You can block someone on TikTok even if you don't follow them
Blocking someone on TikTok stops them from viewing your videos, sending you messages, and finding your account through search. You don't need to follow them first — you can block a stranger, someone who commented on your video, or anyone else whose profile you can see. The block happens when ready, and they won't receive a notification that you blocked them, though they may notice if they try to visit your profile.
The person you block can still see your public videos if they log out or use a different account, but they cannot interact with you in any way while logged into the account you blocked. If you change your mind, you can unblock them at any time.
Key Takeaways
- Open the profile of the person you want to block, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Block" from the menu.
- A blocked person cannot message you, comment on your videos, or see your profile when logged into their account.
- TikTok does not notify the person that you blocked them, but they will know if they try to visit your profile and see a message saying it's private.
- You can unblock someone by going to your privacy settings, finding them in your blocked list, and tapping "Unblock."
- Blocking is different from muting — muting hides someone's videos from your feed without stopping them from seeing yours.
How to block someone from their profile
The fastest way to block someone is through their TikTok profile. Find their account by searching their username, tapping on their profile picture in a comment or video, or clicking a link to their page.
Once you're on their profile, look for the three vertical dots (called a menu icon) in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it, and a menu will appear with several options. Select "Block" from this menu. TikTok will ask you to confirm — tap "Block" again in the confirmation window. The block is now active.
How to block someone who commented on your video
If someone left a comment you don't want to see, you can block them directly from that comment without visiting their profile. Open the video where they commented, find their comment in the comments section, and hold down on their comment (or tap and hold on mobile).
A menu will pop up with options including "Block user." Tap it, and confirm the block in the window that appears. This removes their comment from your video and blocks their account at the same time.
How to block someone who messaged you
If someone sent you a direct message and you want to block them, open your messages and find the conversation. Tap and hold on the message thread, or look for a menu icon next to their name. Select "Block user" from the options that appear.
Once blocked, they cannot send you new messages, and the conversation will disappear from your inbox. If you unblock them later, the old messages will still be gone.
What happens when you block someone
When you block someone on TikTok, they when ready lose the ability to find your account, view your profile, or see your videos while logged into the account you blocked. They cannot comment on your videos, like them, or send you direct messages. If they try to visit your profile, they will see a message saying your account is private or that the user is not found, depending on your account settings.
The blocked person does not receive a notification that you blocked them. However, if they try to message you or visit your profile and see the error message, they will know something has changed. Blocking is not the same as deleting them as a follower — if they followed you, the block removes that follow automatically.
How to unblock someone
If you want to unblock someone, go to your profile and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right. Select "Settings and privacy," then tap "Privacy." Scroll down and select "Blocked accounts."
You will see a list of everyone you have blocked. Find the person you want to unblock and tap the minus sign or "Unblock" button next to their name. Confirm the unblock, and they will be able to see your profile and interact with you again. Unblocking does not automatically re-follow them if they followed you before the block.
Blocking versus muting and reporting
Blocking is permanent until you unblock, but muting is temporary and less visible. When you mute someone, their videos stop appearing in your For You page and their comments are hidden from your notifications, but they can still see your profile and videos. Muting is useful if you want to avoid someone's content without cutting off contact completely.
Reporting is different from both blocking and muting. Use the report option if someone is harassing you, posting content that violates TikTok's rules, or sending unwanted messages. Reporting sends the content to TikTok's moderation team, who may remove the content or suspend the account. Blocking only affects what that person can see from you — it does not involve TikTok staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone tell if I blocked them?
TikTok does not send a notification when you block someone. However, if they try to visit your profile or search for you and see an error message, they may figure it out. There is no way for them to know for certain without trying to access your account.
What if I block someone and then unblock them later?
Unblocking restores their ability to see your profile and interact with you, but it does not restore old messages or comments they made before the block. If they followed you before the block, you will need to accept their follow request again if your account is private.
Can I block someone without visiting their profile?
Yes. If they commented on your video or sent you a message, you can block them directly from the comment or message without going to their profile. Hold down on the comment or message and select "Block user" from the menu.
Does blocking someone remove their old comments from my videos?
Yes. When you block someone, all of their comments on your videos are automatically hidden. You will not see them in your comments section, and other viewers will not see them either.
What is the difference between blocking and reporting?
Blocking prevents someone from seeing your account and interacting with you. Reporting sends their content to TikTok's moderation team to review whether it breaks the platform's rules. You can do both — block them to stop the interaction and report them if their behavior was harmful or against TikTok's policies.