To block someone on Instagram, open their profile, tap the three-dot menu in the corner, tap “Block” and confirm. Instagram doesn’t notify the person. This guide walks through the steps on your phone and on a computer, how to include new accounts they might create, what changes after you block, and how to undo it.
Menu names can differ slightly depending on your app version and language, but the route is the same.
How to block someone on Instagram from your phone
In the iPhone or Android app, the usual route is through the profile:
- Open Instagram and go to the profile of the person you want to block.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the corner of the screen.
- Tap “Block.”
- Choose whether to block only that account, or also any other accounts the person has or creates later.
- Tap the blue “Block” button to confirm. If you also want to report the account for violating community guidelines, tap “Block and Report” instead.
You can also block from your messages. Open the chat, tap the person’s name, go to “Options” and choose “Block.”
How to block someone on Instagram from a computer
On instagram.com, the process is similar:
- Go to the person’s profile.
- Click the three-dot menu next to their username.
- Click “Block” and confirm.
On desktop, the block covers only that single account. The option to also block the person’s other accounts, including ones they create later, shows up only in the mobile app. If that’s your worry, use your phone.
Can you block someone’s new accounts too?
Yes, if you pick that option when you block. In the mobile app, the block screen asks whether to block only this account or also other accounts the person has or may create. SlashGear notes that you may need to block separately any other accounts of theirs that you already follow.
If you blocked only one account and the person opens a new profile, repeat the steps on the new profile.
What happens when you block someone?
According to the three sources, these are the main effects:
- The person can’t see your profile or posts, interact with your content, tag you or mention your username.
- You no longer see their profile either, or any new accounts they create if you used the option to include them.
- Past likes and comments they left on your posts are removed, and they don’t come back even if you unblock them.
- The chat stays in your inbox, but neither of you can send messages.
- Blocking only applies on Instagram. It doesn’t affect Facebook, TikTok or other platforms.
- Instagram doesn’t notify the person, though they may notice your profile has vanished.
Watch out for group chats: if you’re both in the same group, you may still see their messages there unless you leave the group.
Block, restrict or mute: which should you pick?
Full blocking isn’t always the best move. Here is the difference, based on Infobae:
| Option | What happens | Does the person know? |
|---|---|---|
| Mute | You stop seeing their posts or stories, but they still see your content and can comment and message you | Usually not |
| Restrict | Their messages go to requests and their comments stay hidden until you approve them. They can’t see when you’re online | No |
| Block | Ends all contact: they can’t see your profile, stories or posts | Not notified |
To mute, open the profile, tap “Following,” then “Mute,” and choose posts, stories or both. To restrict, open the profile, tap the three-dot menu and tap “Restrict.”
If the problem is only comments, there’s an even lighter option. Go to Settings, open “How others can interact with you,” then “Comments,” and add the person under “Block comments from.” Their future comments are visible only to them. This is available in the mobile app.
How to unblock someone on Instagram
To undo a block:
- Go to your profile and tap the menu.
- Open “Settings.”
- Under “Who can see your content,” tap “Blocked.”
- Tap “Unblock” next to the account and confirm.
Keep in mind that old likes and comments don’t return. If you use Threads, your block list covers both apps.
Frequently asked questions
Does the person know I blocked them?
No. Instagram sends no notification. They may suspect it if they can no longer find your profile.
Can I block someone I don’t follow?
Yes. Open their profile and follow the same steps, whether or not you follow them.
What happens to old messages?
The conversation stays in your inbox, but neither of you can send new messages. In shared group chats, messages remain visible unless someone leaves.
Does blocking on Instagram block them on other platforms?
No. A block applies only on Instagram, and your block list also covers Threads. For other platforms, block the person in each one. If unwanted phone calls are the issue, see our guide to blocking spam calls on your phone, and to take a break from the app, read how to deactivate Instagram temporarily.
