Does blocking someone on Instagram delete the messages? In the age of instant messaging and social media boundaries, blocking someone on Instagram can feel like drawing a digital line in the sand.
But once you hit that block button, what really happens to your past conversations?
Does blocking someone on Instagram delete the messages you’ve exchanged, or do they linger in chat history like digital echoes?
In this 2025 guide, we break down exactly what happens to messages, DMs, and more when you block someone, so you can manage your privacy with confidence.
Does Blocking Someone on Instagram Delete Messages?
Short answer: No, blocking someone on Instagram does not delete your existing messages. Many users assume that blocking wipes out past conversations, but that’s not the case.
Your old DMs remain visible in both inboxes. What does change is communication going forward: once blocked, neither person can send new messages to the other.
And even if you unblock them later, any messages sent during the blocked period won’t be delivered.
How Blocking Someone on Instagram Affects Mutual Group Chats
Blocking someone on Instagram doesn’t automatically remove them from group chats you both share. Instead, Instagram gives you the option to decide how you want to handle the situation.
You can choose to stay in the mutual group, allowing you to continue seeing their messages within that specific chat, even though direct communication between the two of you remains blocked.
On the other hand, if you prefer not to see them at all, you have the option to leave the group entirely.
It’s also worth noting that while the blocked user can still participate in the group conversation if you remain, their access to features involving you becomes limited.
For instance, they won’t be able to join any rooms you create or interact with you in any private setting tied to that group. Instagram strikes a balance between protecting your privacy and maintaining the integrity of shared spaces.
Also read: How to Know If Someone Blocked You on Instagram?
Strategic Blocking Measures
Instagram also provides an extra layer of protection by giving you the option to block not just the current account, but any new accounts the person might create in the future.
This helps prevent them from reconnecting with you under different usernames.
If you choose not to enable this feature, you’ll need to manually block any new accounts they make.
Additionally, if your Instagram isn’t linked to Facebook through the Accounts Center, blocking someone on Instagram won’t affect how they can interact with you on Facebook.
To fully block someone across both platforms, you’ll need to go into your Facebook settings and block them separately.
Blocking on Instagram: What It Means for Likes, Comments, Tags, and Mentions
When you block someone on Instagram, all of their likes and comments on your posts are automatically removed, and they won’t return, even if you decide to unblock them later.
This action is permanent, helping to maintain your personal space.
Interestingly, blocking doesn’t completely erase your digital footprint from their view. While your profile becomes invisible to the blocked user, they can still see any likes or comments you’ve made on public posts or accounts you both follow.
In addition, the blocked person loses the ability to tag or mention you in new posts, comments, or stories. And here’s a privacy tip:
If you change your username after blocking them, they won’t be able to tag or mention your account again, unless they somehow discover your new handle.
Updating your username can serve as an added layer of privacy if you’re aiming to stay under the radar.
Instagram Blocking & Messages: Here’s What It All Means
In short, blocking someone on Instagram doesn’t erase your shared history, but it does put a stop to any future interactions. Your previous messages remain visible in the chat, but communication is cut off, creating a pause rather than a complete erasure.
However, the story is different when it comes to likes and comments. These are permanently removed from your content once the block is in place.
The same goes for mentions and tags, blocking creates a digital wall that prevents the other person from tagging or mentioning you in any new posts or comments going forward.
❓ FAQs: Does blocking someone on Instagram delete the messages?
Now that we’ve cleared up the main question, whether blocking someone on Instagram deletes messages, let’s dive into some other frequently asked questions.
These will help you better understand how blocking affects other aspects of your Instagram experience.
1. Does blocking someone on Instagram delete our previous messages?
No, blocking someone does not delete past direct messages. Both you and the blocked user can still see the old messages in your respective chat histories.
2. When Does Someone Become an “Instagram User” in DMs?
When someone blocks you on Instagram, they appear as “Instagram User” in your Direct Messages.
3. Can a blocked user send me messages?
No. Once blocked, the person can no longer send you messages. If they try, the message won’t be delivered.
4. What happens to messages sent during the time someone is blocked?
Messages sent while the person is blocked will not go through—even if you later unblock them. These messages are lost.
5. What Is the Difference Between Restrict and Block Options on Instagram?
On Instagram, restricting and blocking are two different actions with distinct implications:
1. Blocking:
_Blocking someone on Instagram restricts their access to your entire profile, including your posts, stories, and personal information.
_Once blocked, they can no longer send you direct messages, and any comments they’ve left on your posts will be hidden from your view.
_Instagram doesn’t notify users when they’ve been blocked, but they may suspect it after noticing they can’t find your profile or interact with your content.
2. Restricting:
– When you restrict someone, they can still see your posts and stories, but their comments on your posts are visible only to them unless you approve them.
– Direct messages from a restricted user go to your message requests, and they won’t be notified when you’ve read their message.
– Their activity status won’t be visible to you, and they won’t know when you are online.
In essence, blocking is a more severe action, completely cutting off someone’s access to your content and communication. Restricting, on the other hand, allows a level of interaction but with added controls over comments and message visibility.
6. Will I still see a blocked person’s messages in group chats?
Yes, if you share a group chat, you’ll still see their messages unless you choose to leave the group. However, they won’t be able to interact with you directly within the group.
7. Can I delete all messages from a blocked person?
You can manually delete your conversation with the blocked user, but blocking alone doesn’t remove the chat.
8. What if I unblock the person later, will our chat be restored?
If you didn’t delete the conversation, it will still be there when you unblock them. But messages sent during the block period won’t be retrieved.