The Importance of Digital Boundaries in India
In the last decade, India has seen a massive digital revolution. With millions of people coming online for the first time, our lives have moved to smartphones. While this connectivity is a boon, it also opens doors to unwanted interactions. Whether it is an aggressive telemarketer trying to sell a personal loan, an intrusive relative asking uncomfortable questions on WhatsApp, or a stranger on Instagram making you feel unsafe, knowing how to set boundaries is essential. When you learn how to block someone, you are not just pressing a button; you are taking control of your mental peace and digital real estate.
Digital harassment and spam have become significant issues in the Indian context. From random international calls on WhatsApp to persistent promotional SMS messages, the noise can be overwhelming. This guide is designed to help you navigate the process of blocking across various platforms, ensuring that your online experience remains positive and secure.
How to Block Someone on WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the most popular communication tool in India, used by almost everyone from students to senior citizens. Consequently, it is also the place where we face the most intrusion. Here is how you can manage your contacts on WhatsApp.
Blocking a Saved Contact
If someone in your contact list is bothering you, the process is straightforward. Open the chat with the person you wish to block. Tap on their name at the top to view their profile. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select Block. You will be asked to confirm your choice. Once blocked, they can no longer see your last seen, profile photo updates, or status stories, and they cannot send you messages or call you.
Blocking an Unknown Number
We often receive messages from unknown numbers promoting services or, worse, attempting scams. When you receive a message from a number not in your contacts, WhatsApp usually displays a prompt at the top of the chat window. You can simply tap Block directly from that prompt. If you want to report them for spam, you can select the Report and Block option, which alerts WhatsApp to investigate the account.
Blocking International Spam Calls
A recent trend in India involves receiving missed calls or messages from international numbers (starting with codes like +254, +84, or +62). To handle this, go to Settings, then Privacy, then Calls. Enable the option Silence Unknown Callers. This will automatically mute calls from numbers not in your contacts, allowing you to review them later without being disturbed.
Managing Phone Calls and SMS on Android and iPhone
Beyond social media, traditional phone calls and SMS spam are major pain points for Indian mobile users. Even with the National Do Not Call Registry, many promotional calls slip through.
Blocking on Android Devices
Most Android phones in India, including those from Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus, use the Google Phone app or a similar interface. Open your Phone app and go to the Recents tab. Long-press the number you want to block and select Block/Report Junk. You can also go to the app settings and find a Blocked Numbers section to manually add numbers or toggle an option to block all unidentified callers.
Blocking on iPhone (iOS)
On an iPhone, open the Phone app and tap the i icon next to the number in your recent calls list. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller. To manage SMS spam, go to Settings, then Messages, and enable Filter Unknown Senders. This will sort messages from people not in your contacts into a separate list, preventing them from cluttering your main inbox.
How to Block Someone on Instagram and Facebook
Social media platforms are where we share our personal lives, making them prime targets for trolls or unwanted followers. Instagram and Facebook (Meta) have robust tools to help you manage these interactions.
Blocking on Instagram
If you want to block a profile on Instagram, navigate to their profile page. Tap the three dots in the top right corner. Select Block. Instagram gives you a unique option here: you can block that specific account or block all other accounts they may create in the future. This is particularly useful for dealing with persistent individuals who create new profiles to bypass blocks.
The Restrict Option
Sometimes, blocking feels too confrontational, especially with acquaintances or distant relatives. In such cases, use the Restrict feature. When you restrict someone, they can still comment on your posts, but the comments are only visible to them and you (unless you approve them). Their messages will move to Message Requests, and they won't see when you have read them or when you are online.
Blocking on Facebook
On Facebook, go to the profile of the person you wish to block. Tap the three dots below their cover photo and select Block. This will unfriend them and prevent them from seeing your timeline, tagging you, or starting a conversation with you. If you simply want a break from someone without blocking them, consider the Take a Break feature found in the privacy settings.
Blocking Emails on Gmail
In a professional or formal context, email spam can be a massive distraction. Since Gmail is the primary email service for most Indians, knowing how to filter out unwanted senders is vital. To block a sender on the Gmail mobile app or desktop, open an email from that sender. Click or tap the three dots (More) next to the reply button. Select Block [Sender Name]. Future emails from that address will be automatically sent to the Spam folder.
The Social Etiquette of Blocking in India
In many Indian families and social circles, blocking can be viewed as a harsh move. We often worry about what the other person will think or if it will cause a scene at the next family gathering. However, your digital safety and mental health should always come first. If someone is consistently disrespecting your boundaries, sending inappropriate content, or making you feel uncomfortable, blocking is a valid and necessary response.
You do not owe anyone an explanation for protecting your digital space. If you are hesitant to block a relative, use the Mute or Restrict features mentioned earlier. These tools allow you to ignore the noise without the social friction of a hard block.
What Happens After You Block Someone?
It is important to understand what a block does and does not do. Generally, across most platforms, the following happens:
- The person cannot see your online status or profile updates.
- Messages sent by them will not be delivered to you.
- You will not receive notifications for any of their actions.
- Previous messages and chats usually remain in your history unless you manually delete them.
- In group chats (like on WhatsApp), you may still see each other's messages if you are both members of the same group.
Conclusion
Learning how to block someone is a fundamental digital literacy skill in today's world. By effectively using the tools provided by WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and your phone's operating system, you can create a safer and more peaceful digital environment. Remember that your smartphone is a tool for your convenience, not a gateway for others to disturb your peace. Take a few minutes today to review your contacts and block any sources of stress or spam. Your future self will thank you for the quiet and security you have reclaimed.
Does the person know if I block them?
Most platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram do not send a notification to the person you have blocked. However, they may eventually figure it out if they can no longer see your profile picture, status, or if their messages remain undelivered with a single tick.
Can I unblock someone later?
Yes, you can unblock someone at any time through the settings of the respective app. Once unblocked, you will be able to receive new messages from them, but you will not receive any messages they tried to send while they were blocked.
Will blocking someone delete my chat history with them?
No, blocking someone does not automatically delete your existing chat history. The previous conversations will remain on your phone unless you choose to delete the chat thread manually.
What is the difference between blocking and reporting?
Blocking simply stops the person from contacting you. Reporting sends a signal to the platform (like Facebook or WhatsApp) that the user is violating terms of service, such as spreading spam or harassment. It is best to report and block if the person is a complete stranger or a scammer.
