How do you know if someone blocked you on WhatsApp?

What happens when you're blocked on WhatsApp?

When you're blocked, the app quietly restricts your ability to communicate with the person who blocked you. Your messages won’t be delivered, you won't see updates to their profile photo, and you will no longer see their online status or last seen timestamp. But none of these signs alone prove anything, because they can also be changed through privacy settings.

Instead, look at multiple details together to create a clearer picture. Below are the most common methods and signs people use.

1. Check their online status or last seen

One of the first things you might notice is the missing online status. If you can't see when the user was last active or if they’re currently online, it might mean the person blocked you. That said, WhatsApp allows users to hide their online status manually, so on its own it doesn't say much.

Still, if you’ve always seen their last seen or online status and now it’s suddenly gone, it’s a relevant change. Combine this with other signs for a more accurate answer.

2. Their profile photo has disappeared or stopped updating

Another common clue is the disappearance of their profile photo. If someone blocked you on WhatsApp, their photo might vanish from your contact list or it stops updating. Again, privacy settings could be the reason, but if their profile pictures used to change frequently and now you're only seeing the default image or nothing at all, it may be an indication.

Check whether you can see profile pictures of other contacts. If you can and one specific profile remains empty, this could be a sign of being blocked.

3. Messages show only one checkmark

When you send messages to someone on WhatsApp, the app gives you checkmark indicators to show the message status:

• One checkmark means the message was sent
• Two checkmarks mean the message was delivered
• Blue checkmarks mean it was read (if read receipts are on)

If every sent message to that person only shows one checkmark and never moves to two checkmarks, even after hours or days, it might mean you’ve been blocked. Especially if you know the person usually replies quickly or has a habit of being online.

4. You can’t see their status updates

When someone blocks you on WhatsApp, their status updates will no longer be visible to you. Status updates include photos, videos, and text that disappear after 24 hours. If their updates have suddenly stopped appearing, it could be a sign that you've been added to their blocked contacts.

5. You can’t call them on WhatsApp

Another strong indicator is if your calls to the person never go through. Voice and video calls to a user who has blocked you will ring once or not at all and never connect. It’s worth testing both voice and video calls through the app. Still, remember that calls can also fail due to poor network or phone settings.

If calls to other contacts work just fine and only one person's calls consistently fail, that might be your answer.

6. You can’t add them to a group chat

If you try to create a group and add the person, but you receive an error or can’t find them in your contacts list during the process, they may have blocked you. WhatsApp doesn’t allow you to add blocked contacts to a WhatsApp group.

This method is often used as a final test because it relies on a clear limitation of the app. If you receive a notification saying the person couldn’t be added, take it as a strong sign.

7. You can still see their contact name

When you view your chat with the person, the name you saved them under (their contact name) will still appear. However, if they’ve deleted their WhatsApp account or uninstalled the app, their name may change to just their phone number. Only seeing their number does not always mean you’re blocked, but it's another detail to factor in.

8. Group behavior may change

If you're in the same WhatsApp group with the person, things get more complex. Messages from blocked contacts will still appear in group chats. However, they won’t be able to reply to your private messages or receive them. If you're unsure, check their behavior in the group. Do they engage with you or completely ignore your messages?

9. Profile photo and status disappear together

When someone blocks you, it’s common for their profile picture and status updates to disappear at the same time. If that happens and stays that way while other users’ images and updates continue, it's a likely sign of being blocked.

Remember, users have privacy controls and can hide information from specific contacts. But if multiple signs apply to the same person, it's could be that you've been blocked.

What about deleted accounts or changed privacy settings?

Not every change means you’ve been blocked. Sometimes, a user deletes their WhatsApp account, changes their privacy settings, or uninstalls the app. These actions can affect what’s visible to you. That’s why it’s important to look at the full picture rather than just one sign.

Some users turn off read receipts, hide their online status, or limit who can see their profile photo. The best way to determine if someone blocked you on WhatsApp is to combine multiple indicators like calls not going through, only seeing one checkmark, and missing profile pictures.

Is there a way to confirm?

There’s no official feature in WhatsApp that confirms whether you’ve been blocked. The app is designed to protect privacy, so users don’t get alerts or notifications when they’re added to blocked contacts. Your best option is to check all the signs together.

Another approach is to ask a trusted mutual contact to check their visibility of the person’s profile or messages. If they can see updates or send messages while you can’t, that might confirm your suspicion.

How to protect yourself from spam or unwanted contacts

If you're receiving spam or harassment through WhatsApp, you can use the app’s built-in features to protect yourself. Tap the three-dot menu in a chat, choose "More," then tap “Block” or “Report.” You can also remove them from your address book to stop further messages.

Once blocked, the person will no longer be able to see your online status, send you messages, or view your profile photo. It's a private action. They won’t receive a notification.

Can you unblock someone on WhatsApp?

Yes. If you've blocked someone and changed your mind, go to Settings > Privacy > Blocked Contacts, tap the name or number, and choose “Unblock.” You can now send messages and see their status again.

Keep in mind that the other person won't be notified that they were previously blocked or unblocked.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I’ve been blocked by someone on WhatsApp?

Look for multiple signs like missing profile photos, status updates, one checkmark on messages, and failed calls. No single sign confirms it, but together they build a strong case.

Can I still send messages if I’m blocked on WhatsApp?

Yes, but they will only show one checkmark and never be delivered. The person won’t receive your messages or any notification.

Does WhatsApp notify me if someone blocks me?

No. The app does not send a notification when you’re blocked. It's made to protect user privacy.

Will I still see the person in my contacts list?

Yes, unless they delete their account or remove you from their address book. You’ll still see their contact name or phone number.

Can someone be in a group chat with me if they blocked me?

Yes, you’ll both still appear in the group and you can see each other’s messages. But you can’t send private messages to each other.

Final thoughts

Being blocked on WhatsApp can feel confusing, especially when you’re not sure what happened. But by paying attention to a mix of signs like a missing profile photo, one checkmark on every sent message, and the inability to add the person to a group chat, you can make a pretty good guess.

WhatsApp values privacy and doesn’t offer a direct answer when someone blocked you. Instead, the app leaves you clues to interpret. Hopefully, this article gave you the tools to determine what’s going on and how to respond. Whether it's a misunderstanding, a privacy decision, or just a quiet break, now you know what to look for.

Always respect the privacy of others and if you've been blocked, take a step back. Everyone deserves control over who they speak to online.