How to block someone in WhatsApp so they don't know?

How to block someone in WhatsApp so they don't know - briefly?

To block someone on WhatsApp without them knowing, you can simply archive their chat. This way, their messages will no longer appear in your main chat list, and they won't receive any notification about being blocked.

How to block someone in WhatsApp so they don't know - in detail?

Blocking a contact on WhatsApp can be necessary for various reasons, but sometimes you may want to do it without the other person knowing. While WhatsApp does not provide an option specifically designed to block someone discreetly, there are ways to achieve this by understanding how blocking works and leveraging certain features of the app. Here’s a detailed guide on how to block someone on WhatsApp so they don't know:

Understanding Blocking in WhatsApp

When you block someone on WhatsApp, several changes occur:

  1. Messages: You will no longer receive messages from the blocked contact.
  2. Calls: Any calls made by the blocked contact will not go through.
  3. Status Updates: The blocked contact’s status updates will no longer be visible to you.
  4. Profile Picture and Info: Their profile picture, about section, and last seen/online status won't be visible to you anymore.
  5. Visibility: Your status updates, profile picture, and last seen/online status will not be visible to the blocked contact either.

Steps to Block Someone Discreetly

  1. Archive the Chat: Before blocking, archive the chat with the person you want to block. This removes the chat from your main chat list but keeps it accessible in the archived chats section. To do this:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to the chat with the contact you wish to block.
    • Tap on the three dots (⋮) at the top right corner of the screen.
    • Select "Archive".
  2. Block the Contact: Now, block the contact:

    • Go back to your main chat list.
    • Scroll down to the bottom and tap on "Archived chats".
    • Find the chat with the person you want to block and tap on it to unarchive.
    • Once the chat is unarchived, tap on the three dots (⋮) at the top right corner of the screen.
    • Select "More" > "Block".
  3. Delete the Chat: After blocking, delete the chat:

    • Go back to your main chat list.
    • Find the chat with the blocked contact and tap on it.
    • Tap on the three dots (⋮) at the top right corner of the screen.
    • Select "Delete chat". Confirm that you want to delete the chat.

Important Considerations

  • Last Seen: The last seen status will not change immediately after blocking someone. If you were active in the chat just before blocking, the contact might still see your last seen status for a short period.
  • Messages: Any messages sent by the blocked contact will never be delivered to you, and they won't receive any delivery receipts. However, if you have read receipts enabled, the other person may see that their message was read before you blocked them.
  • Group Chats: If you are in a group chat with the blocked contact, you will still see their messages, and they will see yours. You can leave the group if necessary.

Final Thoughts

While WhatsApp does not offer an explicit feature to block someone without them knowing, following these steps can help minimize any indications that you have blocked them. Always remember that maintaining open communication is generally the best approach in handling interpersonal relationships. If you need to block someone for your well-being, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and comfort.