With the growing number of privacy concerns on Messenger, the app has introduced many security features. Among them, a restriction is one that prevents your inbox from getting unwanted messages. When you restrict someone on Messenger, then you stop seeing their messages and call notifications.
You will be unknown of the messages or call received from the restricted friend but can see them secretly from the app’s settings.
If you get rude messages continuously, you can restrict the person. They won’t have any idea what you have done with their chats.
In this article, we will discuss the topic of what happens when you restrict someone on Messenger. Stick with us until the end to learn more about the restriction feature.
Table of Contents
What Happens When You Restrict Someone on Messenger?
Some accounts might be occupying the space of your chat section; it should be better to shift them to the restriction list. By this, your chat list will be free from undesirable accounts.
The following changes you can see when you restrict someone on Messenger.
1. Messages are moved to restrict folder
Instantly after restricting a friend, their inbox message moved to the restriction chat folder. You will be able to remove them from there any time you want.
2. No Messages
The person can send messages without any hindrances, but you can’t see the received messages on the chat screen. If you wish to read messages, you have to visit the restricted list.
3. No calls
You will be unable to get both audio and video calls from them. If you want to reply to their messages, you must remove them from the restriction to make conversations.
4. Won’t receive notifications
After adding a friend to restrict list, there is no chance of getting notifications of messages and calls. You will be totally unknown whether they have sent you texts or not until you visit the restriction list.
6. No active status
Both of you will be unable to see each other’s activity on Messenger. It is the best option to choose if you don’t want to show your active status to a particular person.
7. Could see previous conversations
You both can see the previous chats, calls, and pictures. All the conversations and the media you shared previously will be safe until you delete the chat.
If you are in the same Messenger chat group, both parties can see each other’s messages. If you are a group admin and don’t want to interact with those, kick them out of the group. Or if you are only a member, then leave the group.
How to View Old Messages From a Restricted Person
Restricting someone on Messenger is a feature that controls a user from getting calls and message notifications. The chats and messages that you get are not shown directly on the chat screen.
All old messages are available if you haven’t deleted them before. If you are eager to view the earlier messages with the person, you have to visit the restriction list from your device.
Let’s learn the technique to see previous messages from Android.
1. Open the Messenger app on your Android device.
2. Go to the app settings.
3. Tap Privacy & Safety.
4. Then touch on Restricted accounts among various options.
5. Choose the person whose messages you want to view.
The old messages are secure; you can view them anytime. Previous conversations are easily available for the friend, but you must work a little hard.
This can be done using any smartphone (Android & iPhone) or computer.
How to Call or Message a Restricted Friend
If you wish to call or message a restricted friend, then there are a number of ways available for you. Without delay, let’s enter into the techniques.
1. Unrestrict the Contact
In case you change your mind and want to reply to the texts, you can easily unrestricted them. After unrestricting, you can continue to chat along with the previous conversations.
2. Direct Calls and Messages on Mobile Numbers
If you wish to communicate with the restricted person, then you can text or call them directly on their mobile number. It is an alternative way to continue communicating with them other than Messenger.
3. Use Other Messaging App
Messenger restriction doesn’t affect any other messaging applications. You can still send messages or call them by using alternative messaging apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram.
These are the option that you can choose in case you want to communicate with a restricted person other than from FB Messenger.
Is it Better to Block or Restrict a Friend on Messenger?
Blocking and Restricting are two different features of Facebook Messenger.
Restricting someone on Messenger prevents your inbox from getting random messages from unknown people. On the other hand, Blocking means stopping the friend from sending messages permanently.
If you are suffering from someone who sends silly, dirty, and unpleasant messages, you should have to block them directly. But if you want to take a break from getting messages temporarily, then it is better to choose the restriction option.
After restriction, a friend can send messages as usual, but after blocking, the friend can’t send messages or even view your profile.
Restricting and unrestricted can be done frequently, but once you unblock the contacts, you should wait at least 48 hours to block them another time.
So, it depends upon your situation whether you have to choose a restriction or blocking feature. Both features have their own role and significance in their own way. You can also mute someone on Messenger to stop receiving sound notifications of chats and calls.
FAQs – What Happens When You Restrict Someone On Messenger
A: No, because when you restrict someone on Messenger, the person will be able to send you messages or even call you as usual.
But they can assume they have been restricted after not getting any responses from the chats.
A: Yes, the person can join the group as usual. There don’t need to face any hindrances to join a group.
A: If you send a message to someone who has restricted you, they will be unable to see texts on their main chat screen. Or you can’t respond to your chats until they remove you from the restriction list.
Conclusion
When you restrict someone on Messenger, they immediately move to the restriction list. The friend can send photos and messages or see the conversations between you without any obstacles.
They can pin a message and see all shared pictures. However, they can’t see whether you are active on Messenger or not, and the same for you.
The restricted people won’t know whether you have restricted them because Facebook Messenger never sends any notifications regarding this.
You can still see the restricted messages and calls from Messenger’s settings. The messages are secure; you can return to the conversations whenever you desire.
