In 2025, Snapchat remains one of the most personal social media platforms where people share everyday moments, private snaps, and even real-time location data. But what happens when someone crosses the line? Whether it’s unwanted snaps, constant messaging, or privacy concerns, many users wonder: Can you block someone on Snapchat and what actually happens when you do?
The short answer: Yes, you can block anyone on Snapchat.
But the real insight lies in what happens behind the scenes how Snapchat handles blocked users, what data gets hidden, and how blocking compares to simply removing or restricting someone.
Let’s explore in depth.
Understanding How Blocking Works on Snapchat (2025 Update)
When you block someone on Snapchat, you’re doing more than stopping messages, you’re cutting off all digital visibility between your account and theirs.
Here’s what Snapchat’s 2025 Privacy Policy clarifies:
“Blocking removes both users from each other’s contact lists and prevents viewing of stories, locations, and public content.”
Essentially, blocking creates a mutual disconnect, which means:
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They can’t see your Bitmoji on Snap Map.
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They can’t send you messages or Snaps.
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All previous chat history remains visible to you, but new messages won’t arrive.
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They can’t search your username in the app.
Expert Insight: Unlike older versions, Snapchat’s 2024–2025 updates make blocking instant and server-level meaning it takes effect across all devices simultaneously, preventing workarounds like logging in from another phone.
How to Block Someone on Snapchat (Step-by-Step, Updated for 2025)
The process has slightly evolved due to Snapchat’s redesigned interface (as of mid-2025). Here’s how to do it correctly:
Option 1: Block from Chat Screen
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Open Snapchat and go to the Chat tab.
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Tap and hold the user’s name.
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Tap Manage Friendship → Block.
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Confirm when prompted.
Option 2: Block from Profile
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Tap on the user’s Bitmoji or name to open their profile.
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Tap the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.
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Select Block and confirm.
What Happens When You Block Someone on Snapchat?
Blocking is more than just silence it changes how Snapchat treats your account interactions.
Feature |
Before Blocking |
After Blocking |
|---|---|---|
Send Snaps |
Allowed |
Disabled |
Chat |
Active |
Hidden |
View Stories |
Allowed (if public) |
Restricted |
Snap Score Visible |
Yes |
Hidden |
Location Sharing |
Depends on settings |
Auto-disabled |
Notifications |
Normal |
Stopped completely |
Important:
If you block and later unblock someone, Snapchat does not automatically re-add them you’ll need to add them back manually if you want to reconnect.
User Insight: Many users assume unblocking restores the old chat but it doesn’t. Snapchat’s privacy model wipes “connection tokens” between accounts once blocking occurs.
Block vs Remove vs Restrict: What’s the Difference?
In 2025, Snapchat has added subtle privacy controls, often confusing users. Let’s break them down.
Action |
What It Does |
Visibility Impact |
Notifications |
|---|---|---|---|
Block |
Removes user entirely; no messages or stories |
Complete invisibility |
No |
Remove Friend |
Removes them from friends list but doesn’t block |
Can still see public stories |
No |
Restrict (new in 2025 beta) |
Limits messaging & story visibility |
Partial |
No |
Expert Opinion:
Blocking is the most private and irreversible option best for harassment or unwanted contact.
Removing is milder, useful if you just want distance without confrontation.
Restrict (rolling out in 2025) gives you control without alerting the other person, similar to Instagram’s “Restrict” feature.
Privacy Implications: What Blocking Reveals (and What It Doesn’t)
Many wonder if Snapchat notifies someone when they’re blocked.
The answer is no but it’s often obvious indirectly.
Here’s what the blocked user might notice:
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Your chat disappears from their inbox.
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Your username can’t be found via search.
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Snaps and messages stay pending forever (“Delivered” never appears).
However, because these signs are subtle, most users can’t confirm if they’ve been blocked or just removed a design choice Snapchat intentionally maintains to protect user privacy.
Can You Tell If Someone Blocked You on Snapchat?
Yes, but not officially. There are indirect ways to figure it out:
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Search Their Username: If it doesn’t appear, you’re likely blocked.
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Check Chat History: If the chat vanishes suddenly, it’s a strong sign.
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Try Sending a Snap: If it remains “Pending” forever, it could mean you’re blocked.
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Check from Another Account: If their profile is visible elsewhere, you’re blocked.
Blocking Someone in Snapchat Groups (2025 Update)
Snapchat group chats handle blocking differently now. If you block someone:
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You both remain in the group, but can’t chat privately.
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Your messages are still visible in the group thread, unless you leave.
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Snapchat may auto-hide their content in your group view (a new 2025 privacy setting).
Tip: To fully cut contact, leave the group after blocking. Otherwise, your usernames might still appear together in notifications.
What Happens When You Unblock Someone?
Unblocking doesn’t restore friendship automatically.
Here’s what changes:
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You can search for them again.
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You can re-add them as a friend.
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Your old chat thread won’t return.
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They won’t receive a notification but may see a new “Add” request.
Snapchat Privacy in 2025: A Bigger Picture
Blocking is now part of a wider movement in digital well-being. Snapchat, along with TikTok and Instagram, has integrated AI-based moderation tools that automatically flag unwanted messages or suggest blocking based on tone analysis.
According to a 2025 study by the Pew Research Center, 61% of Snapchat users said they’ve blocked someone at least once up from 42% in 2022.
The biggest reasons cited:
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Unwanted contact from strangers (39%)
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Harassment or spam (27%)
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Emotional detachment or digital detox (18%)
Visual Content Ideas for This Article
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Infographic 1: “Blocking vs Removing vs Restricting on Snapchat (2025 Comparison).”
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Infographic 2: “What Happens When You Block Someone – Timeline View.”
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Flowchart: “Should You Block, Remove, or Restrict Someone?”
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Data Chart: “Top Reasons People Block on Snapchat (2022–2025).”
These visuals help readers grasp complex social interactions quickly improving dwell time and SEO engagement metrics.
People Also Ask (with Expert Answers)
1. Can someone message you after you block them?
No once blocked, they cannot send Snaps or messages. All communication channels are cut off.
2. Does blocking delete saved chats?
No, saved chats remain visible to you but not accessible to them. If you clear the conversation, it’s gone for both.
3. Will they know I blocked them?
Snapchat doesn’t notify them. However, they might suspect it if your profile disappears and messages stay pending.
4. Can you block someone who isn’t your friend?
Yes. Just search their username, open their profile, tap the three dots, and choose Block.
5. Can you block and unblock without them knowing?
Yes they won’t be notified. However, once unblocked, you’ll need to re-add them manually to resume chats.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can block someone on Snapchat and it’s a powerful privacy tool in 2025.
Beyond silencing unwanted contact, blocking safeguards your stories, location, and data visibility. But it’s important to understand its social ripple effects blocking doesn’t just stop messages, it erases digital presence between two accounts.
In a time where digital boundaries are becoming essential, Snapchat’s blocking system offers an effective, private, and immediate way to reclaim your online space.
