How to Permanently Block Someone on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide to Protect Your Privacy

Last Updated on June 13, 2023 by Val Razo

Are you tired of unwanted interactions on Instagram? We’ve all been there. The constant notifications, the unwanted messages—it can be overwhelming. But there’s a solution: blocking. This guide will show you how to permanently block someone on Instagram, giving you the peace and privacy you deserve.

What Does Blocking Someone On Instagram Do?

When you block someone on Instagram, you essentially cut off their access to your profile. They can no longer see your posts, stories, or reels. They can’t even find you in search results. It’s as if your account has vanished from their Instagram universe. But what happens on your end? Do their likes and comments disappear from your posts? Let’s find out.

According to a 2023 study, when you block someone, their likes and comments are not removed from your posts. They remain there, but you have the option to manually delete them if you wish.

What Happens to a User’s Comments and Likes on Your Posts?

When you block someone, their comments and likes don’t magically disappear. They remain on your posts. However, you won’t see any new likes or comments from them since they can no longer access your Instagram profile.

Let me share a personal experience. A while back, I had to block an account that was constantly leaving spammy comments on my posts. After blocking them, I noticed that their previous comments were still there. I had to manually delete each one. It was a bit of a hassle, but it gave me control over what comments remained on my posts.

Can Someone Tag You After Blocking Them?

So, you’ve blocked someone, but can they still tag you in their posts or stories? The answer is no. Once you block a user, they lose all access to your profile. This means they can’t tag you in their posts or mention you in their stories. You become invisible to them on Instagram.

Let’s consider a case study from 2023. A popular influencer had a falling out with a fellow Instagram user. The influencer decided to block the other user to avoid any further conflict. After blocking, the influencer noticed that the blocked user could no longer tag them in posts or mention them in stories. This helped the influencer maintain their online peace and avoid unwanted attention.

Can Someone Message You After You Block Them?

What about direct messages? Can a blocked user still send you messages? The answer is a resounding no. Blocking someone on Instagram not only removes them from your followers list but also prevents them from sending you messages. Their previous messages will still be visible to you, but they won’t be able to send any new ones.

How to Permanently Block Someone on Instagram 

Now that we’ve covered what happens when you block someone let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: how do you permanently block someone on Instagram?

How to find the account you want to block

The first step is to find the Instagram account you want to block. You can do this by searching for their username in the search bar at the top of your Instagram home screen. Once you’ve found their profile, tap on it to open it.

How to block someone through settings

Next, you’ll need to navigate to the settings of the account you want to block. On the profile page, tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner, then tap on ‘Settings’.

Explanation of the two blocking options

When you decide to block an account, Instagram gives you two options: you can block the account and move on or block the account and report it. The latter option is useful if the account is violating Instagram’s community guidelines.

How to block and report

To block and report an account, tap on the three dots in the top right corner of their profile, then select ‘Block and Report’. You’ll be asked to provide a reason for reporting the account. Once you’ve done that, the account will be blocked and reported to Instagram.

Let me share another personal experience. I once came across an account that was spreading hate speech. I decided to block and report the account. Instagram was quick to respond, and the account was taken down within a few days. It was a reassuring experience, knowing that Instagram takes such matters seriously.

How to Block Someone on Instagram Using a Web Browser

In the era of digital technology, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed with our accounts on various social media platforms. Instagram, being one of the most popular ones, is no exception. However, the platform has made it easy for users to manage their interactions and limit access to their Instagram account as needed.

One such feature is the ability to block someone on Instagram using a web browser. This is especially useful if you’re using Instagram on a desktop or don’t have the app installed on your mobile device.

To do this, simply open Instagram on your preferred web browser and log in to your account. Click on your profile picture in the top-right side of the screen to access your profile.

Next, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the account you want to block. Once you’re on their profile, click on the three dots next to their username and select “Block” from the dropdown menu.

It’s important to note that the person you’ve blocked won’t receive a notification about it. However, they will no longer be able to find your profile, which might give them a hint.

If you ever change your mind, you can “unblock” the user by going to your settings, clicking on ‘Privacy’, then ‘Blocked Accounts’. Here, you’ll find a list of blocked accounts. Simply find the account you want to unblock, click on it, and then click ‘Unblock’.

How to Block Instagram on Your Child’s Phone

In the digital age, it’s crucial to ensure our children are safe online. While a popular social media platform, Instagram might not be suitable for all ages. If you’ve decided that your child is not ready for Instagram, you can block access to it on their phone. Here’s how…

First, you can use the built-in parental controls on your child’s phone. Both Android and iOS devices have features that allow you to restrict access to certain apps. You can tap on the settings, navigate to the parental controls, and follow the instructions to block Instagram. Once blocked, your child can no longer see Instagram or send messages through the app.

If your child accesses Instagram through a web browser, you can use website blocking tools to restrict access. These tools allow you to block specific websites, like Instagram, from being accessed on your child’s phone.

Another option is to use third-party parental control apps. These apps offer comprehensive features, including blocking specific apps, limiting screen time, and monitoring online activity.

Remember, it’s important to have open conversations with your child about online safety. Explain why you want to limit their access to Instagram and discuss the potential risks of online interactions, such as receiving inappropriate comments or messages from strangers.

If your child already has an Instagram account, you can also use Instagram’s features to protect them. You can set their profile to public, restrict who can follow them, and even control who can comment on their posts. Instagram also allows you to block and report inappropriate content, ensuring a safer environment for your child.

How to Unblock Someone on Instagram

What if you change your mind and want to unblock someone on Instagram? Don’t worry, Instagram has got you covered.

How to unblock someone on Instagram

To unblock someone, simply go to your settings, tap on ‘Privacy’, then ‘Blocked Accounts’. Here, you’ll see a list of all the accounts you’ve blocked. Find the account you want to unblock, tap on it, and then tap ‘Unblock’. And voila! You’ve successfully unblocked an account on Instagram.

How to Stop Someone from Commenting on Instagram

Sometimes, blocking someone might seem too harsh. Maybe you just want to stop them from leaving comments on your posts. Well, Instagram has a solution for that too.

To stop someone from commenting on your posts, go to your settings, tap on ‘Privacy’, then ‘Comments’. Here, you can customize who can comment on your posts. You can choose to allow comments from everyone, people you follow, your followers, or both. You can also block comments from specific people.

According to a 2023 study, 35% of Instagram users have used this feature to control who can comment on their posts. It’s a handy tool for maintaining your peace of mind on the platform.

How to Restrict Someone on Instagram

Instagram also offers a ‘Restrict’ feature. When you restrict someone, they won’t know it. Their comments on your posts will only be visible to them unless you approve them. They also won’t see when you’re online or when you’ve read their messages.

To restrict someone, go to their profile, tap on the three dots in the top right corner, and then tap ‘Restrict’. It’s as simple as that.

After you’ve restricted someone, they can still see your posts and profile, but your online status and read receipts will be hidden from them. This feature is a great way to limit someone’s interaction with your content without them knowing, providing a subtle solution to unwanted attention.

How to Remove Someone as a Follower on Instagram

Last but not least, let’s talk about how to remove someone as a follower on Instagram. This is especially useful if you have a public account and want to remove certain people from your follower list without blocking them.

To remove a follower, go to your profile, tap on ‘Followers’, find the person you want to remove, tap on the three dots next to their name, and then tap ‘Remove’. This will remove them from your followers list, but they can still see your posts if your account is public.

Let me share a personal experience. I once had a follower who would constantly leave negative comments on my posts. I didn’t want to block them because they were a friend of a friend. So, I decided to remove them from my followers. They never noticed, and I was able to maintain my online peace without causing any real-life drama.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of Instagram can sometimes feel overwhelming. With a myriad of features and settings, it’s easy to feel lost. But remember, you’re not alone. Instagram offers a comprehensive guide to help you manage your accounts on this social platform. Whether you want to block someone on Instagram without them knowing, unblock them later, or simply limit their access to your content, Instagram has got you covered.

If you ever feel overwhelmed with your accounts, remember that you can always take a step-by-step approach to manage your interactions. You can select block from the three dots menu on a user’s profile to stop them from seeing your posts. You can also tap block to prevent them from sending you private messages. If you ever change your mind, you can unblock them later from your block list.

You’re in control of your Instagram experience. If someone is making you uncomfortable, you don’t have to tolerate it. You can block that person, remove them from your list of followers, or unfollow them. You can even block certain accounts so they won’t be able to see your posts. And the best part? The blocked accounts won’t know that you’ve blocked them.

Instagram is a social platform because we’re so exposed and available. But your account doesn’t have to be public. You can set to private and limit who can see your posts. You can also restrict certain users so they can’t find your profile or see their comments on your posts.

Remember, Instagram is a tool for you to use and enjoy. Don’t let it become a source of stress. Take control, use the features available to you, and make your Instagram experience positive. After all, sometimes we’re so exposed and available that sometimes we feel overwhelmed. But with these tips and tricks, you can navigate Instagram like a pro. Happy Instagramming!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Instagram app?

Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos.

Can I soft-block someone on Instagram?

Yes, you can soft-block someone on Instagram by blocking and then unblocking them. This means that they will no longer follow you and won’t be able to access your profile, but they won’t receive a notification that they’ve been blocked.

Can I block more than one account on Instagram?

Yes, you can block multiple accounts by adding them to your block list. To access your block list, go to your profile settings, click on “Privacy” > “Blocked Accounts,” and then click on “Add to Blocked List” to enter a new username.

What happens to my direct messages with someone I’ve blocked on Instagram?

A: Once you’ve blocked someone on Instagram, their direct messages will be hidden in your inbox. If you unblock them, these messages will reappear. However, while they’re blocked, they won’t get any notifications related to you and they won’t be able to send you new messages.

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