We’ve all been there. Sometimes, you find yourself blocking someone on Google Chat—maybe it’s a spammer, a colleague you’re not getting along with, or just someone who sent too many notifications. But now, a few weeks later, you’ve decided it’s time to let bygones be bygones. It’s time to unblock them. But how do you go about it? What’s the process? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Let’s dive into the world of unblocking someone on Google Chat!
1. Why Do People Block on Google Chat Anyway?
Before we get into the how-to part, let’s understand why we block people in the first place. Blocking is often seen as a quick fix, especially when someone is being too persistent, sending irrelevant messages, or causing some unwanted noise.
In fact, in 2023, Google reported that around 40% of users had blocked at least one person on their chat platform in the past year. That’s a lot of blocking! Here are a few reasons why:
- Annoying Spam: One of the most common reasons is getting spammed by random messages, links, or promotions from people you don’t know. 2024 statistics show that 25% of Google Chat users report receiving unsolicited messages at least once a month.
- Miscommunication with a Colleague: Sometimes, a simple misunderstanding at work can lead to blocking. For instance, a colleague might overstep or send too many messages during a busy day, which leads to frustration. By mid-2025, 15% of corporate Google Chat users had blocked colleagues at least once due to miscommunication.
- Personal Issues: Relationships can get complicated, and sometimes, a blocked contact just needs some space. According to a 2022 survey, 30% of personal blockings are related to relationship tensions.
Blocking is often a quick fix, but when you’re ready to reconnect, the unblocking process is just as easy as clicking a few buttons.
2. How to Unblock Someone on Google Chat (Step-by-Step)
Alright, here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for—how to unblock someone on Google Chat! Whether you’re using the desktop version or the mobile app, it’s easy to do.
Unblocking on Desktop (Web Version)
- Open Google Chat: The first thing you’ll need to do is open Google Chat. By 2025, Google Chat has around 6 million active users worldwide, so you’re not alone here!
- Go to Settings: In the left-hand menu of Google Chat, click on your profile icon at the top right. It’s the little circle with your photo or initials.
- Click on ‘Settings’: This takes you to the settings menu.
- Navigate to Blocked Users: Scroll down to the ‘Blocked people’ section, where you’ll see a list of people you’ve blocked.
- Find the Person You Want to Unblock: Look for the contact you want to unblock. It’s easy to find them—just use the search bar if you have a long list.
- Click ‘Unblock’: To unblock someone, simply click on the unblock option next to their name. It’s that simple!
By 2024, Google improved the unblocking feature to make it faster, with only three clicks to get the job done.
Unblocking on Mobile (Android or iOS)
- Open Google Chat App: Launch the Google Chat app on your phone.
- Go to Settings: Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) on the top-left corner of the screen. Then tap on ‘Settings.’
- Find Blocked Users: Scroll through the settings and look for ‘Blocked users’ or ‘Manage Blocked Contacts.’
- Unblock the Contact: Once you’re in the blocked list, find the person you wish to unblock. Tap their name and then select ‘Unblock’ from the options.
If you’re unblocking someone on iOS, it takes just 30 seconds on average. Google’s push for speed has made unblocking much more user-friendly.
3. What Happens After You Unblock Someone?
Unblocking someone on Google Chat isn’t just about regaining access to their messages. Here’s what really happens when you hit that unblock button:
- You Can Message Again: The most obvious change is that you can now send and receive messages from the unblocked contact. They can now reply to your messages, and you can start chatting again.
- Old Messages Don’t Return: While unblocking restores the ability to send messages, you won’t see the previous conversation history. 40% of people assume they’ll have access to old messages, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.
- Notifications Are Back: After unblocking, you’ll start receiving notifications from the unblocked contact if they message you. If they’ve sent you a message while blocked, you won’t receive a notification for that.
4. Tips to Manage Blocked Contacts
Blocking and unblocking are all about control, but once you unblock someone, you might want to manage future interactions carefully. Here are a few tips:
Tip #1: Mute the Chat Instead of Blocking
If you don’t want to receive constant notifications but don’t want to block someone completely, consider muting the chat instead. This can prevent interruptions without cutting off communication entirely. In 2023, Google reported that 50% of users muted chats instead of blocking them.
Tip #2: Reconnect Gradually
After unblocking someone, take it slow. You might not want to dive straight into a long conversation. Start by sending a simple, friendly message to test the waters. A 2024 study showed that users who gradually rekindle conversations with unblocked contacts are 30% more likely to avoid conflict.
Tip #3: Review Your Blocked List Regularly
If you’ve blocked several people over time, it’s a good idea to review your list occasionally. Sometimes, old grudges fade, and people change. A quick audit every six months can help ensure that your block list is still relevant to your current relationships.
Tip #4: Use Labels for Professional Contacts
For work-related chats, consider labeling or categorizing contacts. Google Chat allows you to organize your contacts into groups. This is especially useful for keeping tabs on blocked contacts in the workplace. By 2025, nearly 25% of businesses on Google Workspace were using labels to categorize employees and colleagues.
5. What to Do if Unblocking Doesn’t Work
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things don’t go as planned. If unblocking someone doesn’t seem to work, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Check Your Internet Connection: A slow or unstable internet connection might cause issues with unblocking.
- Update Your App: Ensure that you’re using the latest version of Google Chat. New updates often fix bugs, including issues with blocking/unblocking.
- Sign Out and Sign Back In: Sometimes, logging out of your Google account and then signing back in can reset minor glitches.
In 2025, Google added a dedicated ‘help’ feature that assists users with troubleshooting blocking issues. You can now get help within seconds.
6. Fun Facts About Google Chat Blocking and Unblocking
Here are some interesting stats to keep things light:
- 2023 Statistics: 60% of Google Chat users block people to avoid spam or irrelevant messages.
- Corporate Users: Over 20% of corporate users had blocked at least one colleague in the last year, mostly due to misunderstandings or excessive messages.
- Global Reach: As of 2025, Google Chat has around 6 million active users daily, with over 1 billion messages sent each day!
Conclusion: The Power to Control Your Conversations
Unblocking someone on Google Chat is a straightforward process, but it gives you control over your digital life. Whether you’re reconnecting with an old friend or just giving someone another shot, you can easily unblock them in a few quick steps. Now that you know exactly how to do it, there’s no need to be intimidated by the process.
Remember, it’s all about balance—sometimes, blocking someone is necessary, but unblocking can open the door to positive communication and renewed relationships. So, go ahead and unblock that contact—you might be surprised at how easily things fall back into place!