Greetings to our readers! In this article, we will be discussing how to block a contact on Mac in detail. Mac is a popular computer operating system used worldwide, and sometimes, there may be certain people who we do not wish to contact us. In such situations, it is essential to know how to block someone on Mac. In the following sections, we will be providing 12 simple steps that you can follow to block a contact on Mac, followed by an explanation of each step. Additionally, we will also share some tips and tricks that you can keep in mind to ensure that the process of blocking someone on Mac is seamless and hassle-free.
Steps to Block a Contact on Mac
Step 1: Open the Messages app
The first step to blocking a contact on Mac is to open the Messages app, which is a default app on Mac. You can find this app in the Dock or by searching for it in the Applications folder.
Step 2: Select the contact you want to block
Next, select the contact that you want to block from your list of messages. Once you have selected the contact, you will be able to view your conversation history with them.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Details’ button
Once you have selected the contact, click on the ‘Details’ button to view more information about the contact. This button is usually located in the upper-right corner of the conversation window.
Step 4: Click on ‘Block this caller’
After clicking on the ‘Details’ button, a drop-down menu will appear. Here, you will find the option to ‘Block this caller’. Click on this option to proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Confirm the action
Once you have clicked on ‘Block this caller’, a confirmation prompt will be displayed. Click on the ‘Block’ button to proceed with blocking the contact.
Step 6: Block the contact on Facetime (optional)
If you have the contact saved on Facetime, you may also need to block them on this app. To do so, open Facetime, go to the ‘Menu’ option, and select ‘Preferences’. From here, select the ‘Blocked’ tab and click on the ‘+’ button to add the contact to your blocked list.
Step 7: Block the contact on iCloud (optional)
If your contact is saved on iCloud, you may also need to block them on this platform. To do so, log in to iCloud.com, go to ‘Settings’, and select ‘Blocked’. From here, you can add the contact to your blocked list.
Step 8: Turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ (optional)
If you still receive notifications from the blocked contact, you can turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode to prevent any notifications from appearing. To turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’, click on the ‘Notifications’ icon in the menu bar, select ‘Do Not Disturb’, and choose the duration for which you want to enable this mode.
Step 9: Remove the contact from your contacts list (optional)
If you no longer wish to see the contact’s name in your contacts list, you can also remove them from your list of contacts. To do so, go to the Contacts app, select the contact, and click on the ‘Edit’ button. From here, you can click on ‘Delete Contact’ to remove them from your list.
Step 10: Delete the conversation history (optional)
If you do not want to view your conversation history with the blocked contact, you can also delete the conversation. To do so, right-click on the conversation, click on ‘Delete Conversation’, and confirm the action.
Step 11: Unblock the contact (optional)
If you wish to unblock the contact in the future, you can do so by going to the ‘Blocked’ tab on your Facetime, iCloud, or Messages app and removing them from the list of blocked contacts.
Step 12: Restart your Mac (optional)
If you are still facing issues with the blocked contact, you can try restarting your Mac to resolve the issue. To restart your Mac, click on the ‘Apple’ icon, select ‘Restart’, and confirm the action.
Explanation of Each Step
Now that we have outlined the steps required to block someone on Mac, let us take a closer look at each step to understand the process better.
Step 1: Open the Messages app
The Messages app is a default app on Mac that allows you to send and receive messages, photos, and videos using Apple’s iMessage or SMS service. It is also the app that you need to use to block a contact on Mac.
Step 2: Select the contact you want to block
Once you have opened the Messages app, you need to select the contact that you want to block. You can do this by clicking on the contact’s name in your list of messages or by searching for them in the search box.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Details’ button
After selecting the contact, click on the ‘Details’ button to view more information about the contact. This button is usually located in the upper-right corner of the conversation window.
Step 4: Click on ‘Block this caller’
Here, you will find the option to ‘Block this caller’. Click on this option to proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Confirm the action
Once you have clicked on ‘Block this caller’, a confirmation prompt will be displayed. Click on the ‘Block’ button to proceed with blocking the contact.
Step 6: Block the contact on Facetime (optional)
If you have the contact saved on Facetime, you may also need to block them on this app to ensure that they cannot contact you through Facetime.
Step 7: Block the contact on iCloud (optional)
If your contact is saved on iCloud, you may also need to block them on this platform to ensure that they cannot contact you through iCloud.
Step 8: Turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ (optional)
If you still receive notifications from the blocked contact, you can turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode to prevent any notifications from appearing.
Step 9: Remove the contact from your contacts list (optional)
If you no longer wish to see the contact’s name in your contacts list, you can also remove them from your list of contacts.
Step 10: Delete the conversation history (optional)
If you do not want to view your conversation history with the blocked contact, you can also delete the conversation.
Step 11: Unblock the contact (optional)
If you wish to unblock the contact in the future, you can do so by going to the ‘Blocked’ tab on your Facetime, iCloud, or Messages app and removing them from the list of blocked contacts.
Step 12: Restart your Mac (optional)
If you are still facing issues with the blocked contact, you can try restarting your Mac to resolve the issue.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Use a third-party app
If you are still receiving unwanted messages or calls from a contact, you can consider using a third-party app such as ‘Block Caller’ to block them effectively.
Tip 2: Contact your service provider
If you are receiving unwanted messages or calls from an unknown number, you can contact your service provider to block the number.
Tip 3: Enable ‘Filter unknown senders’
You can enable ‘Filter unknown senders’ mode on Mac to filter out messages from unknown senders automatically.
Tip 4: Create a separate group for blocked contacts
You can create a separate group for blocked contacts to ensure that they do not clutter your messages list.
Tip 5: Keep your contact list updated
Keeping your contact list updated can help you avoid unwanted messages or calls from unknown contacts.
Tip 6: Use parental control settings
You can use parental control settings on Mac to block specific websites, apps, or contacts for your children.
Tip 7: Disable messages temporarily
You can disable your messages temporarily to avoid receiving any unwanted messages or calls.
Tip 8: Use a spam blocker app
You can use a spam blocker app on Mac to block unwanted messages or calls from unknown numbers.
Tip 9: Keep your Mac updated
Keeping your Mac updated can help you avoid security vulnerabilities and potential threats from unknown contacts.
Tip 10: Block through settings
If you are still unable to block the contact, you can try blocking them through your settings.
With these simple steps and tips, you should be able to block a contact on Mac without any hassle. Remember to follow each step carefully, and keep these tips in mind to ensure that the process is smooth and seamless. Happy blocking!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Blocking a Contact on Mac
Advantages
1. Privacy Protection: By blocking a contact on Mac, you can ensure that the person cannot disturb you with unwanted messages, calls, or emails. This helps you maintain your privacy and avoid unnecessary distractions.
2. Avoid Harassment: If someone is spamming you or sending you threatening messages, blocking them is the best way to protect yourself from harassment.
3. Peace of Mind: By blocking unwanted contacts, you can enjoy peace of mind and use your Mac without any interruptions.
4. Control Over Your Communication: By blocking someone, you get to decide who can and cannot communicate with you. This gives you more control over your communication and helps you avoid unwanted interactions.
5. Efficient Communication: Once you block a contact, you will no longer receive any messages, calls, or emails from them. This helps you focus on more important tasks and communicate more efficiently.
6. Keep Important Conversations Private: If you have important conversations with certain contacts, you can block others to ensure that they do not see or interfere with your communication.
7. Better Mental Health: By blocking toxic or negative contacts, you can protect your mental health and avoid unnecessary stress.
8. Safer Online Experience: If you block spam or phishing emails, you can protect yourself from online scams and keep your personal information safe.
9. Conserves Battery Life: Blocking a contact can also conserve your Mac’s battery life since you won’t receive notifications or calls from them.
10. You can always unblock them later: If you change your mind, you can always unblock the contact and resume communication.
Disadvantages
1. Missed Opportunities: By blocking someone, you might miss out on important updates, invitations, or opportunities.
2. Unresolved Conflict: If you block someone instead of addressing the issue, you might not resolve the conflict or misunderstandings between you two.
3. Burning Bridges: By blocking someone, you might damage the relationship or burn bridges that you might need in the future.
4. Escalation of Conflict: If the blocked contact doesn’t know why they were blocked, they might become even more aggressive or hostile towards you.
5. Isolation: By blocking too many people, you might isolate yourself from potential friends or future opportunities.
6. Guilty Conscience: You might feel guilty or remorseful for blocking someone, especially if they didn’t do anything wrong.
7. False Security: Blocking someone on Mac doesn’t mean that they cannot contact you through other channels, such as social media or phone calls.
8. Inconvenient: If you need to communicate with the blocked contact for work or personal reasons, you might need to unblock them or use another device.
9. Time-Consuming: If you have a lot of unwanted contacts, blocking each one of them can be time-consuming and tedious.
10. Limited Control: Blocking someone on Mac doesn’t guarantee that you will never receive unwanted messages, calls, or emails from them, especially if they use fake accounts or other tactics.
FAQ
1. How do I block a contact on my Mac?
To block a contact on your Mac, you have to go to the Messages app and click on the conversation with the contact you want to block. Then, click on “Details” in the top-right corner, and select “Block this Contact”.
2. What happens when I block a contact on my Mac?
When you block a contact on your Mac, you will no longer receive any messages or calls from them. They will not be notified that they have been blocked, and their messages will not be delivered to you. You will also not be able to see their status updates or make any contact with them.
3. Can a blocked contact still see me on their Mac?
No, a blocked contact will not be able to see you on their Mac. You will not appear on their contact list, and they will not be able to send you messages or make any communication with you.
4. Can I unblock a contact after blocking them on my Mac?
Yes, you can unblock a contact after blocking them on your Mac. To do this, you have to follow the same procedure of clicking on “Details” in the conversation, and then select “Unblock this Contact”.
5. Will I receive notifications from a blocked contact on my Mac?
No, you will not receive any notifications from a blocked contact on your Mac. Any call or message attempts from them will be blocked, and you will not be notified about them.
6. Can I block a contact from my Mac’s FaceTime app?
Yes, you can block a contact from your Mac’s FaceTime app. To do this, you have to go to the app and click on “Preferences” and then select “Blocked”. From there, you can add any contacts you want to block.
7. Will a blocked contact know that I have blocked them on my Mac?
No, a blocked contact will not know that you have blocked them on your Mac. They will not receive any notification or message about being blocked.
8. Can I still receive messages from a blocked contact if they use a different number or account on my Mac?
No, you will not receive any messages from a blocked contact even if they use a different number or account on your Mac. Blocking a contact will prevent any form of communication from them.
9. Can I block a contact on my Mac and still use iMessage?
Yes, you can still use iMessage after blocking a contact on your Mac. Blocking a contact will not affect your ability to use iMessage with other contacts or groups.
10. How do I know if a contact is blocked on my Mac?
To know if a contact is blocked on your Mac, you have to go to the Messages app and click on the conversation with the contact. If the text bubbles are colored in gray, it means the contact has been blocked.
11. Can I block a contact on my Mac and still see their previous messages?
Yes, you can still see the previous messages from a blocked contact on your Mac. However, you will not be able to receive any new messages or make any communication with them.
12. Will I still receive calls from a blocked contact on my Mac?
No, you will not receive any calls from a blocked contact on your Mac. Blocking a contact will prevent any form of communication from them, including calls.
13. Can I block multiple contacts at once on my Mac?
No, you cannot block multiple contacts at once on your Mac. You have to block them individually by going to each conversation and following the same blocking procedure.
How to Block a Contact on Mac
If you are someone who wants to keep their Mac device free from unwanted contacts, then you must know how to block a contact on your Mac. In this article, we will guide you through the steps that you can take to block any specific contact on your Mac device in a few simple clicks.
Conclusion
To conclude, blocking a contact on Mac is an easy and straightforward process. By following the steps that we have provided in this article, you can easily block any unwanted contact on your Mac device. If you ever change your mind and want to unblock any particular contact, you can follow the same steps and unblock them in a few clicks. We hope that this article has been helpful to you in learning how to block a contact on your Mac device and keep your inbox free from unwanted messages.
Thank you for reading this article. We hope you find it informative and helpful. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and will do our best to respond to your queries as soon as possible. Until next time, take care and happy blocking!