Why Can't I Block Someone on Instagram After They Block Me?

Often, users wonder why they can't block someone on Instagram after they themselves have been blocked. This article aims to clarify this common confusion and provide solutions to the issue.

Understanding the Instagram Blocking Mechanism

Instagram's privacy settings are designed to protect users from unwanted interactions. Once a user blocks someone, they remove that individual from their profile, making it difficult for them to re-establish contact. However, if you still have direct messages (DMs) from the blocked user in your inbox, you can still block them directly from there.

Blocking Someone After Being Blocked

Even if someone has already blocked you, if you still have direct messages from them in your inbox, you can initiate a block from there. Here are the steps:

Open your Instagram app and go to the DMs tab. Locate the profile of the person you want to block in your inbox messages. Tap on their avatar. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of their profile. Select the option to block the user.

Keep in mind that this is only possible if you still have direct messages with the person. If there are no messages, you won’t be able to block them directly from the DMs. In such cases, you need an alternative approach.

Avoid Being Blocked

To prevent others from blocking you, be mindful of your interactions on the platform. Here are some tips:

Respect their privacy and boundaries. Do not engage in harassment or cyberbullying. Respond professionally to any messages they send you. Avoid spamming their inbox with irrelevant or offensive content.

What If You Need to Block Someone Else After Being Blocked?

Even if you have been blocked by someone, you can still block them. You just need to follow these steps:

Find another Instagram account that you control or a friend's account. Open the DMs in that account and locate the profile of the user you want to block. Tap on their avatar and then tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of their profile. Select the option to block the user.

This method is particularly useful if you forgot your original account and need to block someone from another account. However, it's important to ensure that you are using a trusted and secure account to avoid any further complications.

Conclusion

The key to understanding why you can't block someone on Instagram after they have blocked you lies in the platform's privacy settings. While direct blocking isn't possible, you can still take action if you have DMs with the user. By following the correct procedures and respecting others' privacy, you can ensure a more positive and frictionless experience on Instagram.

Key Takeaways:

Direct blocking from DMs is only possible if you still have messages from the blocked user. Using an alternative account to block someone is possible if you have another active account. Maintaining respectful and appropriate behavior helps prevent others from blocking you.