The Ultimate Guide To Unblocking Someone On Snapchat

A Technical Breakdown and Best Practices

With over 265 million daily active Snapchatters sending over 5 billion snaps per day, Snapchat dominates as a visual communication channel.

But the freedom to instantly engage with friends can sometimes lead to regrettable blocks. Maybe you reacted too quickly to an annoying Snapstreak notification or had a temporary falling out.

When you want to restore contact after blocking someone on Snapchat, unblocking them is thankfully quick and uncomplicated.

In this guide, I’ll apply my technical knowledge to explain Snapchat’s blocking and unblocking functionality in depth. You’ll learn:

How the Snapchat algorithm handles blocked connections behind the scenes
The coded criteria for determining if someone blocked you
A bug-by-bug analysis of unblocking failure points
Research-backed best practices for managing your Friends list

Let’s dig in with a technical overview of blocking and unblocking on Snapchat.

An Algorithmic Approach to Blocking, Unblocking, and Everything In Between

Snapchat‘s interface is designed for speed. So actions like blocking only require a few taps. But in the background, intricate systems power these interactions.

When you block someone in the Snapchat app, a request is sent to Snapchat‘s servers with instructions to break the connection. The unique code assigned to your account adds the user’s handle to a personalized blocked list.

Simultaneously, the algorithm permanently deletes any 1-to-1 Snaps still stored locally on your device. This ensures no old Snaps resurface if you later unblock the user.

The Snapchat API, or Application Programming Interface, handles blocked status in a binary way. Either the user ID exists on your blocked list (value = 1) or it doesn’t (value = 0). No other nuanced options exist.

Impacts of Blocking Another User

When your account blocks another user, it severs communication in both directions. You can no longer:

View their private Stories or receive Snaps
View previous individual/group chats
Send new chats or video notes
Interact via Lenses, Filters or Games

Note that team Stories from shared groups or events remain visible even when you block an individual member.

On the blocked user‘s side, your profile and Stories will disappear too. But they likely won‘t realize they‘ve been blocked. Without a notification system, manual checks are the only way for someone to confirm your block.

Gradual Effects of Blocking

Blocking someone on Snapchat doesn‘t instantly delete all traces of your connection. Content shared in the past remains stored in Snapchat‘s cloud infrastructure.

For example, say User A blocked User B one month ago. User A‘s device deleted all Snaps received directly from User B. But Snapchat‘s servers still house Snaps that User A sent to User B in the past.

Over time, those Snaps on Snapchat‘s servers will expire and delete based on each message‘s customized expiration date. But information isn‘t wiped immediately due to backup processes.

Additionally, Snapchat Memories continue containing old Snaps involving a blocked user. User A could still scroll back and see group event Stories featuring User B.

In essence, blocking gradually dissociates connections. Unlike instant messaging apps that delete years of chat history, Snapchat takes a moderate approach.

Now let’s switch gears to the unblocking process…

Unblocking Friends, Former Flames, and Everyone In Between

What motivated you to block someone doesn‘t always remain true long-term. You might eventually reconnect with an old friend or ex-partner. Snapchat makes it simple to restart communication after the end of a temporary blocking.

Restoring contact simply requires navigating to your blocked list and selecting the “Unblock” option.

Under the hood, this removes the user’s ID from your account’s blocked list. Snapchat’s API syncs this across linked devices. Within seconds, your Stories reappear in their feed.

Similar to blocking, Snapchat doesn‘t notify a user when unblocking them. You have to directly reach out if you hope to spark conversation.

And if you remain blocked on the other end, re-opening communication goes one way until the blocks reflect on both sides.

Snapchat Unblocking in Practice

You might unblock someone in a few common scenarios:

After taking space during a fight with friends or family – Emotions run high when disagreements happen. Temporarily blocking a contact can create distance until heads cool down. If you later make amends, unblocking reconnects bonds.

When an ex needs closure – Romantic breakups often end talking terms on social apps like Snapchat. But months later when feelings settle, you may unblock them to tie up loose ends.

When graduation nears for a former high school sweetheart– As maturity sets in, some choose to unblock first loves to reminisce before college. This grants closure.

To lurk an ex‘s public Stories – Some block ex-partners to avoid constant reminders moving on. Later, curiosity about their life may set in. Unblocking lets you watch their public Stories anonymously.

Coordinating special events among formerly blocked friends – Planning gatherings like vacations or weddings means setting hurt feelings aside. Unblocking makes coordinating details easier.

As these examples show, reasons for unblocking are often practical. Mending bonds can motivate the initial block removal.

Step-By-Step Instructions to Unblock Someone

Unblocking a previously blocked Snapchat user only takes a few seconds. Just follow these steps:

Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon
Select the settings gear icon
Choose Blocked near the bottom
Locate the blocked user and tap Unblock
Confirm removing the block when prompted

And that‘s all it takes on the user end! Of course, maintaining positive relationships long-term requires intentionality in communicating.

Next let’s examine notification possibilities Snapchat could implement after unblocking.

Could Post-Unblocking Notifications Improve User Experiences?

Unlike block notifications, Snapchat doesn‘t currently alert a user when you unblock them. The app leaves making reconnections up to you.

But what if Snapchat did innovates post-unblocking notifications? Implementing this could streamline post-blocking interactions in some cases.

For example, an optional “So-and-so unblocked you” notification might continue meaningful conversations. In other cases, however, it could enable harassment.

Potential Benefits

Here are two scenarios where unblock notifications could enrich user experiences:

1. When friendships reconcile after heated arguments – Sometimes tension between friends causes rapid blocking in the heat of the moment. An unblocking notification could make the rekindled connection clear.

2. When separated co-parents reestablish contact – Divorced parents coordinating childcare via Snapchat may block and unblock repeatedly during legal battles. Receiving a notification could smooth transitions.

Post-unblock notifications would allow seamless reconnections among parties where amends get made. Removing barriers to communication ensures ongoing life coordination.

Risk Factors to Consider

Of course, allowing unblock notifications poses risks too in some contexts:

1. When toxic exes continue harassment – Abusive former partners may repeatedly block and unblock victims to regain access. Notifications would further this manipulation.

2. When bullies from school seek additional targets – Following a bullying incident, targeted teens often feel forced to block aggressors across social platforms. Alerting bullies of an unblock could inspire renewed attacks.

In these scenarios, unblocking notifications enable recurring harm, stalking, and threats.

By examining potential pros and cons, adding notifications seems helpful only when all parties consent respectful communication. Automatic alerts could enable emotional or physical violence in toxic relationships.

Overall, the current absence of unblocking notifications on Snapchat seems wisely cautious.

Now let’s pivot to advice for curating your Snapchat Friends list. Managing connections optimizes who you engage with.

Friends List Strategies – Adding, Removing, and Blocking with Intention

Snapchat gives users control over their friends list, unlike FacebookAccepting every friend or follow request can lead to fatigue. But pruning connections reactively via blocking also reduces your social circle.

Instead, intentionally evaluating requests and existing friends proactively creates a sustainable experience. Apply these research-backed tips:

Set friend request notifications to “Manual” – Rather than automatically welcoming new friends, manually approve requests via Settings > Friend Suggestions.

Limit friends to 100 optimal connections – Studies show perceived social support drops when online connections exceed Dunbar‘s number, around 150 friends. Keep your circle under 100 to nurture close bonds. Prune stale friends annually.

Capture memories before removing friends – Download nostalgic conversations using Snapchat’s Export Memories tool first. Then remove older friends who no longer actively view Stories.

Organize Friends as Favorites – Starring 3 to 5 true besties as Favorites ensures you prioritize sharing Stories with true supporters first. Family deserves slots too.

Temporarily mute friends when necessary – If Friends overload your feed, muting them for a month helps you reset. Later, unmuting friends prevents hurt feelings over removes.

Building intentional habits for managing friends reduces your need to block contacts reactively down the road.

Now let‘s tackle how to troubleshoot problems unblocking friends.

Debugging Difficulties Unblocking Users on Snapchat

Despite Snapchat’s general reliability, glitches happen. If you encounter trouble unblocking someone, systematic troubleshooting helps.

Here’s how to debug unblocking step-by-step:

Step 1: Update the Snapchat app

Since 2015, Snapchat has released over 50 major iOS updates. Ensure you have the latest version installed for optimal performance.

Step 2: Hard close and restart the Snapchat app

Double tap the home button to close Snapchat. Then reopen it to clear any RAM issues preventing the unblock.

Step 3: Log out and log back into your Snapchat account

Sometimes logging out then logging back in resets bugs during account authentication looks ups.

Step 4: Force quit all other apps on your phone

If other apps are dominating bandwidth cycles, closing them frees up resources for Snapchat to sync your unblock request.

Step 5: Disable WiFi and cellular data then reenable connectivity

Turning connectivity off then on again refreshes network registration details from tower connections.

Step 6: Delete and reinstall the Snapchat mobile app

If the above steps don’t resolve difficulties unblocking, deleting then re-downloading the app often fixes glitches.

Step 7: Try unblocking from a different mobile device

Log into your Snapchat account on a spare mobile phone if available to test if issues stem from your primary device.

Step 8: Contact Snapchat Support

Lastly, reach out to Snapchat’s customer support for personalized troubleshooting advice if you still face unblocking difficulties.

Thoroughly attempting each debugging step isolates the root cause. Within minutes, you can get unblocking working properly again.

Now let’s wrap up with key takeaways.

Concluding Advice – Unblock Intentionally and Communicate Openly

Approaching blocking and unblocking intentionally prevents rash decisions that damage bonds long-term. But when you must restore contact after blocking someone, unblocking them on Snapchat only takes seconds.

Here are my core tips as a tech geek:

Set expectations about appropriate social media connections to reduce blocking urges
Temporarily mute friends rather than instantly blocking during minor conflicts
Export nostalgic Snaps before removing stagnant friends from connections
Unblock tactfully once tensions ease and communicate respectfully
Debug app glitches systematically when unblocking fails

Blocking and removing online friends now happens alarmingly easily. But healing wounds that caused breaks requires human nuance, compassion, and willingness to forgive.

When both parties involved commit to understanding, unblocking transitions into unified progress. With mindfulness guiding your social media interactions, Snapchat can strengthen even complicated relationships.

Now you’re ready to face unblocking situations with savvy practical skills! Here’s to keeping friendships intact even when annoyances arise.