How to Know if Someone Has Blocked You on Facebook

In the world of social media, blocking is a common feature that allows users to control their online interactions. Facebook, one of the most popular social media platforms, also provides this blocking feature. If you suspect that someone has blocked you on Facebook, there are several ways to find out. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different methods on how to know if someone has blocked you on Facebook.

Understanding the Difference: Blocked vs. Unfriended

Before we delve into the methods of identifying if someone has blocked you on Facebook, it’s important to understand the distinction between being blocked and unfriended. When someone unfriends you on Facebook, you can still see their profile, comments on mutual pages, and any public content they share. You can even send them another friend request.

However, if someone blocks your account, you won’t see their profile and can’t view comments, interactions, or updates. You also cannot contact them whatsoever. In short, if someone blocks you, they effectively disappear on Facebook (at least for you). So, if you don’t see them in your Friends list but can still see them on the site, you were not blocked; you got unfriended.

How to Know if Someone Has Blocked You on Facebook?

While Facebook does not provide a direct notification or list of users who have blocked your account, there are a few methods you can try to find out if someone has blocked you on Facebook. Let’s explore these methods in detail.

Method 1: Search for Their Facebook Profile

If you suspect someone has blocked you on Facebook, the first method you can try is to search for their profile using Facebook’s user search function. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Facebook “search bar” at the top of the page.
2. Type in the name of the profile that you are searching for.
3. If the profile doesn’t appear (and you’ve made sure you’re searching for the right name), the user may have blocked your account.

It’s important to note that this method is not foolproof, as the person may have deactivated their account or changed their privacy settings, which can also result in their profile not appearing in search results.

Method 2: Check Past Facebook Posts and Comments

Another method to determine if someone has blocked you on Facebook is by checking their past posts and comments. If you had interactions with the person in question, such as posts on your wall or comments on your posts, you can follow these steps to check for specific posts quickly:

1. Click the arrow in the top right and select “Settings and Privacy.”
2. Select “Activity Log.”
3. Under “Filters” in the “Activity Log,” select “People.”
4. Search the name of the person you are looking to find.

If the person has blocked you, their posts and comments won’t disappear from your page. However, instead of their name appearing as a clickable link, it will appear as bold black text. This can be a possible sign that you have been blocked.

Method 3: Use Messenger to Search for Someone

Facebook Messenger can also provide insight into whether someone has blocked you on Facebook or not. There are two valuable ways to check if you have been blocked through Messenger:

1. Use Messenger’s search bar and type in the name of the individual you need to find. If the user doesn’t appear in the list, this is a crucial indicator that you have been blocked.
2. Try sending the Facebook user a message. If you receive a prompt that this person isn’t available right now, you’re most likely blocked.

Method 4: Recruit Help from a Friend to Verify if You Got Blocked on Facebook

If you want to be absolutely sure if someone has blocked you on Facebook, you can ask a friend or a family member to pull up their Facebook account. This process works best with a disinterested third party, someone they aren’t likely to block. If the page appears for your friend but not for you, then their profile is not deactivated, and you have indeed been blocked.

It’s important to note that anyone who blocks you on Facebook has to wait 48 hours after unblocking you before they can send you messages, re-friend you, or view your profile. So, if you suspect you have been unblocked, be patient.

How to Contact a Facebook User that Blocked You

If you discover that someone has blocked you on Facebook, you may want to reach out to them to understand the reason behind their decision. However, it’s important to approach this situation with respect and understanding. Here are a few ways you can try to contact a Facebook user who has blocked you:

Method 1: Create a New Facebook Account

You can create a new Facebook account with unique credentials, such as a new email and username, to contact the other user. However, if they aren’t accepting your friend request, your messages will go to the Message Request folder. If someone has blocked you in error or changed their mind about blocking you, they will most likely respond to your message.

It’s crucial to remember that creating a new Facebook account to contact someone who has blocked you goes against Facebook’s Terms of Service, as they allow only one personal account per person. Using this method can result in consequences such as banning or removing your main Facebook account, losing commenting/posting abilities for up to 30 days, etc.

Method 2: Use a Friend of Friend’s Facebook Account to Send Messages

Another option is to use another person’s Facebook account, preferably a mutual friend, to message the person who has blocked you. However, this method may not always yield positive results, as it can make you appear desperate or pushy. Additionally, there is a risk that the sender’s account may get blocked by the user. It’s important to consider the potential consequences and the impact it may have on your relationship with the person who blocked you.

Method 3: Log Out of Facebook, Then Search for the Facebook User as a Guest

This method is less reliable but can be attempted on mobile phones. By logging out of Facebook, you can search for the user who has blocked you without getting identified. You can use a search engine to find their Facebook profile by typing “Facebook [name]” in the search box, replacing “[name]” with their actual name. Clicking the search engine link will provide a glimpse of their profile page based on what they have set as “Public.” However, keep in mind that your chances of getting the information you need are slim using this method.

How to Unblock Someone on Facebook

If you discover that you have blocked someone on Facebook and wish to unblock them, follow these steps:

1. Click the “arrow” in the top right and select “Settings & Privacy.”
2. Choose “Settings.”
3. On the left, click or tap on “Blocking.”
4. Locate the profile in question and click “Unblock.”

After 48 hours have elapsed from the time you unblock someone, you can reply to their messages and view their profile again. However, keep in mind that unblocking someone means you will have to wait to block them again for a short time.

FAQs

Can I block someone who blocked me?

Yes, you can still block someone who has blocked you on Facebook. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Facebook’s Settings and tap on “Blocking.”
2. Tap “Edit” next to ‘Block Users.”
3. Tap “Add to blocked list.”
4. Search for the specific person you want to block and select “Block” next to their name.

If the Facebook user who blocked you unblocks you and tries to view your profile, they won’t be able to.

Can I send messages on Facebook Messenger to someone who blocked me?

Yes, you can send messages to someone who has blocked you on Facebook Messenger, but only in a group chat. If you were in a group chat together before the user blocked you, you can still send messages in the group. The other user can open the chat, see your message, and choose to respond.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, determining if someone has blocked you on Facebook can be challenging, as Facebook does not provide direct notifications or lists of blocked users. However, by following the methods mentioned in this guide, such as searching for their profile, checking past posts and comments, using Messenger, or recruiting help from a friend, you can gain insights into whether you have been blocked or not.

It’s important to approach the situation with respect and understanding if you discover that someone has blocked you on Facebook. Consider using alternative methods to contact them, such as creating a new account or using a friend’s account, but be aware of the potential consequences and Facebook’s Terms of Service.

If you find yourself in a position where you have blocked someone on Facebook and wish to unblock them, follow the provided steps to do so.

Remember, social media interactions can be complicated, and there may be valid reasons behind someone’s decision to block you. It’s essential to reflect on your own online behaviors and approach the situation with empathy.