SO, you think you've been blocked on WhatsApp?
It's not always easy to tell and you don't want to jump to this conclusion too quickly - but there are some clues to look out for.
However, it's important to consider that a friend or family might be going through a busy period, and just because they can be online, it doesn't mean they always have to be.
And remember: if you've been blocked, it may have been for a good reason.
Ask you yourself why you might have been blocked, and whether there's something you need to change about your own behaviour.
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How to know if someone blocked you on WhatsApp
Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has become a big part of all of our lives and an easy way to call and message people across the world for free.
It's now used by an eyewatering 2billion people worldwide.
Of course, it's important to remain vigilant, and know the warning signs of a scam on the app.
It's easy to be deceived online.
With all the hazards of the digital sphere, it's vital platforms like WhatsApp offer the ability to block people, but what if you think it's happened to you?
On WhatsApp, there isn't a direct way of check whether you've been blocked, and you won't receive a notification if it happens.
If you have, you'll no longer be able to see their "Last seen" indicator, or the contact's online status in the chat window.
There are other reasons why this might happen, so it doesn't necessarily mean you've been blocked.
Last year WhatsApp introduced a way for users to hide this status from everyone, not just people they have blocked.
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When you send messages to someone who has blocked you, they will be marked as sent - but not delivered, and any calls you make won't go through.
But be cautious - this can also be caused by a person simply having no internet connection.
Although, checking your sent-message status against another person who has also sent a message to the contact is an easy way to check.
Of course, it's possible that you've both been blocked, in which case you won't be able to tell.
It's also worth considering why the person might have chosen to block you in the first place.
If you have been harassing or abusing someone, you should stop trying to contact them.
You can report harassment, malicious messaging or distribution of private sexual images without consent online or by calling the police on 101.
If you want to block someone on WhatsApp, all you need to do is follow these simple steps:
- Open the WhatsApp chat with the contact you want to block.
- Then click the name at the top of the chat.
- Scroll down and you should have to option to Block or Report them.
- Select this and then select Block.
What does it mean if someone's picture disappears on WhatsApp?
If you're blocked, you'll no longer be able to see their profile picture.
However, this could simply mean that they've removed their image and don't currently have one.
It could also be the result of a Wi-Fi connection problem.
This also occurs when the contact has changed their privacy settings to Nobody, or when you've changed your own last seen privacy settings to Nobody.
