Blocking someone on Facebook can be a useful way to maintain your privacy or take a break from unwanted interactions.
But what happens when you’re ready to reconnect or simply want to lift that restriction? Unblocking someone is just as easy as blocking them, and in this detailed blog post, I’ll walk you through the process stepbystep.
Whether you’re using the desktop site or the mobile app, I’ve got you covered with clear instructions, tips, and insights into what happens after you unblock someone.
Why Unblock Someone on Facebook?
There are several reasons you might want to unblock someone:
Reconciliation: You’ve patched things up with a friend or family member.
Curiosity: You want to see what they’ve been up to without fully reengaging.
Accidental Block: You blocked them by mistake and need to reverse it.
Changing Boundaries: You’re comfortable allowing them back into your online space.
Whatever your motivation, unblocking someone restores their ability to interact with you—though it doesn’t automatically undo all the effects of the block. Let’s dive into how to do it.
What Does Unblocking Mean?
Before we get to the steps, here’s a quick refresher on what unblocking entails:
They’ll be able to see your public posts and profile details again.
They can send you friend requests or messages (if your privacy settings allow it).
If you were friends before, unblocking doesn’t automatically refriend them—you’ll need to send or accept a new friend request.
They won’t be notified that you unblocked them, so it’s a discreet action.
Now, let’s get to the howto!
How to Unblock Someone on Facebook (Desktop)
Here’s how to unblock someone using a computer:
1. Log In to Facebook
Open your browser and navigate to [facebook.com](https://www.facebook.com).
Sign in with your email (or phone number) and password.
2. Access Settings
Click the downward arrow in the topright corner (next to the notification bell).
From the dropdown menu, select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings.
3. Go to Blocking Settings
In the lefthand sidebar, find and click Blocking. This section manages all your blocked users, pages, and apps.
4. Find the Blocked Person
Under Block Users, you’ll see a list of people you’ve blocked. Scroll through or use the search bar to locate the person’s name.
5. Unblock Them
Next to their name, click the blue Unblock button.
A popup will appear asking you to confirm. It’ll also remind you that you won’t be able to reblock them for 48 hours if you change your mind.
6. Confirm the Action
Click Confirm. The person will now be unblocked, and their name will disappear from your blocked list.
How to Unblock Someone on Facebook (Mobile App)
If you’re using your phone, here’s how to do it via the Facebook app:
1. Open the Facebook App
Launch the app on your iOS or Android device and log in if needed.
2. Go to the Menu
Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the topright corner (Android) or bottomright corner (iOS).
3. Access Settings
Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then select Settings.
4. Navigate to Blocking
Scroll to the Privacy section and tap Blocking. This shows your list of blocked users.
5. Locate the Person
Browse the list or use the search function to find the person you want to unblock.
6. Unblock Them
Tap Unblock next to their name.
A confirmation prompt will appear, warning you about the 48hour reblocking cooldown.
7. Confirm
Tap Unblock again to finalize the action. They’re now unblocked!
What Happens After You Unblock Someone?
Once you’ve unblocked someone:
Visibility Restored: They can view your public posts, profile picture, and cover photo (depending on your privacy settings).
No AutoFriending: If you were friends before blocking them, you’ll need to send or accept a new friend request to reconnect fully.
Messages: They can message you again, but only if your settings allow it (check under Privacy Settings > Who can contact me?).
Cooldown Period: If you regret unblocking them, you’ll have to wait 48 hours before you can block them again.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, unblocking doesn’t go as planned. Here’s how to handle potential hiccups:
Can’t Find Them on the List: Doublecheck your spelling or ensure you’re in the right section (Blocking, not Privacy).
They Still Can’t See Your Profile: Your privacy settings might be restricting them. Go to Settings > Privacy and adjust who can see your posts or find you.
48Hour Lock: If you unblock someone and immediately want to reblock, you’ll need to wait. Plan this timing carefully if it’s a sensitive situation.
Tips for Managing Your Facebook Connections
Review Your Blocked List Regularly: Go to the Blocking section occasionally to see who’s still on it and if you’re ready to unblock anyone.
Adjust Privacy Settings: After unblocking, tweak who can see your posts or contact you to maintain control (e.g., set posts to “Friends” instead of “Public”).
Communicate Offline: If unblocking is part of reconciling, consider reaching out outside Facebook to avoid awkwardness.
Use the ‘Take a Break’ Feature: If you’re unsure about fully unblocking, try the “Take a Break” option instead—it limits interactions without a full block.
Final Thoughts
Unblocking someone on Facebook is a simple process that can open the door to renewed connections—or just give you peace of mind if the block was no longer necessary.
Whether you’re using the desktop site or mobile app, the steps are intuitive and quick. Just be mindful of the 48hour reblocking rule and your privacy settings to keep your experience comfortable.
Have you ever unblocked someone and reconnected? Or maybe you’ve got a funny story about a block gone wrong? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear about it!
FAQ
Do I automatically become friends again after unblocking?
No, unblocking doesn’t restore your friendship. You’ll need to send or accept a friend request if you want to reconnect.
How long does it take to unblock someone?
The unblock action is instant once you confirm it—no waiting period applies.
Can I unblock someone and then block them again?
Yes, but if you re-block them within 48 hours, Facebook may ask you to wait before making further changes to that person’s block status.
What happens to past messages after I unblock someone?
Unblocking doesn’t restore old messages, but you can start a new conversation if you’re both still on each other’s friend list or in a group.
Why can’t I find someone to unblock on my list?
If they’ve deactivated or deleted their account, their name might not appear on your blocked list anymore, making it impossible to unblock them.
I am an extensive connoisseur of windows problem-solving techniques and everyday tech tips and tricks.
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