Google Hangouts has been upgraded to Google Chat. Learn about the switch from Google Hangouts to Google Chat.

Block and report someone

If you don't want to chat with someone in Google Chat, you can block them. You can block direct messages, or block people in spaces and most group messages.

When you block someone:

  • If you use a Google Workspace account and the person you blocked is in your organization, they can still tell when you're online.
  • The person you blocked can tell that they can't send you messages. To send a message, you need to unblock them.
  • Their messages are hidden from you in spaces and group messages. You can unhide messages you want to view.
  • They can still read any messages sent to the space.
  • You and the person you blocked can’t edit any old messages to one another.
  • The person is also blocked in certain other Google services.
  • Links or attachments the person sent before you blocked them are still active.
  • If you report someone for abuse, a copy of the last 50 messages of your conversation are sent to Google for review.

Block someone in Chat or Gmail

  1. Go to Google Chat or your Gmail account.
  2. On the left, under "Chat," point to someone’s name and click More options ""and thenBlock & Report "". If you use a Google Workspace account and the person is in your organization, this option is Block.
  3. Optional: To report someone for abuse, check the box next to "Also report." If you use a Google Workspace account, you can only report people outside your organization.
  4. To confirm, click Block.

Unblock someone in Chat or Gmail

  1. Go to Google Chat or your Gmail account.
  2. Choose an option:
    • In Chat, at the top, click Settings "" and then Settings and then Manage accounts you have blocked
    • In Gmail, at the top, click Settings "" and then See all settings and then Chat and Meet and then Manage chat settings and thenManage accounts you have blocked.
  3. Select the person from the suggestions.
  4. Click Unblock.

Block or unblock someone from within a space

Important: You can block someone in the same space without ever messaging them in a 1:1 conversation.

  1. Go to Google Chat or your Gmail account.
  2. Select the space.
  3. Click the Down arrow  and then Manage members.
  4. Next to the person, click More options "".
  5. Click Block or Unblock.

Tip: To hide someone's messages after you block them in a space, you may need to refresh your browser.

Other ways to block people

Was this helpful?
How can we improve it?
Search
Clear search
Close search
Google apps
Main menu
Search Help Center
true
true
false
true
true
1026838
false
false