How to block someone on MacBook iMessages?

Date 22/11/2023
Category
Apple Blog, Apple How to?, Apple Macbook Blog
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How to block someone on MacBook iMessages?

 

Secure your iMessage experience on your MacBook by learning how to block unwanted contacts swiftly and effectively. Discover step-by-step instructions to block individuals from messaging you via iMessage.

Instructions for blocking someone on MacBook iMessages

To block someone on iMessage using a MacBook, follow these steps:

  1. Open Messages App:
    • Launch the Messages app on your MacBook. Ensure you’re signed in with the Apple ID associated with the iMessage account you want to manage.
  2. Select Conversation or Contact:
    • Find the conversation or contact you wish to block. If you’re blocking someone from whom you’ve received a message, open that conversation.
  3. Access Contact Information:
    • Within the conversation, click on the contact’s name or number at the top of the chat window. This action opens a drop-down menu with contact details.
  4. Block Contact:
    • In the drop-down menu, select “Details” or the “i” (info) icon. It leads to a panel showing more information about the contact and the conversation.
    • Scroll down in the panel until you find the “Block this Caller” or “Block Contact” option. Click on it.
  5. Confirm Blocking:
    • A confirmation message will appear asking if you’re sure you want to block this contact. Click “Block” to proceed.
  6. Block from New Conversations:
    • To ensure this contact remains blocked from sending you messages, click “Block this Caller” once more in the confirmation window.

After completing these steps, the contact will be blocked from sending you messages through iMessage on your MacBook. Any messages they send won’t be delivered to you, and they won’t be notified of being blocked. If you change your mind later, you can unblock the contact by following similar steps and selecting “Unblock Contact” or “Remove from Blocked List.”

It’s essential to note that blocking someone on iMessage via your MacBook will also block them on other Apple devices connected to the same Apple ID, such as iPhones or iPads, where the same iMessage account is active.

Is there a button or option to block a contact in the contact information window?

Within the contact information window in the Messages app on a MacBook, there is typically a designated option or button to block a contact. To access this, users can click on the contact’s name or number at the top of the chat window, which opens a drop-down menu with further contact details. After clicking on “Details” or the “i” (info) icon within this menu, a panel displays additional information about the contact and the ongoing conversation. In this panel, there’s usually an option labeled “Block this Caller” or “Block Contact.” Clicking on this option allows users to swiftly add the contact to their block list, preventing them from sending further messages. This feature is especially useful for managing unwanted calls, scam messages, spam, or annoying messages received through the Mac Messages app.

However, if this option is not readily available within the Messages app, users can alternatively navigate to the Contacts list or use the Settings app to manage blocked contacts. By accessing the Contacts app or the Settings app’s screen time or messaging settings, users can add unwanted contacts to their block list. This action restricts direct messages or calls from those contacts, ensuring a more controlled and pleasant messaging experience on their MacBook.

If I change my mind later, how can I unblock a previously blocked contact?

If you’ve reconsidered blocking a previously blocked contact on your Mac Messages app due to a change of circumstances or a resolution of issues, you can easily unblock the contact. To do this, navigate to the Settings app on your MacBook, or use the Messages app directly to manage your block list. In the Messages app, locate the conversation or contact of the individual you’ve previously blocked. Click on the contact’s name or number at the top of the chat window, then access the “Details” or “i” (info) icon, which opens a panel displaying contact information and the conversation’s details. Within this panel, if the contact is currently blocked, you should find an option to “Unblock this Caller” or “Unblock Contact.” Click on this option to remove the contact from your block list, allowing them to send you direct messages once again.

Alternatively, if you’ve added the contact to your block list through the Settings app or using the Screen Time feature, you can access the block list from there. Navigate to the Settings app, select Messages or Screen Time, depending on where you originally added the contact to your block list. Look for the “Blocked Contacts” or “Block List” section. Here, you’ll find a list of contacts you’ve blocked. Locate the contact you wish to unblock and remove them from the block list by selecting their name or email address and choosing the option to unblock. Once unblocked, the individual can resume sending messages, calls, or communications to your Mac Messages app, allowing for a more open and direct conversation if necessary, provided no further unwanted calls, scam, or spam messages are received.