The ‘Restrict’ feature on Facebook is a handy tool to keep your posts from certain people. If you have a friend on Facebook you want to block but cannot, you can simply restrict them!
They will only have access to your public posts and information on Facebook. This will help you maintain a professional distance with your associates and acquaintances.
Keep reading as we discuss the steps to restrict someone on Facebook.
What Happens When You Restrict a User?
Restricting a user on Facebook essentially means that you are limiting your information from them. The only instance a restricted person will access a post from you is when your content is public, or they’re tagged on your post.
The feature is especially useful in separating your personal and professional life. Let’s be honest; your employer doesn’t need to know what you did for your summer vacations.
While many users confuse it with the ‘block’ feature, they’re very different. When you restrict a user, you’re controlling access to your information. Blocking translates to blocking complete access to your data.
How to Restrict a User on Facebook
Restricting a user on Facebook will limit all posts except your public information and public posts. The restricted user will not know about this action.
The process of using the restrict feature is different depending on the device you use. Through PC, you can restrict other accounts using the Facebook website. For mobile users, this feature is also available in the Facebook App.
Here are ways you can restrict a user on Facebook:
On PC
To restrict a Facebook user using Facebook’s site, follow these steps:
- Open your Browser.
- On the search bar, type
www.facebook.com - Open the profile of the user you want to restrict.
- Click on the “Friends” icon and select “Edit Friend list.”
- Check the box on the left of the option, “Restricted.”
To restrict a user using the Facebook application, follow this process:
On Android and iOS
- Open the Facebook application on your phone.
- Search the Facebook user’s profile.
- Tap on “Friends.”
- Go to “Edit Friend List.”
- Select “Restricted.”
How to Restrict Users from Messaging You
If you’re okay with someone viewing your post but not messaging you, you can restrict them on Messenger. Messenger is the official messaging service for Facebook. Restricting someone on messenger means you won’t receive notifications. You won’t be able to call them, but you can still message them.
Here are ways you can restrict a user on messenger:
On PC
- Open your browser.
- On the search bar, type
www.messenger.comand log in using your Facebook credentials. - Open the conversation with the user whose message you’d like to restrict.
- On the top right corner, select the horizontal three-dot menu.
- Select the drop-down menu for “Privacy and Support.”
- Click “Ignore Messages” and confirm your action.
On Android
- Open the application for Messenger
- Open the conversation with the user whose conversation you’d like to restrict.
- Select the ‘i’ icon on the top-right corner of your screen.
- Scroll down to Privacy and select “Ignore Messages.”
- Confirm your action by selecting “Ignore” on the dialog box that appears.
On iOS
- Open the application for Messenger.
- Open the conversion with the user whose conversation you’d like to restrict.
- Tap on the contact’s name
- Scroll down to Privacy and Support, then select “Ignore Messages.”
- Confirm your action by selecting “Ignore” on the dialog box that appears.
How to View Restricted List on Facebook
You can check the list of restricted users only by logging in from your computer. To check the users you’ve previously restricted on Facebook, follow these steps:
- Open your Browser.
- On the search engine, type
www.facebook.comand log in to your account. - Click the “Friends” option on the left of your newsfeed.
- Select “Custom Friends” > “Restricted.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Know if Someone Has Restricted You on Facebook?
No, Facebook doesn’t notify the restricted users about the restriction. You can, however, notice if you do not receive as many posts from them on your newsfeed or if all posts you see from them are public. You may be restricted in such cases.
Can Restricted Friends See My Comment on a Public Post?
Every public action by you is visible to the users you have restricted. Therefore, if you’ve commented on a public post, they will be able to view it.
Can Restricted Accounts See Your Stories?
The stories you post on your Facebook are public, and even the users you have restricted can view them. If you want to limit your stories to specific accounts, you can set the privacy setting accordingly.