If you’ve ever tried to block someone on Instagram only to realize they blocked you first, you’re not alone. It’s a situation many users find themselves in whether it’s to regain peace, stop unwanted interactions, or protect personal boundaries. But here’s the twist: Instagram doesn’t give you a direct “Block Back” button when you’ve been blocked.
Still, the question stands: Can you block someone who already blocked you on Instagram?
The short answer Yes, but only through indirect methods. And that’s exactly what this deep-researched guide breaks down.
In this article, we dive into the what, why, and how behind this common Instagram issue, along with updated steps, platform behavior, and expert-verified workarounds.
What Happens When Someone Blocks You on Instagram?
Before understanding how to block them back, you need to know what Instagram restricts when you’re blocked:
When someone blocks you:
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You can’t find their profile
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You can’t message them
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You can’t comment or like older interactions
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Their username disappears in search
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You can’t view followers, following, or posts
This makes it tricky because blocking them back normally requires accessing their profile which Instagram hides when you’re blocked.
Can You Block Someone Who Blocked You? (Yes Here’s the Truth)
Instagram doesn’t offer a direct option to block a user who has already blocked you. But you can still block them using alternative methods that rely on the platform’s backend identifiers, not the visible profile page.
These methods ensure:
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They can’t unblock you and reach you again
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Their new interactions, if any, stay restricted
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You regain control over your privacy
How to Block Someone Who Blocked You on Instagram
1. Block Them Through Your Message History (If It Still Exists)
If you ever chatted with the person before being blocked, your old chat might still appear.
Steps:
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Open Instagram → Go to DMs
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Find the conversation with that user
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Tap the Info (i) icon on the top-right
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Select Block
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Confirm
Note: If the chat is deleted or hidden by Instagram’s update system, this method may not work.
2. Block Them Using a Shared Group Chat
If you were in a group chat together even if you can’t see their profile you may still see them as a group participant.
Steps:
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Open the group chat
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Tap the group name
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Find the user in the participant list
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Tap their name → Select Block
This method works even if their main profile is inaccessible through search.
3. Use the “Restricted” → “Block” Path (If They Ever Commented Before)
If the person interacted with your posts before blocking you, Instagram stores certain backend logs.
You can block them through:
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Comment history (if visible)
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Notifications (older ones)
Steps (comment-based):
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Open your post
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Find their old comment
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Tap their username or long-press the comment
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Tap Block
This works only if the comment is still visible.
4. Block Them Using Instagram Web (A Known Trick)
Sometimes the Instagram app hides a blocked user completely, but the web version allows partial visibility.
Steps:
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Visit Instagram.com
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Log in to your account
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Type the last known username in the URL manually:
instagram.com/username -
If the profile loads partially, click Block
This trick works even when search fails in the app.
5. Block Their New Accounts Using “Block All Accounts They May Create”
Even if they blocked you first, Instagram lets you block the person, not just the account.
Steps:
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Go to Settings & Privacy
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Tap Blocked
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Tap Add to Block List
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Search for the username (if it appears)
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Turn on: Block All Accounts They May Create
If the username doesn’t appear:
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Add someone from their follower list
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Check “Suggested Accounts”
Instagram links people through behavior, location, and connections this trick often surfaces the blocked user.
Why Would You Block Someone Who Blocked You?
People choose to “block back” for several reasons:
1. For Digital Boundaries
Blocking ensures:
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They can’t unblock and contact you again
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They can’t view your content when they unblock you
2. For Your Safety
Useful in cases involving:
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Harassment
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Threats
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Unwanted exes
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Stalking attempts
3. To Avoid Future Interactions
Blocking permanently cuts ties.
Instagram’s “block all future accounts” feature adds an extra layer of safety.
What If None of the Methods Work?
If all above fails, here’s what you can still do:
1. Change Your Privacy Settings
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Switch to Private Account
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Turn off “Allow Others to Recommend My Account”
2. Remove Their Access to Future Accounts
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Block their known followers (optional)
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Limit profile visibility
3. Report the User (If Needed)
If there was harassment or security concern:
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Go to Settings → Help → Report a Problem
FAQs
1. Can the other person know I blocked them back?
No. Instagram does not notify anyone when they get blocked.
2. Can I unblock them later even if they blocked me first?
Yes. Blocking and unblocking is always in your control.
3. Will blocking them prevent them from seeing my account in the future?
Yes especially if you select:
“Block all current and future accounts they may create.”
4. Can I use a third-party app to block them?
No.
Third-party apps do not have permission to block users on Instagram.
They can also compromise your privacy.
5. Why can’t I find their profile at all?
Because when someone blocks you, Instagram removes:
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Search visibility
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Previous interactions
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Profile links
This is why indirect blocking methods are needed.
Conclusion
Blocking someone who has already blocked you on Instagram may seem complicated, but it’s absolutely possible using the right methods. Whether through old messages, group chats, Instagram Web, or built-in privacy tools, you can take control of your account again.
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