We’ve all had moments where hitting the “block” button felt like the right move. Whether it was to get some space from a friend, avoid a pesky acquaintance, or take a break from family drama, blocking someone on Facebook can be a useful tool. But what happens when things change and you’re ready to reconnect?
Unblocking someone should be simple, but finding the right menu can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. If you’ve decided it’s time to lift a block and are struggling to find the option, you’re not alone. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you unblock someone on Facebook using your computer or mobile device.
We’ll walk you through the process and explain what happens after you unblock them, so you can manage your social connections with confidence.
How to Unblock Someone on Facebook (Desktop Version)
Using a desktop or laptop computer offers the most direct way to access your block list. The interface is spacious, and all your settings are easy to find.
- Log in and Go to Settings: Open your web browser, go to Facebook.com, and log in. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select Settings & Privacy, then click on Settings.
- Find the Blocking Section: On the left-hand menu, click on Privacy. In the main part of the screen, you will see several privacy-related options. Click on Blocking.
- View Your Block List: This page will show you all the people you have blocked. In the “Block users” section, you’ll see a list of names.
- Unblock the Person: Find the name of the person you want to unblock. To the right of their name, click the Unblock button.
- Confirm Your Decision: A pop-up window will appear to confirm that you want to unblock this person. It will also remind you that you must wait 48 hours before you can block them again. Click Confirm to complete the process.
How to Unblock Someone on the Facebook Mobile App (iOS and Android)
The process is nearly identical for both iPhone and Android users. The mobile app makes it convenient to manage your settings on the go.
- Open the App and Access the Menu: Launch the Facebook app on your phone. Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines). On iOS, it’s in the bottom-right corner. On Android, it’s in the top-right corner.
- Navigate to Settings: Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap on Settings.
- Locate the Blocking Option: Scroll down to the Audience and Visibility section. Tap on Blocking.
- Find and Unblock the User: You will now see a list of everyone you have blocked. Find the person you wish to unblock and tap the Unblock button next to their name.
- Confirm the Action: A confirmation message will pop up. Tap Unblock again to finalize the action.
What Happens After You Unblock Someone?
Unblocking someone on Facebook doesn’t automatically restore your connection to how it was before. It’s important to understand what changes and what doesn’t.
- You Are Not Automatically Friends Again: Unblocking someone does not make you friends again. If you were friends before you blocked them, the block action also “unfriended” them. You will need to send them a new friend request.
- You Can See Their Public Profile: Immediately after unblocking, you can view their public posts, photos, and any information they share with a non-friend audience.
- They Can Find and Contact You: The unblocked person can now find your profile in a search, view your public content, tag you in posts, and send you a friend request or a message.
- The 48-Hour Rule: Once you unblock someone, you cannot block them again for 48 hours. Facebook implements this waiting period to prevent users from repeatedly blocking and unblocking someone as a form of harassment.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues When Unblocking
Sometimes you might run into a small hiccup. Here are a few common problems and their solutions.
I Can’t Find the Person on My Block List
If you are sure you blocked someone but don’t see them on your list, it’s possible their account has been deactivated or deleted. A deactivated account will not appear anywhere on Facebook, including your block list. They will reappear if they ever choose to reactivate their account.
I Unblocked Someone, but I Can’t Send a Friend Request
There are two likely reasons for this. First, the person you unblocked may have adjusted their privacy settings to control who can send them friend requests (e.g., only “friends of friends”). Second, it’s possible that they blocked you as well. If they have you on their block list, neither of you will be able to find or interact with the other until they unblock you.
Does Facebook Notify Someone When You Unblock Them?
No. Facebook does not send any notification when you block or unblock someone. They will only be able to tell by observing that they can suddenly see your public profile or find you in a search, whereas before they could not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: If I unblock someone, can I see their past posts?
A: You will be able to see any posts they have made public or posts they made in mutual groups. To see posts they shared only with their friends, you will need to become friends with them again.
Q: How long do I have to wait to block someone again?
A: You must wait 48 hours after unblocking someone before you can re-block them. This is a firm rule set by Facebook.
Q: I unblocked someone, but we aren’t friends. How do I fix this?
A: This is normal. Blocking someone automatically removes them as a friend. To reconnect, you need to go to their profile and send them a new friend request.
Q: Can I unblock someone who has deactivated their account?
A: No. A deactivated account is temporarily removed from Facebook. You will not see their name on your block list and cannot take any action until they reactivate their account.
