Social media connects us to friends, family and strangers worldwide. However, it also makes it easier to get into petty quarrels which may lead to blocking others, often regretfully. If you feel remorse over blocking someone on Facebook, this guide will provide clear, in-depth steps tailored to both desktop and mobile to re-connect.
Overview: The Implications of Unblocking Someone on Facebook
Before jumping into the step-by-step unblocking process, let‘s discuss what happens when you unblock another user:
They will once again be able to view your Facebook profile and posts, even those made while they were blocked. It‘s advisable to delete any ranting posts about the blocked person to avoid awkwardness.
You cannot re-block the same user for 48 hours after unblocking them. So if you only want a quick snoop into their profile, be prepared for them to access yours, too.
To be Facebook friends again, you must send them another friend request which they‘ll have to accept. Unblocking alone won‘t make you friends again automatically. Expect some questioning first!
There will be no notifications or alerts sent to the user about the unblock. But if they search for you or see you comment on a mutual friend‘s post, they‘ll know the block has been lifted.
Now that we‘ve covered the key implications, let‘s explore the reasons behind wanting to unblock, before diving into the step-by-step process.
Why Unblock Someone on Facebook?
There are several common scenarios which may lead you to regret blocking another user.
Block regret – In the heat of anger you made a hasty decision, but soon wished to make amends. Pride held you back all this time.
Needing to report content – You cannot use your account to report abusive posts, bullying or other issues from a blocked profile. Unblocking provides access.
Seeing their side – Curiosity arises over time on what they may be posting or how they justify their side. Some use it as confirmation bias.
Profile stalking – Similarly, the temptation builds to have a snoop into an old friend, partner or family member‘s life and posts after the fall out.
Cleaning up digital footprint – Years after a feud, one or both parties may decide to unblock and remove inflammatory posts to tidy up their online presence. This can be for personal growth, applying to jobs or due to life changes.
Whatever your reasons, this guide has all the required steps conveniently covered to successfully unblock a user on mobile or desktop.
Unblocking Someone via Facebook‘s Mobile App
The Facebook mobile app provides an intuitive way to access settings and manage your block list. We‘ll cover the slight variances in the process for iOS and Android here.
Unblocking on iOS
Open the Facebook app and tap the Menu button (bottom right icon showing your profile picture).
Next select Settings & Privacy from the menu.
Tap Settings at the top of the expanded menu.
Scroll down to the Audience and Visibility section and choose Blocking.
This will display your block list. Find the user and tap Unblock beside their name, then confirm.
And you‘re done! On iOS it takes just 5 simple taps to find and release a user from block jail.
Unblocking on Android
The Android Facebook app has slightly different navigation but follows similar logic:
Tap the Menu icon (3 horizontal line icon on top right).
Select the Settings cog icon.
Scroll down the settings page to choose Blocking.
Tap Unblock next to the user‘s name, then confirm.
Straightforward! Now let‘s examine unblocking via the desktop website.
Facebook Website: Unblocking in 8 Steps
While less convenient than mobile, you can indeed use Facebook‘s desktop website to unblock – perfect if you forgot your phone at home!
Just follow these 8 steps:
Click your Profile Picture (top right)
Select Settings & Privacy in the dropdown menu.
Click Settings from the new menu.
On the left sidebar, choose Privacy.
Under Privacy, select Blocking.
Next to Block Users click the Edit button on the right.
In the popup select See your blocked list.
Finally, locate the user and click Unblock, confirming the choice.
Whew, it may be more clicks but now you can unblock forgotten foes from any web browser!
We‘ve covered quite a bit, so let‘s recap:
In Summary: Things to Remember When Unblocking
Unblocking grants the user access to view your profile content again, even retroactively. So clean up first!
You cannot immediately re-block someone after unblocking them. 48 hours must pass first.
An additional friend request (and subsequent acceptance) is required to officially be Facebook friends again after unblocking.
There will be no formal notification sent to the user about your unblocking action. But they may find out from your visible activity.
Document abusive behavior by others first before unblocking to report. Alternatively, get a friend‘s help!
On iOS go to Settings > Blocking. On Android go to Settings > Blocking. Easy!
On desktop it takes more steps top access Blocking under Privacy Controls then managing your block list.
Regrettably losing friends or contacts via hasty social media blocking is all too common. But thankfully Facebook provides relatively intuitive ways to reverse the action across their platforms. I hope by clearly detailing the step-by-step instructions, complete with annotated screenshots, this guide has demystified the unblocking process so you can start to patch things up! Let me know if any questions arise in the comments below.
