WhatsApp provides a simple way to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues, but sometimes you may suspect that a contact has blocked you. Unlike other messaging platforms, WhatsApp does not send notifications or alerts when someone blocks a user, making it difficult to confirm.
If your messages remain undelivered, their profile picture disappears, or you can no longer see their last seen or online status, it may indicate that the contact has blocked you on WhatsApp. However, these signs alone do not guarantee a block, as WhatsApp allows users to customize privacy settings that can restrict visibility without blocking.
This guide will explore the key signs of being blocked on WhatsApp, how to confirm it, and what happens after someone blocks you.
How WhatsApp Blocking Works?
Blocking on WhatsApp is a privacy feature that prevents two users from communicating. When someone blocks a contact:
- Messages sent by the blocked person are not delivered to the recipient.
- WhatsApp hides profile updates, status updates, and the activity last seen by the blocked contact.
- Calls made by the blocked person will not go through, as the blocked user cannot establish a connection.
- The blocked person cannot add the blocker to a group chat.
Unlike other platforms, WhatsApp does not provide a “you have been blocked” notification, making it difficult to confirm whether someone has blocked you or simply changed their privacy settings.
Key Signs That Someone Has Blocked You on WhatsApp
Multiple signs can indicate if someone has blocked you on WhatsApp. Some of the most common signs are listed below.
1. No Last Seen or Online Status
When someone blocks you, their last seen timestamp and online status disappear from your chat window. However, this is not definitive proof of being blocked, as WhatsApp allows users to hide their last seen from specific contacts in privacy settings.
If you could previously see their last seen and online status, but now it’s missing, blocking is possible.
2. Profile Photo No Longer Updates or Disappears
WhatsApp users can set a profile photo (DP) that updates whenever they change it. When blocked:
- The person’s profile picture will disappear, showing only a generic placeholder icon.
- Any new profile photo updates will not be visible to you.
- If the contact frequently changed their profile picture but suddenly stopped, it might indicate a block.
However, WhatsApp allows users to limit profile picture visibility, which alone does not confirm blocking.
3. Single Grey Tick on Sent Messages
One of the most substantial signs of being blocked is message delivery behavior:
- A single grey tick (✓) means the message has been sent but not delivered.
- Usually, a message turns double grey ticks (✓✓) when delivered and double blue ticks when read (✓✓).
- If your messages remain stuck on a single grey tick for a long time, it suggests that either their phone is off, they have no internet, or they have blocked you.
4. WhatsApp Calls Do Not Go Through
When blocked, any attempt to call the person through WhatsApp will fail. Instead of ringing, the call may:
- It is disconnected and remains stuck on the “Calling…” screen.
- Not be answered, even if the contact is online.
- Instantly disconnect after one ring.
A failed call and undelivered messages indicate that the person has blocked you.
5. Cannot Add the Contact to a WhatsApp Group
WhatsApp allows group admins to add contacts to groups, but if you have been blocked, you cannot add the person to a group chat. When attempting to add them:
- You may see an error message saying, “You cannot add this contact.”
- The group invitation failed to be sent or delivered.
This is a definite confirmation that you have been blocked, as privacy settings do not prevent group invitations—only blocking does.
How to Confirm If You Have Been Blocked on WhatsApp
If you suspect someone has blocked you, here are some ways to verify it without violating WhatsApp’s policies:
- Send a Test Message: Try sending a simple message such as “Hey, are you there?” If the message stays on a single grey tick (✓) indefinitely, this suggests you may be blocked.
- Try Calling the Contact: Make a voice or video call using WhatsApp. If it never connects, even after repeated attempts, it’s a strong sign of being blocked.
- Check Profile Updates: If their profile picture, status, or last seen are all missing while other contacts’ updates remain visible, blocking is likely.
- Create a New WhatsApp Group and Add Them: If you try to add the suspected contact to a new group chat and WhatsApp prevents the addition, it is a definite confirmation of being blocked.
- Ask a Mutual Contact to Check Their Profile: A simple way to verify is to ask a mutual friend to check if they can see the person’s last seen, profile photo, or message status. If they can and you cannot, it confirms that you have been blocked.
What Happens When Someone Blocks You?
Blocking on WhatsApp results in complete communication restrictions between the two parties. If you are blocked:
- Your messages will never reach the person.
- You cannot call or video chat with them.
- Their profile and last seen remain hidden from you.
- Your previous conversations stay in your chat list, but new messages are undeliverable.
Only the person who blocked you can unblock you manually—there is no way to bypass a block from your end.
What to Do If Someone Blocks You on WhatsApp?
If you discover that someone has blocked you, it’s essential to respect their privacy and avoid trying to contact them through alternative means.
Please respect Their Decision.
People block contacts for personal reasons, and forcing communication can be harassment. Accept that they do not want to communicate and move on.
Try Contacting Them Through Other Means
If the block was due to a misunderstanding, consider contacting via SMS, email, or social media to clarify the situation. However, only do this if appropriate and if you believe they are open to resolving any issues.
Avoid Creating New Accounts to Contact Them
Using a different phone number or fake account to bypass a block is against WhatsApp’s policies and could lead to your account being suspended or banned.
Focus on Other Conversations
If someone no longer wishes to communicate, other people do. Shift your focus to conversations that are mutually positive and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Unlike other messaging platforms, WhatsApp does not notify users when they have been blocked, but there are clear signs that can indicate blocking. If a contact’s messages remain undelivered, their profile updates disappear, calls fail, and they cannot be added to a group, they may have blocked you.
While being blocked can be disappointing, it is essential to respect others’ privacy choices. Instead of trying to bypass the block, it is best to move forward and focus on other meaningful conversations.
Have you ever suspected that someone blocked you on WhatsApp? Share your experiences in the comments and let us know if these methods helped you confirm it!
