Okay, let's be real – we've all been there. You blocked someone on Snapchat in the heat of the moment, or maybe it was a mis-tap during a late-night scroll. Now you're sitting there wondering how to fix it. Trust me, I've done it twice last year – once accidentally blocking my cousin when I meant to open our chat. Awkward.
The Core Problem Snapchat Doesn't Tell You
Snapchat makes blocking someone way too easy (just three taps!), but unblocking? That's hidden like buried treasure. The option isn't in your chat list or obvious settings. Why? I think they want to prevent impulsive unblocks, but come on – sometimes we change our minds!
Step-by-Step: Unblocking Someone on Snapchat
Here's exactly how to unblock someone on Snapchat, whether you're on iPhone or Android. I tested both versions last week to confirm:
For Android Users:
Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon (top-left corner).
Tap the gear icon (top-right) to enter Settings.
Scroll down to "Blocked" under the "Who Can..." section.
Find the person's name in your blocked list.
Tap "Unblock" next to their name.
Confirm with "Yes" when prompted.
For iPhone Users:
Launch Snapchat and tap your Bitmoji (top-left).
Tap the settings gear (top-right corner).
Scroll to "Blocked" under Privacy Controls.
Locate the username in your blocked list.
Swipe left on their name and tap "Unblock".
Confirm the action.
Critical Things That Won't Happen
Snapchat won't notify the person you've unblocked them. That's right – they won't get an alert. But here's what actually happens:
• Your chat history doesn't magically reappear (I learned this the hard way)
• They don't automatically return to your friends list
• You can't see their private stories until they accept your new friend request
What Happens After You Unblock?
| Action | Immediate Effect | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Send messages | Instantly possible | Appears as new chat thread |
| View public stories | Immediately visible | Private stories remain hidden |
| See location on Snap Map | Only if they haven't blocked you | Requires mutual friendship |
| Add back as friend | Must send new friend request | They might not accept |
Pro Tip: After unblocking, search their username and tap "+ Add Friend." Otherwise, you're technically unblocked but not connected.
Solving Your Biggest Unblocking Concerns
"Will they know I unblocked them on Snapchat?"
No notification gets sent. But clues exist: If they search your username, you'll reappear. Sent snaps will suddenly deliver. Smart users might piece it together.
"Why can't I see their story after unblocking?"
Private stories require friendship. You've unblocked them but haven't re-added them as a friend. Send a new friend request first.
"Do blocked messages come back after unblocking?"
Nope, they're gone forever. Snapchat permanently deletes message history when you block someone. My important chat with Maya disappeared because of this.
"Can I block someone again immediately after unblocking?"
Technically yes, but you trigger a 24-hour cooldown if you block/unblock repeatedly. Snapchat's anti-harassment feature kicks in.
Unblock vs. Remove vs. Block: What's the Difference?
This confused me for years until I made this comparison table:
| Action | Chat History | Friend Status | Story Visibility | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unblocking | Previous chats gone | Not friends anymore | Public stories only | Instant reversal |
| Removing Friend | Chats remain visible | Removed from friends | No stories visible | Re-add anytime |
| Blocking | Chats disappear | Removed + blocked | Complete blackout | Manual unblock required |
Here's my take: Removing is better if you just need space. Blocking is nuclear option. When I blocked my ex during our breakup, I regretted it later when I needed to retrieve concert details from our chat history. Poof – gone forever.
Troubleshooting: When Unblocking Goes Wrong
Can't Find the Blocked List?
Update your Snapchat app. Seriously – older versions hide it under Account Actions > Blocked. Latest version has it under Privacy Controls.
Unblock Button Grayed Out?
Force close Snapchat and reopen. If that fails, restart your phone. Server-side glitches occasionally freeze privacy settings.
Username Missing From Blocked List?
They might have deactivated or deleted their account. Try searching their exact username first. No profile? They're gone.
When You Shouldn't Unblock Someone
Let's be honest – sometimes blocking was the right move. Consider before unblocking:
• Harassment: If they sent threatening snaps
• Spam accounts: Those fake "bitcoin prize" profiles
• Exes who won't move on: My friend Lisa unblocked her ex and got 47 snaps in one night
• Privacy invaders: People who constantly screenshot your stories
Create a "Restricted" list instead: Add them as friends but customize settings to hide your stories and location. Less dramatic than blocking.
Your Snapchat Blocking Management Toolkit
| Action | How Often Needed | Difficulty Level | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unblocking someone | Rarely | Medium (settings navigation) | 45 seconds |
| Creating a restricted list | Monthly | Easy | 2 minutes |
| Block spam accounts | Weekly | Very easy | 10 seconds |
| Recover deleted chats | Never (impossible) | N/A | N/A |
Final Reality Check
Unblocking on Snapchat fixes visibility but not relationships. That friend you blocked after the argument? Unblocking won't rebuild trust. The coworker who spam-snapped? They'll probably do it again.
Still stuck? Try these last resorts:
1. Visit Snapchat support site (slow but official)
2. Log into Snapchat via web browser - blocking settings sync there
3. Ask a teen relative (they know Snapchat better than anyone!)
Honestly, I wish Snapchat had an "undo block" feature like Twitter. Until then? At least now you know exactly how to unblock someone on Snapchat without losing your mind.
Comment