TikTok is a vibrant platform filled with creative content and community interactions. However, there might be instances where you want to block a user for personal reasons, safety, or to maintain a positive experience. Blocking someone on TikTok is straightforward, and this guide will walk you through every step to ensure you can manage your interactions effectively.
What Does Blocking Do on TikTok?
Blocking a user on TikTok means:
They can no longer follow you.
They won’t be able to view your profile, videos, or engage with your content.
They can’t send you direct messages or leave comments on your posts.
This feature is particularly useful to maintain a safe and enjoyable space on the platform. For tips on leveraging TikTok effectively, explore our post on Becoming a Micro-Influencer on TikTok: A Guide for Canadians.
How to Block Someone on TikTok Using a Mobile Device
1. Go to Their Profile
Open the TikTok app on your mobile device.
Search for the user you want to block using the search bar or find them through your followers or following list.
Tap on their username to open their profile.
Credit: vistasocial
2. Access the Options Menu
Once you’re on their profile, locate the three-dot/Share icon (usually found in the top-right corner of the screen) or the ellipsis (…).
Tap on the icon to open the options menu.
3. Select “Block”
In the menu, look for the “Block” option.
Tap “Block” to proceed.
A confirmation pop-up will appear to ensure you want to block the user.
Credit: vistasocial
4. Confirm the Action
Tap “Confirm” or “Block” again to finalize your decision.
The user will be blocked immediately and added to your block list.
How to Block Someone on TikTok on Desktop
1. Access TikTok via Browser
Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the TikTok website.
Log in to your account if you’re not already logged in.
2. Find the User’s Profile
Use the search function to locate the user you want to block, or navigate through your followers or following list.
Click on their username to access their profile.
3. Open the Options Menu
On their profile page, locate the three-dot icon or ellipsis (…).
Click on it to open the options menu.
4. Select and Confirm “Block”
Click on “Block” from the dropdown menu.
Confirm the action in the pop-up window to block the user.
5. Verify the Block
On both mobile and desktop, you can confirm that the user has been blocked by checking their profile, which should now show limited or no information.
6. Block Multiple Users at Once (Optional)
TikTok allows you to block multiple accounts in bulk through comments or direct messages. Select the offending users, tap or click the ellipsis, and choose "Block Accounts." This feature is useful for managing spam or harassment.
How to Manage Your Blocked List
If you want to review or unblock someone later, TikTok makes it easy to manage your block list.
Using a Mobile Device
Steps to View Blocked Users:
Open the TikTok app and go to your profile by tapping the profile icon in the bottom right corner.
Tap on the three-line menu (hamburger icon) in the top-right corner.
Select Settings and Privacy from the dropdown menu.
Navigate to the Privacy section, then tap on Blocked Accounts.
Here, you’ll see all the accounts you’ve blocked, listed in order of when they were blocked.
Using TikTok on Desktop
Steps to View Blocked Users:
Go to the TikTok website and log in to your account.
Access your profile by clicking on your profile picture or username in the top-right corner.
Navigate to the Settings menu.
Select Privacy and Safety from the menu options.
Locate the Blocked Accounts section to view the list of users you have blocked.
What You Can Do on the Blocked List Page:
Unblock Users: Next to each username, there is an “Unblock” option. Tap or click on it to allow the user to access your content again.
Check Profiles: Tap or click on a username to view their profile in a limited capacity before deciding whether to unblock them.
Search for Specific Users: Use the search bar to quickly find a blocked user if you have an extensive list.
To Unblock a User:
From the blocked list, find the user you want to unblock.
Tap or click “Unblock” next to their username.
Confirm the action when prompted. The user will immediately regain access to your content unless your account is set to private.
Additional Notes on Managing Blocked Accounts:
TikTok does not notify users when they are unblocked.
If a previously blocked user was engaging in inappropriate behavior, consider monitoring their interactions before fully engaging with them again.
Keep your block list updated by periodically reviewing it to ensure only the necessary accounts are blocked.
If you’re exploring monetization on TikTok, our guide Can You Make Money on TikTok in Canada? may also be of interest.
Tips for Maintaining a Positive TikTok Experience
Adjust Privacy Settings: Consider setting your account to private under the Privacy tab to control who can follow you.
Report Harmful Content: If a user’s behavior violates TikTok’s community guidelines, report their account before blocking them.
Limit Comments: You can restrict who can comment on your videos by going to Settings and Privacy > Privacy > Comments.
Enable Restricted Mode: This filters out content that may not be appropriate or enjoyable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the blocked user know I blocked them?
No, TikTok doesn’t notify users when they are blocked. However, they might notice if they try to visit your profile or interact with your content and find they can’t.
Can a blocked user still see my old messages?
Yes, any messages you’ve exchanged will remain visible to the blocked user unless you delete the conversation. However, they can no longer send you new messages.
Is blocking permanent?
Blocking isn’t permanent. You can unblock a user anytime by following the steps outlined above.
Why Blocking is a Powerful Tool
TikTok’s blocking feature ensures that you can curate your experience to feel safe and comfortable. Whether it’s due to spam, harassment, or personal preferences, you have the control to decide who can interact with you on the platform.
By following these simple steps and leveraging TikTok’s privacy features, you can focus on enjoying the content and connections that matter to you.