What does a contact block see in WhatsApp - briefly?
A contact block in WhatsApp restricts communication with the blocked user, preventing them from seeing your status updates and last seen information. This means the blocked user cannot initiate or continue a conversation with you on the platform.
What does a contact block see in WhatsApp - in detail?
When you block a contact on WhatsApp, several changes occur from the perspective of both the blocked user and yourself. Here is a detailed breakdown of what each party experiences:
For the Blocked User:
- Message Delivery: Any messages sent by the blocked user to you will not be delivered. Instead, they will see one checkmark (indicating that the message was sent but not yet received). The second checkmark (confirming delivery) and the blue checkmarks (read receipts) will not appear.
- Calls: If the blocked user tries to call you via WhatsApp, the call will not go through. They might see a "calling" status but it will remain in this state without connecting.
- Status Updates: The blocked user will no longer be able to see your status updates or stories. Similarly, they cannot view any changes you make to your profile picture.
- Last Seen and Online Status: You will not appear as "online" or show the last time you were seen on WhatsApp. Your profile picture will also become unavailable to them.
- Group Interactions: If both of you are part of a group, the blocked user can still see your messages in the group chat. However, they cannot call you or send direct messages to you within the group.
For You (the Blocker):
- Message Visibility: You will not receive any messages from the blocked user. Their messages will not appear in your chat list or notifications.
- Calls: You will not receive any calls from the blocked user. WhatsApp call attempts from them will be automatically declined.
- Status Updates: You will no longer see their status updates or stories. Any changes they make to their profile picture will also not be visible to you.
- Last Seen and Online Status: The blocked user's last seen or online status will not be updated for you. Their profile picture will become unavailable as well.
- Group Interactions: In group chats, you will still see the blocked user's messages. However, you cannot initiate a call to them or send direct messages within the group chat.
Additional Considerations:
- Backup and Restore: If the blocked user backs up their WhatsApp data before being blocked, they might still have access to your previous messages in their local backup.
- Mutual Groups: Blocking a contact does not remove them from mutual groups. However, as mentioned earlier, direct interactions within these groups are limited.
- Reversibility: The block can be reversed at any time by you, the blocker. Once unblocked, normal communication will resume, and previous messages might become visible again depending on WhatsApp's settings and policies.
In summary, blocking a contact in WhatsApp significantly restricts their ability to communicate with you, while also limiting your access to their updates and interactions. This feature is designed to enhance user privacy and control over unwanted communications.