How to See Who Blocked You on Instagram?

Instagram has grown from a simple photo-sharing application into an international social media giant with more than a billion users today since 2010 when it was founded.

It’s where friendships are made, businesses are run and influencers bond incredibly strong relationships with their followers. Nonetheless, such a large community cannot avoid disagreements and disputes, which frequently end up in blocking.

Instagram does not notify you if someone has blocked you on Instagram hence making it difficult for one to know whether they have been blocked or not. This article will help you learn how to see who blocked you on Instagram.

Part 1. Can "Share Other Blocked" Help You Identify Who Blocked You on Instagram?

You might have heard about the Share Other Blocked feature on Instagram that claims to let you see those who have blocked you. It is alleged that this option can be accessed by selecting “Other” from the share tab after clicking “Blocked.”

However, there is no official statement from Instagram confirming the presence of this feature; it seems like nothing but an urban legend. Many users have been disappointed after excitedly trying out this alleged hack only to find that the “Other” option or any list of blocked users does not exist.

It seems like the original posts saying that this feature exists were just clickbait and had no basis. There are other valid ways to learn how to see who has blocked you on Instagram. These ways will be analyzed in the next section.

 Part 2. Determining If Someone Has Blocked You on Instagram

Instagram won’t inform you if someone blocks you, so you have to investigate for yourself. Here are nine ways that will enable you to establish whether somebody has blocked you on Instagram:

1. Use Instagram Viewer - Msafely

Msafely is another trusted third-party monitoring solution that allows viewing any user's Instagram page even when they have blocked you. For instance, if your friend receives a notification from me but still wants to see my updates or events, then Msafely will be of help. Here are some features of Msafely:

• You can read all messages sent, received, or deleted on Instagram.
• It lets one track his/ her followers on Instagram.
• You can see all links shared through Instagram messages.

To start using Msafely now, follow these steps.

• You need to register in order to use Msafely. It is free of charge and you have to provide a valid email.
• Choose an appropriate plan and connect the target phone with Msafely.
• Go over to your control panel on Msafely to begin monitoring any device you want.

2. Search for Their Account

If you look for someone’s profile who you suspect blocked you and can’t find it, there are a few possibilities. They might have deactivated their Instagram account, or be banned by Instagram itself. They could also have changed their username or simply prevented one from seeing them completely. To check:

Open the application’s search bar and key in their username. The following image shows how to search on Instagram.

If the account does not appear in the results, they may have blocked you or deleted it themselves.

3. Use Previous Comments, Mentions, or Direct Message To Get Their Profile

In case of previous mentions, messaging, or commenting history with the person, make use of that pathway to locate his/her profile. For example, go to your direct messages.

Click on the user you suspect to have blocked you. You should “Instagram User” on their username. Something like this:

If there are "No Posts Yet" under the photo grid, it indicates that you have been blocked by them.

This method will only work if there were some previous conversations between two persons on Instagram otherwise please try out other methods suggested above.

4. Use Their Instagram Profile Link

For you to know whether you have been blocked, just check the person’s username on Instagram. You can type www.instagram.com/theirusername in your browser and then look for “Sorry, this page isn’t available”. This means they have blocked you.

5. Check From Another Account

You may use another account or ask a friend to search for their profile. It could be appearing for others and not yours; thus, it seems like you’re blocked. 

When it doesn’t appear for anybody, one might suppose that they deactivated their account or changed it to a different username.

6. Confirm They Haven't Changed Their Username

It is possible that the person has just changed his/her name; hence making it impossible for one to find him/her on Instagram after searching using his/her former name. 

This information will be available in your direct messages with them if their new username is there then they’ve just changed it recently and forgot to update other friends.

If you cannot see any new names of the user anywhere and still do not notice an avatar on their page – they probably block you.

7. Make Sure They Haven't Just Unfollowed You

Being blocked and being unfollowed is sometimes confusing, especially when the account is set to private. Visit their profile and see if it says “This account is private.” If so, they might have just unfollowed you. 

Try tapping the “Follow” button on their profile. If your follow request is canceled immediately and the button changes back to “Follow” they have blocked you. Or else, if the request goes through and changes to “Requested,” they’ve simply unfollowed you.

8. Check Out Instagram Shared Group Chats

Their messages will still appear even if someone has blocked you but remains in a shared group chat with them. Look at these group chats, if they are labeled as “Instagram User”, then he/she probably unfollowed or blocked you.

9. Mention or Tag Their Account

Instagram doesn’t allow you to tag or mention someone who has blocked you. For instance, you can try tagging them in a post or comment. If their username does not appear, it means that they have blocked you. It should look like this;

Part 3. What Happens If Someone Blocked You on Instagram

It is kind of confusing and weird when someone blocks you on Instagram. This is what happens when someone blocks you and how it affects your interactions thereupon.

1. You Cannot See Their Profile Anymore

Their profile disappears as soon as they block you on Instagram. Their account won’t come up in searches, and all their posts and stories will vanish from your sight. Their profile shows “No post yet”

2. You Cannot Communicate With Each Other Anymore

When blocking occurs, all activities of communication stop immediately. It is like writing letters to a defunct address – messages never get sent through this way again. For example, if you try to tag or mention them in your posts on Instagram, it will be as though they are non-existent.

3. Lost Likes and Comments

All the likes and comments that were made by the past user will be deleted from his/her posts so that it seems like the two of you had never communicated before.

4. You Can’t See Them On Group Chats

If you are in a group chat with the person who blocked you, you still might see their messages and yours. But sometimes such profiles have a different photo or they may be labeled as “Instagram User”.

5. You Will Not Get Notifications

Instagram never notifies you that you have been blocked by someone. You don’t receive an alert or a message at all. You will also not receive notifications from the person who blocked you.

6. Your Follower and Following List Changes

Blocking means that the other person is no longer following you and thus, they will be removed from your followers list.

Part 4. Why You Are Blocked: Causes and Tips for a Positive Instagram Experience

On Instagram, anyone can be blocked. Let’s look at some reasons why someone would choose to block you.

4.1 Why Someone May Choose to Block You

1. Conflicts and Negative Interactions

When you always keep on arguing, sending unwelcomed posts, or doing any inappropriate thing that may annoy others, then he or she can easily block you even without warning signs.

2. Privacy Concerns

It is possible to be stopped from accessing someone else’s posts by constantly discussing so much about another person against his/her wish or being tagged too many times thereby ignoring their privacy settings. This is an invasive behavior.

3. Content Issues

You may be blocked for posting inappropriate information, spamming, or stealing other people's work without citing them.

4. Dynamics in Relationships

Sometimes blocking happens due to personal reasons such as a falling out or the need to take a break from online interactions. This means that if someone is ending a friendship or protecting their emotional well-being they might block you to create some space within their social life.

5. Personal Preference

Keep in mind though that blocking can also be done just for one’s preference towards having a well-mannered social media environment. It is everybody’s right to customize their experience according to their taste and liking. 

4.2 Tips for a Positive Instagram Experience

Here are some ways you can have a good time on Instagram and not get blocked by anyone

1. Avoid Spamming and Negative Interactions

Always be true and shun spamming/scamming activities. Develop authentic relationships based on trust and respect. In cases of disagreements, handle them maturely rather than engaging in negative conduct.

2. Respect Others’ Privacy

Always show regard for others' privacy; never share personal details without permission and do not send too many messages.

3. Do Not Harass

Mind the way you interact with others. In no way should you harass or bully someone. Behave towards others as you would like to be behaved towards.

4. Respect Their Decision

If someone decides to block you, then respect their choice. Don’t try to avoid it or take revenge. Any person has got the right to manage their online experience as they want.

Part 5. Preventing Blocks on Instagram

You can do your best not to be blocked unnecessarily. Let us discuss some tips for effective engagement.

Tips for Effective Engagement

Here are the ways in which you can approach communication respectfully so as not to be blocked by Instagram.

1. Be Positive and Kind

Spreading positivity and kindness will take you far. Instead of being part of arguments or negative talks, concentrate on supportive and encouraging words.

2. Show Genuine Interest

Meaningful connections are built with genuine interest. Ask thoughtful questions and compliment others’ posts to engage with them.

3. Communicate with Empathy

Misunderstandings are common in online platforms. When conflicts arise, handle them empathetically. Seek to understand the other person’s view, avoiding defensiveness or aggression.

In case an argument commences from the comments section, say something similar to “I hear what you’re saying and I appreciate you sharing it.”

4. Respect Boundaries

Different people have different opinions regarding social media. Be mindful of people’s limits and keep off their private spaces.

5. Don’t Spam

Always ensure you strike a balance in your interactions. When you need to share things with people don’t flood them with tags and messages.

6. Mind Your Tones

It is difficult to interpret the tone used online correctly. Be sure to use clear and kind words while commenting and messaging. In the case of emojis like smileys are needed to make your intentions more transparent.

Part 6. Understanding Blocking and Restricting on Instagram

Blocking and restricting on Instagram are two different ways of managing how you interact with other people. Here are some differences between blocking and restricting.

6.1 Differences between Blocking and Restricting on Instagram

1. Blocking

If you block someone on Instagram, the following happens

• Your story, posts, and profile won't be visible to them.
• You will not receive direct messages from them.
•  They cannot tag you in their comments or posts.

2. Restricting

Restricting someone’s access on Instagram comes across as more gentle than blocking. Here is what happens when you restrict someone

• They can still follow you, and view your posts and stories.
• Their comments will only be visible to them when they post something about yours’.
• You will not get notifications about their DMs anymore.

6.2 Common Situations to Use Blocking and Restricting on Instagram

Whether somebody should be blocked from your Instagram account will depend on how much access you want them to have. Here are the situations for using both.

1. Block When You Want to Stop Interacting and Viewing Their Profile

If you want someone who has been tagging you or mentioning you and you don't want them to see your profile. This implies that there must be communication cutoffs between the two; therefore, blocking should be used.

For instance, you can easily block someone who is making nasty comments or tormenting you so he can't view your profile any longer. Bear in mind that he will know he has been denied access.

2. Restrict When You Are Trying to Avoid Someone Without Them Knowing

In case you would rather avoid someone without their knowledge about it, then restricting is better. The restriction option does not fully disallow their interactions.

Take for instance cases where only the person making the comment can see it while all direct messages from such people will be directed into the message request folder for your own decision of whether to respond or not.

6.3 Steps to Block Someone on Instagram

Blocking people on Instagram is easy, this is how to do it:

1. Locate the user whose profile you want to be blocked.

You can use the search bar. Then click on their profile

2. Click on the three-dot icon at the top right corner of his/her profile.

3. Below the menu options choose block

4. When prompted, validate your action by clicking the block button.

Part 7. Conclusion

Understanding how blocking works on Instagram can help ensure a great experience. There are many ways to learn how to see who blocked you on Instagram without escalating the situation further.

People should communicate respectfully with each other, respect others' privacy, and engage genuinely to prevent misunderstandings. Blocking on social media platforms is an individual's decision in most cases aiming at fostering a much more comfortable environment.

Respect that choice if you notice that you have been blocked and move on. Always be kind and compassionate when using Instagram. Enjoy your time on Instagram!

Part 8. FAQs about Instagram

Q1. Will a user know if I block them?

No, Instagram does not notify users who have been blocked, but they might realize it from being unable to find your account or interact with it.

Q2. Can I unblock someone later?

Yes, at any time you can unblock a person by going through their profile and selecting “Unblock”.

Q3. Would blocked users notice my past comments or likes?

No, your previous likes and comments posted on their posts will disappear.

Q4. Can I block someone from seeing my stories?

Yes, people you have blocked cannot see your stories or any other of your posts.

Q5. Does blocking someone remove them from my followers?

Yes, if you block someone they immediately stop following you and also unfollow their account.