How to read messages in WhatsApp if you blocked the interlocutor - briefly?
To read messages from a blocked contact on WhatsApp, use the "Archived Chats" feature. This allows you to view messages without notifying the sender that they have been unblocked or seen.
How to read messages in WhatsApp if you blocked the interlocutor - in detail?
To read messages in WhatsApp after blocking an interlocutor, one must consider several key factors and use alternative methods due to the inherent limitations of the app's design. Blocking a contact on WhatsApp effectively prevents them from seeing your online status or profile picture, and they cannot send you messages directly. However, it does not delete previously sent messages or media. Here’s how you can still access those messages:
Firstly, understand that once a contact is blocked, their messages will no longer appear in your chat list. To view these messages, you need to unblock the contact temporarily. Follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the application on your device.
- Access Settings: Navigate to the settings menu, typically represented by three vertical dots or a gear icon at the top right corner of the screen.
- Account Settings: In the settings menu, select 'Account'.
- Privacy Settings: Under account settings, choose 'Privacy'.
- Blocked Contacts: Look for the option labeled 'Blocked' and tap on it. Here you will see a list of all contacts you have blocked.
- Unblock Contact: Tap and hold the contact you want to unblock until a pop-up menu appears. Select 'Unblock'.
- View Messages: Once unblocked, you can go back to your chat list and find their messages. Read any new or old messages as needed.
- Re-block Contact: After reading the messages, you can re-block the contact by following the same steps in reverse.
It’s important to note that while this method allows you to read messages from a blocked contact, it does not prevent them from sending new messages if they have your phone number saved elsewhere. For a more permanent solution:
- Export Chat: Before blocking a contact, consider exporting the chat conversation. Go to the chat, tap on the three dots at the top right corner, and select 'More' > 'Export Chat'. This will save the conversation as a text file or email attachment.
- Delete Contact: If you no longer wish to interact with the contact, consider deleting them from your contacts list entirely. This action will not affect their ability to message you if they have your number saved in another device.
- Change Number: In extreme cases where you need to avoid all communication, changing your phone number is an option. Be aware that this step involves informing all relevant contacts about the change and updating your WhatsApp account with the new number.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage and read messages from blocked contacts on WhatsApp while maintaining control over your communication preferences.