> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.doubletick.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-block-or-unblock-customers.md).

# How to block or unblock customers

Learn how to block and unblock customers on DoubleTick, so you can manage who can message your business.

Blocking a customer prevents them from messaging your business on WhatsApp, while unblocking restores two-way communication. Both actions can be managed directly from the chat screen or programmatically through APIs.

#### What’s Covered

* [Block a customer](#managing-customer-status)
* [Unblock a customer](#managing-customer-status)
* [Block or unblock customers via API](#api-integration)

#### Managing Customer Status

<figure><img src="https://2303112206-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F53n17VnOICC1LtDqlENV%2Fuploads%2FLWsfHFupGrI2UibyYVre%2FUntitled%20design%20-%202026-08-19T133229.666.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=c9dfda6c-391f-4a86-ba61-276b03f104a3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Block a Customer**:\
To block a customer, navigate to the active conversation on the chat screen and click the Vertical Three Dots (⋮) menu located in the top header. Select Block from the options, then click Block again in the confirmation pop-up. Once confirmed, the chat screen immediately updates to display the blocked status, and the customer will no longer be able to send incoming messages.

**Unblock a Customer**:\
To restore communication with a previously blocked contact, open their conversation on the chat screen and click the Vertical Three Dots (⋮) menu. Select Unblock from the dropdown menu and confirm your action by clicking Unblock in the dialog box. The interface will refresh to reflect the unblocked status, allowing messages to flow freely again.

#### API Integration

For businesses seeking to automate contact management, DoubleTick provides dedicated endpoints to update customer status programmatically:\
**Block via API:** Use the [Block Customer API Documentation](https://docs.doubletick.io/reference/block-unblock-customer) to restrict customer messaging automatically through your workflow.\
**Unblock via API:** Use the [Unblock Customer API Documentation](https://docs.doubletick.io/reference/unblock-unblock-customer) to lift messaging restrictions programmatically.

#### Key Takeaways

Both blocking and unblocking actions require explicit confirmation in the UI to prevent accidental changes. Blocking stops incoming messages immediately without deleting or modifying any existing conversation history. The current status of the contact remains clearly visible on the chat screen at all times.

#### FAQs

**Can a blocked customer still send messages to my business?**\
No. Once a customer is blocked, their incoming messages will not reach your DoubleTick inbox until you manually unblock them.

**Will blocking a customer delete our chat history?**\
No. Blocking only prevents future communication. Your entire prior conversation transcript, media, and contact details remain safely preserved.

**How can I tell if a customer is currently blocked?**\
The chat screen clearly displays a blocked indicator when viewing a conversation with a restricted contact.

**Can I unblock a customer at any time?**\
Yes. You can unblock a customer whenever needed by clicking the Vertical Three Dots (⋮) menu on their chat screen and selecting Unblock.

**Is there an API available to block or unblock customers?**\
Yes. You can use the [Block Customer API](https://docs.doubletick.io/reference/block-unblock-customer) to restrict contacts and the [Unblock Customer API](https://docs.doubletick.io/reference/unblock-unblock-customer) to restore messaging access programmatically.

#### **Suggested articles**

How to manage conversations\
How to delete a chat in DoubleTick\
What is WhatsApp opt-in and how to manage it\
How to assign chats\
Navigating the inbox: left panel overview


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