WhatsApp is making it easier to block people – how to tell if you’ve been blocked
WHATSAPP is making it a whole lot easier to block random people who try to message you.
Unsolicited texts from those you don't know can be annoying - and sometimes it's spam too.
WhatsApp has always allowed you to block anyone you like.
But a feature currently in development will make it even easier to keep them out.
According to a leaked screenshot obtained by , you may no longer have to go through various steps in WhatsApp itself to block someone.
Instead you'll be able to do it in one tap.
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A new block option will appear in the popup that appears whenever a new person or business messages you.
So, if you don't recognise the number, you can instantly send them packing.
The revamped notification also has buttons to either reply or mute the unknown and untrusted contact.
It won't appear on every alert you receive from known friends and family - otherwise you may accidentally tap block on them.
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How to tell if someone has blocked you
If you're on the receiving end of being blocked it can be hard to tell initially.
There is no notification or alert to let you know it's happened.
But there are a few well-known telltale signs.
If you have been blocked, you'll no longer be able to see the other person's "Last seen" indicator, or the contact's online status in the chat window.
There are other reasons why this might happen, so it doesn't necessarily mean you've been blocked.
Comparing how their profile appears with another person's handset may give you an indication.
When you send messages to someone who has blocked you, they will be marked as sent - but not delivered, and any calls you make won't go through.
Though this can also be caused by a person simply having no internet connection.
Again, checking your sent-message status against another person who has also sent a message to the contact is an easy way to check.
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