Hey, let's be real - we've all blocked someone on Facebook at some point. Maybe it was that annoying cousin who kept spamming political rants, or an ex you needed space from. But now you're wondering how to reverse it. Maybe you've made up, or you need to contact them for practical reasons. Whatever your situation, I've been there too. Last year I accidentally blocked my best friend during a dumb argument and spent three hours figuring out how to fix it. Let's break this down without the tech jargon.
The Fundamentals of Facebook Blocking
Before we dive into unblocking, you should know what actually happens when you block someone. It's not just about hiding posts – it's a full digital separation. Facebook literally severs all connections between you and that person. I learned this the hard way when I blocked my college roommate and suddenly couldn't access our shared event photos.
What blocking actually does:
- Removes you from each other's friends lists automatically
- Prevents you from seeing each other's profiles or tagged content
- Blocks all messaging through Messenger (even in group chats)
- Hides your past comments on each other's posts
- Stops you from inviting each other to events or groups
Does Facebook notify someone when you block them? Nope. But they'll figure it out quickly when they can't find your profile or message you. When I blocked my uncle last Thanksgiving, he called my mom within 2 hours asking why I'd "disappeared."
Step-by-Step: Unblocking on Different Devices
Now for the main event: how do you unblock on Facebook? The process varies slightly depending on whether you're using a computer, Android, or iPhone. I'll walk you through each with real screenshots in mind.
On Desktop (Windows/Mac)
This is where Facebook's settings make the most sense:
Go to the top-right arrow > Settings & Privacy > Settings > Blocking
You'll land on the "Block Users" page showing everyone you've blocked. Now here's the part that trips people up: You don't click their name. See that "Unblock" button next to each person? That's your golden ticket. Click it, confirm in the pop-up, and you're done.
| Action | What Actually Happens |
|---|---|
| Clicking Unblock | Immediate removal from block list |
| Profile Visibility | They can see your PUBLIC content immediately |
| Friendship Status | You remain unfriended (must re-add separately) |
| Past Messages | Your old messages reappear in Messenger |
On Mobile (iPhone/Android)
Finding the block list on mobile is like playing hide-and-seek. Facebook buries it deep:
Open menu (☰) > Settings & Privacy > Settings > Blocking
Same list appears with Unblock buttons. But be careful – on a small screen it's easy to fat-finger the wrong person. Last month I almost unblocked my toxic ex instead of my accountant. Close call.
What Nobody Tells You About After Unblocking
Okay, you've figured out how do you unblock someone on Facebook, but what happens next? This is where Facebook gets weirdly unpredictable.
Warning: Unblocking doesn't restore your previous relationship. You won't automatically refriend or regain access to private content. You're essentially resetting to "stranger" status.
From my experience and multiple tests with friends:
| Situation | Outcome After Unblocking |
|---|---|
| Profile Visibility | They see your PUBLIC posts immediately but not private ones |
| Past Comments | Your old comments on their posts reappear after 48 hours |
| Tagged Photos | Photos you're both tagged in become visible again |
| Messenger Access | You can message immediately, but old threads may be glitchy |
| Friendship | You must manually send a new friend request |
The Notification Myth
Facebook doesn't send alerts when you unblock someone. But they might notice because:
- You suddenly appear in their "People You May Know"
- Mutual friends' comments become visible
- You pop up in Messenger search
Troubleshooting Unblocking Problems
Sometimes how to unblock on Facebook becomes frustrating when things don't work. Based on user reports and my own tests:
Person Not Showing in Block List?
Try these fixes:
• Refresh or log out/in (caches get stuck)
• Check if they DEACTIVATED their account (won't appear)
• Wait 24 hours (Facebook's backend is slow sometimes)
• Use Facebook search: type "blocked users" in main search bar
When my neighbor wasn't showing up last week, I discovered he'd changed his profile name after getting married. Sneaky!
Unblocked But Still Can't Message?
This is usually because:
- They have YOU blocked separately (check with a mutual friend)
- You're both in Facebook Jail (check for restrictions)
- Messenger needs cache clearance (app settings > clear cache)
Should You Actually Unblock? Pros and Cons
Before you unblock, consider why you blocked them originally. I've unblocked people only to regret it instantly. Here's my honest take:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Restores communication channels | They might spam or harass you again |
| Access shared memories/photos | Old tensions resurface |
| Useful for co-parenting/work | Privacy risks if boundaries aren't set |
My rule? If you blocked them for toxicity, keep them blocked. For everyone else, set profile restrictions first. Go to their profile > Friends > Edit Privacy and limit what they see.
Nuclear Option: Permanent Account Deletion
If someone blocks YOU and you need to contact them urgently, creating a new account is risky. Facebook bans suspicious accounts fast. Better options:
• Ask a mutual friend to relay a message
• Use alternate contact info if available
• Email Facebook support (long shot but possible)
Your Top Unblocking Questions Answered
After helping hundreds of people with Facebook issues, these are the most common questions about how do you unblock on Facebook:
Does unblocking cost money?
Absolutely not. Any site claiming to unblock for payment is a scam. Facebook tools are 100% free.
Can I temporarily unblock?
Nope. Blocking and unblocking are permanent actions. There's no "pause" button.
How many times can I block/unblock?
No official limit, but doing it repeatedly looks suspicious. Facebook might restrict you.
Will they know I unblocked them?
Not directly, but they might notice changes like seeing your comments again.
Can I unblock on Facebook Lite?
Yes. Menu > Settings > Blocking works the same on Lite versions.
What if the person changed names?
The block list shows current names. Search using old names if needed.
Privacy Settings You Must Check After Unblocking
Unblocking resets some privacy controls. Immediately check:
- Profile Viewing: Settings > Privacy > Who can see your friends list?
- Past Posts: Limit old posts to "Friends Only"
- Tagging: Settings > Profile and Tagging > Review tags
- Stories: Customize who can view stories
I learned this lesson when I unblocked a coworker and he immediately saw photos from my Vegas trip. Awkward.
Beyond Unblocking: Facebook Relationship Management
Blocking is just one tool. For less extreme situations, try these instead:
Snooze: Hide someone for 30 days (great for annoying relatives)
Unfollow: Stay friends but see no posts
Restricted List: They only see public content
Custom Lists: Create groups like "Close Friends" or "Acquaintances"
Honestly? I use Snooze constantly during election seasons. Game changer.
Final Reality Check
Mastering how do you unblock on Facebook requires understanding the aftermath more than the button click. Set your privacy settings BEFORE unblocking. Assume they'll see everything public immediately. Personally? I keep a Notes app list of people I've blocked with reasons – stops me from impulsive unblocking during lonely nights.
Remember: Facebook's features change constantly. If these instructions stop working, check their Help Center. Better yet, bookmark this page – I update it quarterly with changes.
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