Messenger allows users to restrict who can message them as a way to prevent harassment and unwanted contact. This is done through the “Restricted List” feature in the app’s settings. Adding someone to your Restricted List prevents them from sending you messages or calling you on Messenger.
What is the Restricted List?
The Restricted List is a feature within Messenger that allows you to block people from contacting you on the app. When you add someone to your Restricted List, that person can no longer send you messages or call you on Messenger.
Here are some key things to know about the Restricted List:
- It prevents unwanted contact from specific people
- The people you restrict cannot send you messages or call you
- You do not receive any notifications or messages from restricted people
- Restricted people are not notified when you add them
- You can remove people from the list at any time to unrestrict them
The Restricted List gives you control over who can reach you on Messenger. It’s a useful tool for limiting contact from people who send unwanted messages or spam.
Where to Find the Restricted List
The Restricted List can be accessed through your account settings on Messenger:
- Open the Messenger app on your phone
- Tap on your profile picture in the top left
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings
- Scroll down and tap on Restricted List
This will open your Restricted List management screen. From here you can view your list, add new people to restrict, and remove restrictions.
How to Add Someone to Your Restricted List
Adding someone to your Restricted List is easy to do right from the management screen:
- Open your Restricted List
- Tap “Add Person”
- Enter the name or profile of the person you want to restrict
- Select the user from the list
- Tap “Done” to add them to the list
Once added, that person will no longer be able to send you messages on Messenger.
Removing Contacts from Your Restricted List
You can remove people from your Restricted List when you want to lift the messaging restriction:
- Go to your Restricted List
- Swipe left on the person’s name
- Tap “Unrestrict”
This will remove them from the list and allow them to message you again. You can continue to add and remove people as needed.
Why Use the Restricted List
Here are some of the key reasons to use Messenger’s Restricted List feature:
- Prevent harassment or bullying from specific people
- Stop unwanted messaging from strangers or spam accounts
- Avoid distracting/unproductive conversations
- Limit contact from someone after a breakup
- Manage messaging from coworkers or clients
The Restricted List puts you in control. You get to choose who can message you on Messenger without completely blocking or unfriending people.
Use It for Temporary Restrictions
The Restricted List doesn’t have to be permanent. You can use it to take a temporary break from someone’s messages.
For example, you may be busy with a work project and don’t want to be distracted by a friend’s messages. Or you could be going through a stressful personal time and want to limit conversations. Adding them to the Restricted List allows you to take a break without unfriending them.
Avoid Spam and Harassment
Often spam bots and harassers will try to contact you repeatedly on Messenger. The Restricted List gives you a simple way to block their messages and prevent this nuisance.
If someone is sending you offensive or abusive messages, use the Restricted List to make them stop instantly. This can help you avoid bullying and feel safer using Messenger.
Tips for Managing Your Restricted List
Here are some tips to help you manage your Restricted List effectively:
- Add the worst offenders first – restrict people sending the most unwanted messages to see immediate benefits
- Restrict in batches – add a few people at a time to evaluate the results before adding more
- Periodically review your list – remove people if restrictions are no longer needed
- Use naming conventions – add descriptors like “Spam” or “Temp” to remind yourself why someone is restricted
- Don’t over restrict – avoid adding too many people or you may miss important messages
Finding the right balance takes some trial and error. Pay attention to how it feels to manage your communications. The goal is to reduce disruptions, not isolate yourself.
Consider Alternative Options
In some cases, there may be better options than outright restricting someone:
- Mute – mute notifications only but still receive messages
- Unfollow – stay friends but don’t see their posts
- Snooze – temporarily mute a friend for 30 days
- Turn off active status – hide when you’re online to avoid unwanted messages
- Adjust message filters – filter out offensive keywords
The Restricted List is just one tool among many to manage your Messenger experience. Find the right combo for your situation.
Answering Important Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Messenger’s Restricted List:
Does the restricted person know they are blocked?
No, there is no notification when you add someone to your Restricted List. They will be unaware that you can no longer see their messages.
Can restricted people see your profile and posts?
Yes, restricting someone only limits their ability to message you. They can still see your profile information and posts just like any other friend.
What happens if a restricted person messages you?
You simply won’t see any of their messages or calls. Their messages will be automatically blocked from your inbox.
Can you restrict someone who is not your Facebook friend?
No, you can only restrict people who are already friends with you on Facebook. To block all messages from a non-friend, use the Message Filter settings.
Is there a limit to how many I can restrict?
There is no published limit to the number of people you can restrict. However, it’s recommended you only restrict the people necessary to manage unwanted messaging.
Restricting on Facebook
In addition to Messenger, Facebook also lets you restrict someone’s comments and posts from your profile using the Restricted List:
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings
- Click Restricted List in the left menu
- Enter name of person to restrict
- Click Restrict to confirm
This prevents the person from interacting with your posts and profile. You can use it in conjunction with Messenger’s restrict feature.
Conclusion
Messenger’s Restricted List provides a simple way to prevent unwanted messaging from specific people. Just open your Restricted List within the app settings to start adding people you want to restrict.
Use this feature to stop harassment, spam, distracting conversations or any unwanted contact. You can lift restrictions at any time, so don’t be afraid to test it out.
With the ability to filter out disruptive conversations, the Restricted List helps you keep Messenger fun, safe and productive.