Yes, you can often stop someone from messaging you while remaining "friends" on platforms like Facebook by using a "Restrict" or "Mute" feature, which hides their messages and notifications without unfriending them, though a full "Block" usually unfriends them but keeps you connected in other ways (like in groups) on Facebook, while on Instagram, blocking messages means you won't see them but they still see your content unless fully blocked. The best method depends on the platform, but muting/restricting is key to keeping the friendship visible but private.
If you're Facebook friends, blocking them also unfriends them. Profiles won't be notified when you block them.
Ignoring their calls and texts is the best option without blocking. Sooner or later they will get the hint and will stop calling and texting.
You can tell if someone restricted you on Facebook by checking their profile for only public posts, comparing what you see with a mutual friend's view, or noticing missing Messenger features like delivery receipts or call rings, as there's no direct notification, but rather signs like seeing only public posts or messages stuck on "sent" instead of "delivered," notes wikiHow, YouTube, and YouTube.
Essentially, soft blocking resets the relationship, making you online strangers again. It works on most platforms with a follow system, like Instagram, Twitter (X), Facebook, and Tumblr.
The profile, Page or group you've snoozed won't know that they've been snoozed. You can only snooze someone from a post in your Feed.
You can tell if someone restricted you on Messenger by noticing key changes: their activity status disappears, messages only show as "Sent" (never "Delivered"), calls go unanswered (no ringing), profile photos might seem missing to you (though visible to others), and you can't see their read receipts or online status, but the crucial sign is they still see your messages (they just go to their Message Requests), unlike a block where messages don't deliver at all.
No, Facebook doesn't tell people that you've seen their profile.
Muting, hiding or restricting can provide good alternatives to blocking because abusers do not know that they've been muted, hidden, or restricted. Ultimately, only you can decide what feels right for you.
Make sure the person you're messaging hasn't deactivated or deleted their account. Make sure you haven't blocked the person you're messaging or they haven't blocked you. If you're replying to a group chat, make sure the other members haven't left the chat.
Blocking and Text Messaging
When a number is blocked, the blocked person can technically still send a text message to your phone number. However, the message will not be delivered to your SMS inbox. Instead, it will appear as though the message was sent, but you won't receive it.
Facebook doesn't let people track who views their profile. Third-party apps also can't provide this functionality.
We won't tell them that you restricted them. They won't be able to see when you're online or if you've read their messages. You also won't see when they're online. We'll let you know if you're about to enter a group chat with someone you restricted.
When you're restricted on Instagram, the following happens:
“It's a more subtle way to limit unwanted interactions without completely removing them from seeing your content,” says Day. “Unlike blocking someone on Instagram, the account you're restricting will not be aware,” so you can hopefully avoid unwanted interactions without breaking social media etiquette rules.
You can tell if someone restricted you on Facebook by checking their profile for only public posts, comparing what you see with a mutual friend's view, or noticing missing Messenger features like delivery receipts or call rings, as there's no direct notification, but rather signs like seeing only public posts or messages stuck on "sent" instead of "delivered," notes wikiHow, YouTube, and YouTube.
Facebook does not notify users when they're muted. You can't check muting status through settings—it's private. Muting is different from blocking (blocked users can't message you at all).
How do I “Take a Break” from someone on Facebook?
The Power of Control
Blocking someone allows a person to regain control over their interactions and creates a safe space free from unwanted engagement. According to psychological research, control is a basic human need. People derive a sense of security when they can dictate the terms of their digital interactions.
Tap Hide contact.
Hiding someone is not the same as blocking them. People you hide will not be notified and you will still be able to search for and chat with them. To unhide someone, visit your Messenger privacy settings and tap Hidden contacts.