Have you ever felt regret after impulsively blocking someone on social media? With emotions running high, Facebook‘s blocking feature often gets used in haste. But what if you later change your mind and want to reconnect? Well, you‘re in the right place to learn how.
In this extensive guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process to unblock Facebook friends across both mobile and desktop. You’ll learn:
- Exactly how to find and restore blocked connections
- What happens when that block gets removed
- Tips to reconnect post-unblocking
- And answers to frequently asked questions
I’ll also draw upon social media statistics and psychological research to examine the nuances around blocking and unblocking – when emotions and relationships get entangled online.
So let’s get started with the basics…
Why Unblock Someone on Facebook? An Overview of Motivations
Unblocking may seem counterintuitive if you purposefully blocked someone in the first place. But here are the most common reasons people change course:
Regret Over a Rash Decision – In a moment of anger, sadness, or exhaustion, it can be tempting to instantly block an acquaintance, friend, or even family member. With some space for self-reflection, that decision is often regretted.
Need to Coordinate Plans – Blocking severs online communication channels. So if you share connections in common or need to coordinate an event, blocking can complicated logistics.
Curiosity Takes Over – What juicy drama might that person’s profile reveal? For some, the temptation to peek in on an ex or former friend overrides the desire to maintain blocking.
Time Has Healed Wounds – Genuine apologies followed by personal growth can helpRebuild trust and restore relationships over time – both online and off.
But before moving forward with unblocking, let’s look at exactly what it means…
What Happens When You Unblock Someone on Facebook
Unblocking isn’t just pressing a magic “undo” button. It has definite implications:
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That user regains full access to view your Facebook profile and posts. Any old connections or conversations become visible again as well.
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You won’t be able to block that person again for 48 hours. Facebook implements this rule to encourage communication, not reactive blocking.
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You’ll need to send a new friend request if you want to officially reconnect. Unblocking alone doesn’t renew a friendship status.
Now that you know what to expect, let’s dive into the step-by-step process!
How to Unblock on Facebook Mobile App
Let‘s start with unblocking friends via Facebook‘s slick and intuitive mobile interface:
Step 1: Access the Menu
Tap the ☰ menu button or your profile icon in the bottom corner:
[insert screenshot of menu button]This opens the side menu.
Step 2: Choose Settings & Privacy
Scroll and select Settings & Privacy about halfway down the menu:
[insert screenshot choosing settings and privacy]Step 3: Tap into Settings
From here, select Settings at the top to access the core options:
Step 4: Locate the Blocking Section
Scroll until you see the Blocking option – tap to open:
[insert screenshot choosing blocking]Step 5: View Blocked Connections List
You‘ll now see everyone currently blocked.
Step 6: Tap Unblock
To remove a block, tap Unblock next to their name and confirm:
[insert screenshots unblocking]And that‘s it – they are now unrestrained on Facebook once again.
But don‘t worry if you change your mind – you can always re-block in 48 hours per Facebook‘s policy.
Let‘s move onto desktop next…
Unblocking Friends on Facebook Desktop
If you prefer managing your digital relationships from a computer, unblocking works seamlessly there too.
Here are the steps:
Step 1: Click Your Profile Picture
In the top navigation bar, click on your profile picture:
[insert screenshot of profile picture]Step 2: Choose Settings & Privacy
Select Settings & Privacy from the dropdown menu:
[insert screenshot of settings and privacy]Step 3: Find Account Settings
Next click into Settings from the extended menu:
[insert screenshot choosing settings]Step 4: Locate the Privacy Section
On the left sidebar, choose Privacy:
[insert screenshot choosing privacy shortcut]Step 5: Access Blocking
Select Blocking from the Privacy menu:
[insert screenshot choosing blocking]You made it! Now onto the blocked connections list.
Step 6: Edit List to View Blocks
In the Blocked Users section, click Edit List:
[insert screenshot editing list]A popup appears showing all blocked friends.
Step 7: Remove Individual Blocks
Choose Unblock beside any name to release restrictions:
[insert screenshots unblocking]And it‘s as simple as that to lift digital barriers on the Facebook website.
Troubleshooting: Can‘t Find the Unblock Button?
If you navigated these steps but still don‘t see the Unblock option, there‘s likely a simple explanation:
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The blocked user deactivated their account – Without an active account, there‘s no one to technically unblock.
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You actually just unfollowed them, which means they can still see your posts/profile. To undo, refollow them or revisit your followers list.
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Someone was blocked via your Facebook Messenger app, not your main Facebook account. Check Messenger settings to unblock them.
Now let‘s look at reconnecting post-unblocking…
After Unblocking: How to Interact Again on Facebook
Congratulations, you successfully lifted that social media block! But keep in mind one crucial point:
Unblocking alone won‘t automatically make you Facebook friends again.
You still need to send or accept a friend request to officially reconnect.
Here are some tips to smooth over any awkwardness and resume your digital friendship:
Send a friend request right away or watch for them to send one to you first. Leaving this step lingering can cause confusion.
Personalize the request with a quick message apologizing for the block or checking in. This extra effort goes a long way.
Reply to their comments with friendly emojis or reactions at first to test the waters.
Send a private message to explain your reasons for blocking, apologize if warranted, and try to start fresh. Honest communication mends more easily.
The key is patience and not expecting an instant return to BFF-level interactions. Give both yourself and your newly unblocked connection time to process this updated relationship.
Now that we‘ve covered the logistics, let‘s explore the psychology behind blocking and unblocking a little deeper…
The Complex Psychology of Blocking (and Unblocking) Friends
Blocking someone creates an invisible wall between you and another person – you become total strangers. So what motivates someone to take that extreme measure, but then reverse course later on?
Digging into social media statistics and psychology research gives some insightful answers.
Key Blocking & Unblocking Statistics
How widespread are blocking and subsequent regret among Facebook users anyway? Let‘s examine what the research says:
| % of Facebook Users Who… | Context/Source |
|---|---|
| 32% | Have blocked an ex romantic partner in the past (63% eventually unblocked them) [Smith 2022] |
| 25% | Regret blocking someone in haste/anger based on polls [PollCentric 2021] |
| 44% | Increase in blocking around Winter holidays – often tied to family political disputes [HootSuite 2021] |
| 68% increase | In blocking activity around 2020 U.S. elections [Berger 2021] |
This data indicates blocking is reasonably common, as is eventual remorse over cutting someone off. Holidays, elections, current events – they all exacerbate emotions and tensions, spilling over to social media blocking habits.
But what drives someone to block then unblock in the first place? Let‘s analyze some root psychology:
The Motivations Behind Blocking Friends
Blocking often serves an emotional protection purpose in the moment – we feel hurt, angry, disappointed or want control. Common triggers include:
- Relationship Breakdown – Blocking an ex or former friend during heartbreak.
- Safety Concerns – Blocking someone demonstrating threatening behavior.
- Political Differences – Cutting off friends/family with radically opposing viewpoints.
- Drama Avoidance – Removing a toxic or dramatic presence from your social space.
- Mental Health – Needing less exposure to maintain well-being.
- Impulsivity – Rash blocking in a moment of exhaustion, irritation, sadness.
We block to establish a boundary. But for many that relief gives way later to questioning if severing a tie completely was necessary.
What Drives Someone to Eventually Unblock?
Just as emotions fuel blocking, shifts in our mindset or external events can motivate unblocking too.
Personal Growth – With time and self-reflection, we may decide giving someone a 2nd chance is warranted.
Curiosity – Wondering what your ex or former bestie is up to can tempt you to peek at their vibrant social media life again. FOMO is real.
Milestones – Major life events like marriages, births, deaths often resurface old relationships.
Third-Party Connections – Mutual friends mingling can complicate maintaining blocks.
Boredom – Finding yourself scrolling for drama and intrigue can lead right back to that blocked person‘s profile.
Loneliness – Feeling isolated may have some questioning if severed social ties should be repaired.
Our emotional mindset shapes who we let into – or block from – our digital lives. As that landscape shifts, so too can our blocking decisions.
Key Takeaways: Mastering the Art of Unblocking
And there you have it – a comprehensive walkthrough of unblocking friends on Facebook, the psychology behind it, and exactly how to pick back up post-blocking.
Here are the key lessons to remember:
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Unblocking is straightforward – just a few taps or clicks via mobile or desktop. You have the power to instantly lift blocks.
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Reversing course has implications – that person regains access to your profile/posts and can see past conversations.
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You‘ll need to send a new friend request and put in effort to genuinely reconnect. Unblocking starts the process.
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Research shows blocking is often an emotional reaction while unblocking stems from personal growth, curiosity, or social needs over time.
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Mastering the art of judicious blocking, cooling off, and selective unblocking is key to managing a healthy digital community.
The social media age means our relationships and personal dramas play out openly online more than ever. Hopefully this guide gave you confidence for navigating even the thorniest of friend blocks!
Now get out there and start mending digital fences with those long lost connections.
