Facebook’s friend request feature allows users to connect with each other on the platform. However, sometimes you may wish to block someone from being able to send you a friend request. There are a few different ways to do this on Facebook.
Ignoring Friend Requests
The simplest way to prevent someone from connecting with you on Facebook is to ignore their friend request. When you get a request, you’ll see it in your notifications. You can simply decline the request by clicking on the “…” icon next to the request and selecting “Ignore Request.” This will remove it from your list of pending requests.
Note that ignoring a request does not block that person from sending you future requests. They can continue to send you friend requests even if you ignore them. So this is best used for people who have only sent you one or two requests that you want to dismiss.
Blocking Users
If you want to outright block someone from interacting with you on Facebook, you can block them. This will prevent them from:
- Viewing your profile
- Sending you messages
- Tagging you
- Inviting you to events or groups
- Starting a video call
- Sending you friend requests
To block a user:
- Go to the user’s profile page
- Click on the “…” icon in the top right corner
- Select “Block”
You will no longer interact with this person in any way on Facebook. They will be unable to send you friend requests or see your profile. This is the most definitive way to prevent someone from sending you a friend request.
Restricted List
Facebook also gives you the option to add users to your “Restricted List.” Adding someone here will:
- Prevent them from seeing your posts
- Prevent them from tagging you
- Prevent them from inviting you to events or groups
- Allow them to still send you friend requests
So the Restricted List stops most forms of interaction, but still allows friend requests. To use it:
- Go to the user’s profile
- Click on the “…” icon
- Select “Add to Restricted List”
This is a lighter form of blocking someone. It lets you block some of their access to your profile without fully cutting off contact.
Unfriending
If someone you are already friends with is bothering you, you can unfriend them. This will remove them from your friends list and prevent them from interacting with your profile.
However, unfriending alone does not prevent new friend requests. They can still send you a friend request even after you unfriend them.
So if your goal is specifically to block friend requests, unfriending won’t accomplish this. You’ll need to also block them or add them to your Restricted List.
Pre-emptively Blocking
You can block users that you are not yet connected with on Facebook. This lets you pre-emptively stop them from sending you friend requests or accessing your profile.
To do this:
- Go to the user’s profile
- Click on the “Add Friend” button
- Select “Block [Name]” instead
This will immediately block someone you don’t know. You can also block email addresses and phone numbers this way by entering them into the search bar on Facebook.
Limiting Friend Requests
If you are getting lots of bothersome friend requests, you can limit who is able to send requests to you in your account settings. You have 3 options:
- Friends of Friends – Only users who have mutual friends with you can send requests
- Friends – Only users who are already your friend can send requests
- No One – Blocks all friend requests
The “No One” setting completely blocks anyone from sending you a friend request. Be aware this also prevents you from sending outgoing requests too.
To change this setting:
- Click on the down arrow at the top right
- Select “Settings & Privacy”
- Click “Settings”
- Click “Privacy”
- Under “How people can find and contact you,” click “Edit” next to “Who can send you friend requests?”
- Select your desired setting
Deleting Your Account
The nuclear option to prevent unwanted friend requests is deleting your Facebook account entirely. This will remove you from the platform and make you inaccessible.
Keep in mind this will also cut off contact with your existing friends and remove all your profile info, posts, photos, etc. Definitely consider less drastic approaches first before terminating your account.
To delete your account:
- Click the down arrow at the top right
- Select “Settings & Privacy”
- Click “Settings”
- Click “Your Facebook Information” in the left menu
- Click “Deactivation and Deletion”
- Click “Continue to Account Deletion” and follow the steps
Using a Fake Account
Some users maintain a fake Facebook account for security purposes. The fake account is used to connect with strangers and avoid unwanted friend requests on their real profile.
If you go this route, don’t use any identifying info on the fake account. Avoid uploading a profile photo of yourself. Keep the Friends list small.
Switch between your fake and real accounts as needed. Use the fake for potentially risky interactions, and your real one for trusted friends.
Conclusion
Facebook provides powerful tools for limiting or fully blocking unwanted friend requests. The best options are to block users, add them to your Restricted List, or adjust your friend request settings.
Try less disruptive approaches first, like ignoring requests or unfriending the user. But if someone is persistently harassing you with requests, don’t hesitate to block them outright.
Limiting incoming requests can help you avoid unwanted contact and spam. Use Facebook’s privacy controls to shape the experience you want.
| Method | Blocks Requests? | Allows Outgoing Requests? |
|---|---|---|
| Ignore Request | No | Yes |
| Block User | Yes | No |
| Restricted List | Yes | Yes |
| Unfriend | No | Yes |
| Limit Requests to “No One” | Yes | No |
| Delete Account | Yes | No |
References
[1] Facebook Help Center: https://www.facebook.com/help/
[2] Facebook Privacy Settings: https://www.facebook.com/settings
[3] Delete Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/help/delete_account
[4] Can You Block Someone from Sending You a Friend Request on Facebook: https://www.wikihow.tech/Block-Someone-from-Sending-You-a-Friend-Request-on-Facebook
[5] How to Block Someone on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/168009843260943/
[6] Restrict, Block or Unfriend Someone on Facebook: https://www.lifewire.com/restrict-block-or-unfriend-someone-on-facebook-3665349
[7] Can You Pre Emptively Block Someone on Facebook: https://tech shorten co/Pre-Emptive-FB-Block
[8] How to Avoid Unwanted Friend Requests on Facebook: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/avoid-unwanted-friend-requests-facebook/
[9] Can You Block Someone Who Isn’t Your Friend on Facebook: https://www.alphr.com/block-someone-who-isnt-your-friend-facebook/
[10] Should you use a fake Facebook profile: https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-online-scams-should-you-use-a-fake-facebook-profile.html