Reconnecting with someone you previously blocked on Facebook is easier than you think. Over 68% of U.S. adults use Facebook, so chances are you‘ll need to unblock someone at some point. As a small business consultant, I‘ve helped many entrepreneurs manage digital relationships – both personal and professional. Whether it‘s an old friend, family member, or former collaborator, unblocking on Facebook simply requires a few clicks.
When You Should Consider Unblocking
There are many reasons you may need to unblock someone on Facebook:
- You blocked them hastily and now regret it. Emotions sometimes cause us to act rashly on social media. With some perspective, you might want to undo a blocking.
- You want to reconnect after a temporary break. For example, I advised a client to temporarily block a vendor during a contract dispute. Once the issue was resolved, unblocking reopened communication.
- Enough time has passed and you‘re ready to reconnect. One entrepreneur I consult blocked her business partner when they dissolved their venture. After a year, she felt ready to unblock him and move forward.
- To forgive, forget, and move on. Humans make mistakes, and unblocking can symbolize giving someone a second chance. I‘ve seen many small business owners unblock former partners in this spirit.
- Your business needs them. As a consultant, I‘ve recommended unblocking former clients or collaborators when a new business opportunity arises. The revenue potential makes reconnecting worthwhile.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unblocking on Facebook‘s Website
Unblocking someone on the Facebook website is a quick and simple process:
- Log into your Facebook account on a desktop computer.
- Click the down arrow in the top right and select "Settings & Privacy" followed by "Settings".
- In the left sidebar menu, click "Blocking".
- Scan the blocked users list to find the person‘s name.
- To the right of their name, click "Unblock".
- Confirm you want to unblock them when prompted.
And just like that, the person is removed from your blocked list! Based on my consulting experience, I recommend triple checking you selected the right name before confirming. Reblocking the same person again and again can get messy.
Unblocking Someone through Facebook‘s Mobile App
Similarly, unblocking a user via Facebook‘s mobile app takes just a moment:
- Open the Facebook app on your mobile device.
- Tap the three line menu button in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and select "Settings & Privacy" from the menu.
- Choose "Settings" on the next screen.
- Tap "Blocking" from the list of options.
- Select "See All" to view your full blocked list.
- Find the name of the person you want to unblock.
- Tap "Unblock" next to their name and confirm your choice.
And that‘s all it takes! As a consultant focused on entrepreneurship, I often remind clients that mobile is key – over 75% of Facebook users access it via mobile. So get comfortable unblocking on the app!
Reconnecting With the Person After Unblocking
Simply removing someone from your blocked list does not automatically add them back as a friend or allow messaging. To fully reconnect after unblocking, consider:
- Sending a new friend request for them to accept.
- Messaging them to explain why you unblocked and let them know you‘d like to reconnect. I‘ve seen this help smooth over past issues.
- Commenting on their public posts to organically re-establish contact. Liking and reacting to their content also helps break the ice.
- Meeting up in person if appropriate. Grabbing coffee can be a great way to get your friendship or partnership back on track after unblocking.
Adjusting Your Privacy Settings Accordingly
Once unblocked, that person can view your public posts and profile information again. To manage your privacy:
- Review all your profile and post privacy settings. Limit certain content to "Friends Only".
- Adjust who can see your friends list, search for your profile, and more.
- Consider "unfollowing" them so their posts don‘t appear in your News Feed. You can still visit their profile.
- Use the "Snooze" feature to temporarily hide someone‘s posts from your News Feed, if needed.
As a consultant, I can‘t stress enough how vital privacy settings are, especially after unblocking someone. Take time to adjust these to your comfort level.
In Closing
Unblocking someone on Facebook takes just seconds, but can have a big impact. Evaluate your specific reasons and situation before deciding to unblock. If it‘s the right choice, follow the easy step-by-step instructions above. With some effort, unblocking can be the first step to reconnecting and moving forward with an important person in your life.
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