Have you ever blocked someone on Snapchat and later regretted it? Perhaps you resolved a disagreement, or maybe you simply changed your mind. Knowing How Do You Unblock Someone On Snapchat is a valuable skill for managing your social connections.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple steps to unblock someone on Snapchat. We’ll also explore what happens when you unblock someone and offer advice on navigating the situation.
Why You Might Need to Unblock Someone on Snapchat
There are many reasons why you might find yourself needing to unblock someone you previously blocked on Snapchat:
- Resolved Conflicts: When misunderstandings are cleared up or anger subsides, you may want to restore a positive relationship.
- Renewed Connections: You might want to reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with or build new relationships, especially in business or social circles.
- Accidental Blocks: It’s easy to accidentally block someone while navigating the app, and unblocking rectifies this mistake.
- Forgotten Reasons: Sometimes, the initial reason for blocking someone becomes less important over time, and you might want to give the person a second chance.
- Giving Second Chances: People’s perspectives change, and you might decide to offer someone another opportunity to connect.
What Happens When You Unblock Someone on Snapchat?
Unblocking someone on Snapchat restores a level of connection, but it’s important to understand what changes and what remains the same:
- Visible in Search: Once unblocked, you and the other person can find each other’s profiles again by searching usernames.
- Snapping and Messaging Re-enabled: You can once again send Snaps and chat messages to each other. However, previously deleted messages will remain deleted.
- Story View Control: If your Story privacy is set to “My Friends,” and the unblocked person isn’t currently your friend, they won’t be able to view your “My Friends” Stories until you re-add them.
- Group Chat Visibility: You will once again see messages in any mutual group chats you share with the unblocked person.
Essentially, unblocking someone re-establishes normal communication channels, with the exception of your past chat history, which remains cleared.
Keep your teen safe on Snapchat. Monitor their chats and get alerts for potential harassment or inappropriate content.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Unblock Someone on Snapchat
The process to unblock someone on Snapchat is straightforward across different devices. Here’s how to do it on iPhone and Android:
Unblocking on Snapchat for iPhone
Here’s a simple guide for how do you unblock someone on Snapchat using an iPhone:
Step 1: Open Snapchat. Tap on your profile icon or Bitmoji in the top left corner to go to your profile screen.
Step 2: Access Settings. Tap the gear icon in the top right corner of your profile screen to open Settings.
Step 3: Find the “Blocked” list. Scroll down in Settings to the “Account Actions” section and tap “Blocked”. This will display a list of everyone you’ve blocked.
Step 4: Unblock the user. Locate the person you want to unblock. Tap the “X” icon (or “Remove Block” button depending on your Snapchat version) next to their name.
Step 5: Confirm unblocking. A confirmation pop-up will appear. Tap “Yes” to confirm and unblock the user.
Unblocking on Snapchat for Android
The steps for Android users are very similar to iPhone:
Step 1: Launch Snapchat and go to your Profile. Open the Snapchat app on your Android device and tap your profile icon or Bitmoji in the top left corner.
Step 2: Open Settings. Tap the gear icon in the top right corner to access Settings. Scroll down to “Account Actions” and tap “Blocked”.
Step 3: Locate and Unblock. Find the name of the person you want to unblock in your blocked list. Tap the “X” or cross icon next to their name.
Step 4: Confirm. Confirm your decision by tapping “Yes” when prompted.
Unblocking on Snapchat Web
Currently, the Snapchat web version does not offer the functionality to manage your blocked list. While you can use the web version for chatting and video calls, you’ll need to use the mobile app (iOS or Android) to unblock someone.
Access the Snapchat web version at web.snapchat.com, but remember that for account management tasks like unblocking, the mobile app is necessary.
Understanding the Effects of Unblocking Someone on Snapchat
Unblocking someone can be a step towards reconciliation or simply reopening communication. However, it’s worth considering the potential emotional and practical effects:
- Rekindling Relationships: Unblocking can be the first step to reconnecting with old friends and rebuilding relationships.
- Awkwardness: Initial interactions after unblocking might feel awkward, especially if the reason for the block was significant or emotionally charged.
- Mixed Emotions: Both you and the unblocked person might experience a range of emotions – excitement, apprehension, or even lingering resentment.
Will Someone Know If You Unblock Them on Snapchat?
No, Snapchat does not notify someone when you unblock them. They will not receive any direct alert or message indicating that they’ve been unblocked.
The only way they might realize they were unblocked is if they try to contact you again or search for your profile and find that they are now able to do so.
Does Unblocking Automatically Re-add Someone as a Friend?
Unblocking someone does not automatically re-add them to your friends list.
After unblocking, you are essentially strangers on Snapchat again. To become friends again, you will need to re-add them, or they will need to re-add you, and you’ll both need to accept the friend request.
Are Old Chats Restored After Unblocking?
Unfortunately, no, unblocking someone does not restore your previous chat history.
When you block someone on Snapchat, the chat history between you and that person is permanently cleared. This deletion is irreversible, even if you unblock them.
Starting a conversation after unblocking will be a fresh start. No past messages, Snaps, or any previous interactions will be visible to either of you.
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Unblock Someone on Snapchat?
If you’re having trouble unblocking someone, here are a few possible reasons:
- Temporary App Issues: Snapchat, like any app, can experience temporary glitches or bugs that might affect certain functions.
- Outdated App Version: Using an older version of the Snapchat app can lead to malfunctions. Make sure your app is updated to the latest version for optimal performance and bug fixes.
- Terms of Service Violations: If you have violated Snapchat’s Terms of Service, your account might have restrictions, potentially affecting your ability to unblock.
- Safety Concerns: Snapchat may limit certain actions if it detects suspicious activity or perceives a safety risk associated with your account.
- Poor Internet Connection: A weak or unstable internet connection can interfere with Snapchat’s functionality, including unblocking actions.
Quick Guide: How to Block Someone on Snapchat (For Reference)
Sometimes, understanding how to unblock also requires knowing how to block in the first place. Here’s a quick recap on blocking someone on Snapchat from their profile:
Step 1: From the Chat screen, swipe right and tap and hold on the profile picture of the person you want to block.
Step 2: On their profile page, tap the three dots icon in the top right corner.
Step 3: Tap “Manage Friendship” and then select “Block”.
What to Do If You Can’t Block Someone? Consider Muting
If you encounter issues blocking someone, Snapchat’s Mute function can be a helpful alternative.
Muting someone means you won’t receive notifications from them, and their Snaps and messages won’t appear in your feed, but they will still see your content if you are friends.
To mute someone:
- Find the conversation with the person you want to mute.
- Tap and hold on the conversation and select “Chat Settings”.
- Toggle “Message Notifications” to the off position.
Muting provides a less drastic measure than blocking, allowing you to reduce interaction without completely cutting off contact.
Why Gen-Z Blocks on Snapchat: Common Scenarios
Understanding why younger generations use the block feature can provide context for its use and unuse. Gen-Z, being digitally native, utilizes blocking for various reasons:
- Spam and Unwanted Messages: Blocking stops unwanted or excessive messages, including spam.
- Cyberbullying: Blocking is a tool to minimize exposure to cyberbullying and harassment.
- Stalking or Harassment: It’s a safety measure against persistent unwanted attention.
- Disapproval of Behavior: Blocking can be a reaction to offensive or problematic behavior.
- Notification Overload: If someone sends too many Snaps or messages, blocking can reduce notification fatigue.
How to Tell If Your Teen Blocked Someone on Snapchat?
For parents concerned about their teen’s Snapchat interactions, here are some indicators that a teen might have blocked someone:
- Reduced Snapchat Engagement: Noticeable disinterest in Snapchat or fewer mentions of it.
- Avoidance: Teens might avoid talking about Snapchat or certain individuals if they’ve blocked someone related to those topics.
- Missing Friends: If a friend is no longer mentioned or visible in their friend lists, it could indicate a block.
- Parental Control Apps: Apps like FlashGet Kids can offer insights into app usage and contacts. Features include:
- Real-time Monitoring: Track Snapchat usage in real-time.
- Keyword Detection: Get alerts for messages containing concerning words.
- Activity Logs: Monitor Snapchat usage frequency and interactions.
- Open Communication: The most direct approach is to have an open and non-judgmental conversation with your teen about their online interactions.
How to Know If Someone Blocked You on Snapchat?
While Snapchat doesn’t send block notifications, here are indirect ways to check if you might have been blocked:
- Check Your Friend List: If someone disappears from your friend list, they might have blocked you, or they might have simply unfriended you.
- Send a Snap or Message: If your messages are not delivered or remain pending for an unusually long time, it could indicate a block.
- Check Their Story: If you can’t see their public story (if they usually have one), it’s a possible sign of being blocked.
- Search for Their Username: If you can’t find their profile when searching their username, it could mean they’ve blocked you or deactivated their account.
These are suggestive signs, but without direct confirmation, it’s difficult to be completely certain if you’ve been blocked.
Conclusion
Snapchat’s unblocking feature provides a simple way to reverse blocking decisions and re-establish connections. Understanding how do you unblock someone on Snapchat, the effects of unblocking, and related features like blocking and muting empowers users to manage their social interactions effectively.
For parents concerned about their children’s online safety, parental control apps like FlashGet Kids can offer valuable monitoring and management tools to promote a positive and safe online experience.
FAQs
### How to view your blocked list on Snapchat?
To see your blocked list, open Snapchat, tap your profile icon, go to Settings, then scroll down to “Account Actions” and tap “Blocked.” This will show you a list of all blocked accounts.
### Why can’t I find the person I blocked on Snapchat?
If you can’t find someone in your blocked list, they might have deleted their Snapchat account or changed their username. App glitches can also sometimes cause temporary issues. Try updating Snapchat or logging out and back in.
### Why had someone disappeared from my blocked list?
If someone disappears from your blocked list, it’s possible they deleted their Snapchat account. App refreshes or temporary glitches can also sometimes cause inconsistencies. If the issue persists, contact Snapchat support for assistance.
### Is blocking someone on Snapchat permanent?
No, blocking on Snapchat is not permanent. You can unblock someone at any time through your blocked list in settings. However, unblocking does not restore previous chats, nor does it automatically re-add them as a friend. You’ll need to send a new friend request to reconnect fully.
