If you’re wondering what happens when you block someone on Instagram, you’re not alone. Blocking is a tool many use to regain control of their digital space. 

Whether it's about privacy, preventing unwanted interactions, or managing your feed, blocking on Instagram has specific effects on what both you and the blocked user can do or see. 

Let's dive into what actually happens when you block someone, covering everything from profile visibility to direct messages.

What Happens When You Block Someone on Instagram

When you block someone on Instagram, it does more than just hide your profile from them. It cuts off nearly all interactions, creating a virtual wall between you and that person.

Profile Visibility and Searches

Once you block someone, your profile becomes invisible to them. They won’t be able to see any of your posts, highlights, or stories. 

Even if they try searching for your username, it won’t show up. From their perspective, it’s as if your account doesn’t exist on Instagram.

On your end, you also won’t be able to see their profile. So, if curiosity ever strikes, you’d have to unblock them temporarily to view their content again.

💡 Pro Tip: Blocking someone makes your profile disappear from their Instagram universe - but remember, the block works both ways. If you need to peek at their profile, you’ll have to unblock them temporarily!

What Happens to Messages and Comments

Blocking also affects direct messages (DMs) and interactions on posts:

  • Messages

Any existing message threads you’ve had with them won’t disappear, but they’ll be frozen

They can’t message you, and you won’t be able to message them. New messages won’t come through, so it’s as if the conversation is paused indefinitely.

  • Comments and Likes

Any likes and comments they left on your posts will still be there, but they can’t interact with your content anymore. 

They also won’t see updates or new posts you publish while they’re a blocked user.

This aspect of blocking can be especially helpful if you’ve been receiving unwanted messages or comments on Instagram, as it provides a clean break in communication.

Can They Still Mention or Tag You?

Another key part of blocking on Instagram is how it impacts mentions and tags. 

If someone you’ve blocked tries to mention or tag you in a post, comment, or story, it won’t work. 

Instagram prevents your username from being tagged by anyone you’ve blocked. 

However, if they’re determined and have a mutual friend, they might still be able to talk about you indirectly. 

But without the tag or mention feature, they lose the ability to directly pull you into any conversation.

Viewing Public Comments or Profiles

Blocking someone may seem total, but there are some limitations. 

If the blocked user visits a public profile where you’ve left comments, they’ll still be able to see your interaction there. 

The block only extends to your profile and content, not to public spaces where you both might engage. 

Similarly, if they make a new account or use a different account to check public interactions, they may still indirectly see certain actions or comments from you.

Comparison Table: Blocking vs. Other Privacy Settings

Each setting serves different needs, but blocking is the most comprehensive way to limit someone’s access to your profile.

Here’s a quick comparison of what blocking does versus other privacy options like muting or restricting:

Feature

Blocking

Muting

Restricting

Visibility

Hides your profile from blocked person

They still see your profile

Profile visible, but comments hidden

Direct Messages

Blocks all future DMs

DMs allowed

DMs allowed but may go to message requests

Comments

Blocks new comments from the blocked person

No impact on commenting

Hides comments unless approved

Mentions /Tags

Prevents tags and mentions

They can still mention or tag you

Mentions and tags allowed

What You’ll Notice on Your Feed

Blocking doesn’t just stop the other person from seeing your posts; it also keeps their posts from appearing on your feed. 

For some people, this can bring real peace of mind, especially if they’ve been in conflict with the person they’re blocking. 

Once blocked, you’ll no longer see any of their content, even if you follow similar accounts or have mutual followers.

Blocking won’t notify the person that you’ve blocked them. This can be good if you’re looking for a subtle way to stop interactions without any awkwardness. 

They might eventually notice they can’t find your profile or message you, but there’s no automatic alert for them.

Is Blocking Reversible?

Yes, blocking someone on Instagram is entirely reversible. If you ever want to unblock someone, it’s as simple as going into your settings and finding the blocked accounts list. 

You can unblock them with one click, restoring all previous interactions (though they won’t see content you posted while they were blocked). 

Remember, though, that unblocking doesn’t automatically make them follow you again - they’ll have to send a follow request if your account is private.

"Blocking on Instagram isn't permanent. With just a click in your settings, you can restore interactions - but rebuilding connections is up to them."

When Should You Consider Blocking Someone?

Blocking isn’t always the right solution, but it can be helpful if you’re dealing with harassment, uncomfortable interactions, or simply want a clean slate from someone’s presence. 

Muting and restricting can be less extreme options, allowing you to control what you see and how you interact without fully severing digital ties. 

However, for many people, blocking provides a solid, no-contact option that removes distractions.

Conclusion

So, what happens when you block someone on Instagram? It gives you full control over what they can see and how they interact with you. 

They’ll no longer see your posts, stories, or even your profile, and you’ll stop seeing theirs. 

Blocking can be a powerful way to maintain a positive space online, keeping unwanted attention at bay.

If you’re looking to build a supportive and interactive Instagram audience, buying likes can be a helpful tool. 

At Naizop, we offer a safe way to boost your engagement and grow your presence on Instagram. 

When you’re ready, check us out to buy authentic Instagram likes that can make a real difference in your profile’s impact and reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the other person see when you block them on Instagram?

When you block someone on Instagram, it’s almost like you’ve vanished from their digital world. 

They won’t get notified, but if they try to visit your profile, it’ll look like your account doesn’t exist. 

They’ll see a message like “User not found” or just a blank profile page with no posts, followers, or following. 

This makes it seem like either you’ve deleted your account or they’re simply blocked from seeing it.

When someone blocks you on Instagram, what do you see?

If you’re the one who’s been blocked, it’ll look like the other person’s profile has disappeared. 

You won’t get a notification about the block, so you might realize it by trying to search their profile and not being able to find it. 

If you go through old messages, their profile picture may disappear, and you might only see “Instagram User” instead of their actual name, with no option to follow or message them.

When you block someone on Instagram, do they unfollow you?

Yes, blocking someone automatically removes them from your followers list. 

If they were following you before, that connection is immediately cut off when you block them. 

If you ever unblock them, they won’t automatically follow you again. 

They’d need to send you a follow request if your profile is private, or manually follow you again if it’s public.

When you block someone, can they still see your messages on Instagram?

Yes, the blocked person will still see the previous conversation history in DMs, but they won’t be able to send you new messages. 

Any messages they try to send won’t go through, and you won’t get any notifications about them either. 

The same goes for you – you’ll still see the chat history, but you won’t be able to send new messages unless you unblock them.

"Blocking freezes DMs in time - past conversations remain visible, but new messages are impossible unless the block is lifted."


Key Takeaways

  • Blocking someone on Instagram completely cuts off their access to your profile, posts, and stories, while also hiding their content from your view.
  • When blocked, the person can no longer find your profile or interact with it, as it appears nonexistent to them.
  • Existing messages remain but are frozen; new messages can’t be sent. Previous likes and comments stay but further interaction is blocked.
  • Blocked users can’t tag or mention you in posts, comments, or stories, preventing direct references to your account.
  • Comments you’ve left on public posts remain accessible to blocked users, as the block doesn’t apply to public content.