friend request and view your profile depending on the privacy settings and permission controls. This article shows you how to unblock a profile and discusses in detail the privacy and security implications of the action.

Article Roadmap

• Unblocking on Desktop
• Unblocking on Mobile App
• Unblocking on Facebook Messenger
• Unblocking on Facebook Lite
• When To Unblock Someone
• What Happens When You Unblock Someone
• FAQs
• In Summary

Unblocking on Desktop

The following steps work for unblocking people on operating systems like Mac, Windows and Linux.

1. Log in to your Facebook account using your email address or phone number and password.
2. Tap on your display icon on the top right of the screen and select Settings and Privacy from the drop-down menu.

3. Select Settings.

4. From the list of options on the left side of the screen, select Blocking, and click on Edit against the Block users option.

5. Click on See your blocked list.

6. A list of blocked users will appear. Click on the Unblock button against the name of the user you wish to unblock.

7. Click on Confirm in the popup menu to unblock the profile.

The profile is unblocked. Now, the unblocked user can see all your public information on Facebook and interact with your profile.

Unblocking on the Mobile App (iOS and Android)

Unblock people using the mobile app supported on multiple devices like iOS, Windows and Android.

1. Log in to your Facebook account using your email address or phone number and password.

2. Click on the menu icon on the bottom right of the screen (top right on Android), scroll down and click on Settings and Privacy. From the drop-down menu, select Settings.

Alternatively, you can also click on the gear icon on the top right of the screen to access the settings menu.

3. Scroll down and under Audience and Visibility, tap on Blocking.

4. A list of profiles you have previously blocked will appear with an Unblock option present next to their names. Click on Unblock for the profile you want to unblock.

5. Select Unblock in the pop-up menu to confirm the action.

The profile is unblocked. Follow the same steps to unblock on the mobile browser.

It is important to note that unblocking someone doesn’t automatically add them to your friend list and Facebook doesn’t notify a person when you unblock them. For that to happen, either party must send a friend request, which the receiver must accept.

There is no cap on the number of times you can block or unblock a profile, but you are required to wait 48 hours after unblocking to block someone again.

Unblocking on Facebook Messenger

1. Log in to your Facebook Messenger account.
2. Click on the hamburger icon on the top left corner of the screen and tap on the gear icon on the top right.

3. Click on Privacy and Safety.

4. Select Blocked Accounts under Who Can Reach You.

5. A list of users you’ve blocked on Facebook will appear. Click the arrow icon next to the name of the user you want to unblock.
6. Tap Unblock Messages and Calls to unblock that profile on Facebook Messenger. Select Unblock in the popup prompt to confirm the action.

You can also unblock a user by selecting Unblock (Name) at the bottom of your conversation with them.

A few more things to note about blocking/unblocking on Facebook and Messenger:

• When you unblock someone on Messenger and Facebook, you will receive messages or calls from their account.
• If they’re blocked on Facebook, messages and calls will automatically be blocked on Messenger.
• If they’re blocked on Messenger, you won’t receive messages or calls from their account. However, you may still see their Facebook profile activity like posts, likes and comments.

Unblocking on Facebook Lite

The Facebook Lite app is only available for Android.

Step 1: Log in to your Facebook Lite account.
Step 2: Click on the menu icon (top right) and under Settings and Privacy, click on Settings.

Step 3: Scroll down to Audience and Visibility and click on Blocking to see the list of blocked profiles.

Step 4: Tap on the Unblock option next to the name of the user you want to unblock.

Step 5: Select Unblock in the pop-up menu to complete the unblocking process.

When To Unblock Someone

A social media profile is your digital personal space — the only people who should have access to it are the ones you want in that space. You might want to block someone on Facebook if you don’t want them to contact you or interact with your account.

Whether it’s a problematic ex who won’t stop messaging you, a nosey boss who wants to know what you do with your time off or a distant relative who has a reputation for spreading rumors, blocking is a simple way to keep your distance.

While blocking helps avoid unwarranted engagement and resolve conflict, unblocking can symbolize a fresh start. Depending on your privacy settings, it grants the person access to your public posts and other permissions to engage with your profile. Facebook doesn’t notify a person when they are unblocked, but they’ll be able to see your profile and might notice if you send a friend request.

What Happens When You Unblock Someone?

Unblocking a profile gives its owner visitor access to your account. When you unblock a user, they’ll be able to:

• See your public profile.
• Send you a friend request.
• Privately message you.
• Tag you in photos and mention you in comments.
• Engage with your posts and invite you to events.
• See your public timeline and contact you based on your profile settings.

FAQs

Can I unblock someone on Facebook after I’ve blocked them?

Yes.

How do I know if someone has blocked me on Facebook?

If the profile does not appear after typing their name in the search bar, it’s a sign the person has blocked you.

How do I take a break from someone on Facebook without blocking them?

You can limit their posts, unfollow or unfriend them.

How can I view someone’s profile if they blocked me?

You can’t view a profile from someone who has blocked you.

When I block someone on Facebook, can they see my profile?

No.

How long do I have to wait before reblocking someone on Facebook?

48 hours.

How do I send a friend request to someone I have unblocked on Facebook?

Visit their profile and tap on Add Friend.

How do I see my blocked list on Facebook?

You can view it by navigating to Menu > Settings > Audience and Visibility > Blocking.

Why do I have to wait 48 hours before blocking someone again?

Facebook’s 48-hour waiting period exists to prevent people from abusing the blocking feature. For example, it prevents a user from unblocking someone, harassing them and immediately blocking them again to avoid being called out or reported.

Do people know when I unblock them?

No, Facebook doesn’t notify users when they’re blocked or unblocked.

Can you see a blocked person’s profile?

No. When you block a person, you can’t see their profile and they can’t see yours.

Why can’t I see a previously blocked profile on my block list?

If you want to unblock someone and can’t see their profile on your list, they may have deleted or deactivated their account.

Final Thoughts

Now you know everything you need to know to unblock someone on Facebook. While we’re glad that the dust has settled and the person on your block list is getting another chance, bear in mind that you’ll have to wait for a while before you can block them again.

For more information, Facebook provides several resources in the help center to guide you through the unblocking process. Happy unblocking!