Are you tired of getting messages from someone on Messenger but don’t want to block them completely? Restricting someone on Messenger is a handy feature that lets you control who can contact you without making it obvious to the other person. In just a few easy steps, you can restrict someone and take back your messaging peace.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Restrict Someone in Messenger
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what happens when you restrict someone in Messenger. Essentially, it’s like putting them on a silent mode. They can still send you messages, but those messages will go to your Message Requests inbox, and you won’t receive any notifications. They won’t be able to see when you’re active or if you’ve read their messages.
Step 1: Open the conversation with the person you want to restrict
Once you’ve opened Messenger, find the conversation with the person you wish to restrict. This can be done by scrolling through your recent chats or using the search bar at the top.
Restricting someone is a discreet way of managing your conversations. They won’t know that they’ve been restricted, and it allows you to control your interaction with them without any awkwardness.
Step 2: Tap on the person’s name at the top of the conversation
After opening the conversation, tap on the person’s name at the top of the screen. This will lead you to their profile details within Messenger.
This step is crucial because it gives you access to more settings and options related to your interaction with the person, including the restrict option.
Step 3: Select “Restrict” from the list of options
Scroll through the list of options until you find “Restrict” and select it. It’s important to note that this option may be located under different sections like “Privacy” or “More Actions,” depending on your app version.
Choosing to restrict someone should always be done thoughtfully, as it changes how you both will interact on the platform.
After you’ve completed these steps, the person you’ve restricted will be moved to your Restricted Accounts list. They will still be able to send you messages, but those messages will be moved to your Message Requests folder, and you won’t get any notifications for them. Plus, they won’t be able to see your active status or whether you’ve read their messages.
Tips on How to Restrict Someone in Messenger
- Remember that restricting is different from blocking; the person can still send you messages, but you won’t be disturbed by them.
- You can always unrestrict someone if you change your mind at a later time.
- Restricting someone does not remove them as a friend or contact on Facebook.
- If you’re receiving unwanted messages from someone, try restricting them before deciding to block them.
- Consider using the restrict feature for people you know but don’t interact with regularly to keep your inbox focused on close friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between blocking and restricting on Messenger?
Blocking someone prevents them from messaging you altogether, while restricting simply moves their messages to the Message Requests inbox without notifications.
Can the person I restrict know that they are restricted?
No, Messenger does not notify the other person that they have been restricted.
Will restricting someone on Messenger restrict them on Facebook as well?
No, restricting someone on Messenger only affects your interactions within the Messenger platform.
Can I still see messages from someone I’ve restricted?
Yes, you can still see their messages in your Message Requests inbox, but you will not receive notifications for them.
How do I unrestrict someone on Messenger?
To unrestrict someone, go to your Restricted Accounts list, find their name, and select “Unrestrict.”
Summary
- Open the conversation with the person you want to restrict.
- Tap on the person’s name at the top of the conversation.
- Select “Restrict” from the list of options.
Conclusion
Understanding how to restrict someone in messenger can significantly improve your messaging experience. It offers a middle ground between keeping someone in your contacts and blocking them completely, giving you control over your interactions without hurting anyone’s feelings. Whether it’s an acquaintance who’s a little too chatty or a distant relative whose messages you’d rather not see every day, restricting them allows you to maintain a digital boundary comfortably. Remember, it’s all about creating a healthier and more enjoyable social media environment for yourself. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how it simplifies your digital life.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.