How to See Blocked Messages on WhatsApp: Complete Guide with Recovery Methods

Introduction

Blocking someone on WhatsApp is a common feature that helps protect your privacy and peace of mind. But many users often wonder: “Can I see blocked messages on WhatsApp?” or “What happens to my chat history when I block someone?”

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about blocked messages on WhatsApp. We’ll explain what happens when you block or get blocked, how to retrieve older messages, and the different recovery methods available with or without backups. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what’s possible—and what isn’t—when it comes to blocked chats.

Can You See Blocked Messages on WhatsApp?

The short and straightforward answer is no. Once you block someone, any new messages they send will never reach your phone. WhatsApp doesn’t store them in the background, and they won’t magically appear if you unblock the person later.

• If you block someone: You won’t receive their new messages, calls, or status updates.
• If someone blocks you: You won’t be able to send them messages, see their profile picture updates, or view their online status.
• Group chats exception: If you share a group with a blocked contact, you’ll still see their messages inside that group. Blocking only affects private one-on-one chats.

Important Note: Blocking does not delete your existing chat history. You can still read old conversations that happened before the block.

What Happens When You Block Someone on WhatsApp?

Blocking changes the way you interact with a contact:

• You stop receiving messages, calls, and status updates from them.
• They can no longer see your last seen, online status, or profile picture updates.
• Your previous chat history remains intact in your chat list.
• Any messages sent after the block will never be delivered, even if you unblock later.
• In group chats, both parties can still see and respond to each other’s messages.

Blocking is essentially a privacy wall—it prevents new communication but doesn’t erase the past.

How to Retrieve Blocked Messages on WhatsApp

While you can’t see new messages from a blocked contact, you can still access older ones. Here are several methods:

1. Retrieve Blocked Messages via Chat Backup

If you regularly back up your WhatsApp chats, you can restore messages that were sent before you blocked the contact.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > App Management > WhatsApp.
2. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
3. Sign in with the same phone number.
4. Tap Restore when prompted.
5. Select the backup file and restore all messages.

Only messages saved before the block will reappear.

2. Retrieve Blocked Messages from Archived Chats

Sometimes blocked chats are archived instead of deleted.

Steps:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Scroll to the top of your chat list.
3. Tap Archived Chats.
4. Find the blocked chat and Unarchive it.

This method works only if you archived the chat earlier.

3. Retrieve Blocked Messages via Google Backup (Android)

For Android users, Google Drive backups can restore blocked chats.

Steps:

1. Check the backup date under Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
2. Uninstall WhatsApp.
3. Reinstall and sign in with the same Google account.
4. Tap Restore during setup.

4. Retrieve Blocked Messages via iCloud (iPhone)

iPhone users can rely on iCloud backups.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
2. Verify the backup date and size.
3. Uninstall WhatsApp.
4. Reinstall and log in with the same number.
5. Select Restore Chat History.

5. Retrieve Blocked Messages via iTunes (iPhone Alternative)

Another option for iPhone users is restoring via iTunes.

Steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes and select your device.
3. Click Restore Backup.
4. Choose a backup created before blocking the contact.

Warning: This will replace all current data with the older backup.

How to Retrieve Blocked Messages Without Backup

If you don’t have backups, you can use third-party apps like PhoneParental Parental Control.

• This app mirrors WhatsApp activity in real time.
• It captures messages—even those from blocked contacts—without relying on backups.
• Originally designed for parental monitoring, it can also serve as a permanent chat record.

Use responsibly and only for your own account or with consent.

FAQs About Blocked Messages on WhatsApp

Q1: Why can someone I blocked still see my messages in a group chat? Because blocking only applies to private chats. In groups, everyone can still see messages.

Q2: If someone blocked me and I react to their old message, will they know? No. Once blocked, they won’t receive any notifications from you.

Q3: Can I see messages from someone I blocked? Yes, but only in group chats. Private messages won’t come through.

Q4: Do blocked messages get stored anywhere secretly? No. WhatsApp doesn’t store or deliver blocked messages later.

Q5: Can I recover blocked messages without backups? Yes, with third-party apps like PhoneParental, but only for messages synced before deletion.

Conclusion

Blocked messages on WhatsApp are permanently inaccessible once the block is in place. However, you can still retrieve older chats through backups, archived folders, or third-party apps. Blocking doesn’t erase history—it simply prevents new communication.

By understanding how WhatsApp handles blocked messages, you can better manage your privacy while still keeping track of important conversations.