This guide teaches you how to block another user on Gmail and other Google apps to prevent unwanted contact. Blocking in apps like Google Chat, Maps, or Photos affects those platforms across related services, while Gmail routes blocked emails to spam. Google Voice blocking stops calls and texts from specific numbers. Note that blocking in Gmail only impacts email, not other apps, and Chat blocks may still show messages in shared groups.
How to block users across Google apps
Choose the method below based on the Google app and device you’re using to block the unwanted user.
Method 1: Gmail
- Open Gmail. On mobile, tap the multicolored “M” icon; on desktop, go to Gmail.
- Click or tap a message from the sender you want to block.
- Click or tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the message.
- Select Block next to the sender’s name. Confirm to route future messages to Spam, where they auto-delete after 30 days; optionally Report spam.
Method 2: Google Chat on mobile
- Open the Google Chat app (green overlapping chat bubbles).
- Tap Chat at the bottom.
- Tap the conversation with the person to block.
- Tap the person’s name at the top to expand the menu.
- Tap Block & Report or Block; check Also report if needed for external users.
- Tap Block to confirm. This also blocks them in Google Maps and Google Photos.
Method 3: Google Chat on desktop
- Go to chat.google.com in your browser.
- Hover over the person’s name under Chat, then click the three vertical dots.
- Click Block & Report (or Block for organization members).
- Click Block to confirm. This also blocks them in Google Photos.
Method 4: Google Maps on mobile
- Open the Google Maps app (multicolored pushpin icon).
- Tap the Updates tab (bell icon, bottom-right).
- Tap the profile of the person to block.
- Tap the three vertical dots on their profile.
- Tap Block user. They can no longer follow or view your profile, though public contributions like reviews may still appear.
Method 5: Google Voice
- Open the Google Voice app or go to voice.google.com.
- Select the Messages, Calls, or Voicemail tab.
- Select an item from the person to block.
- Click or tap the three-dot menu; if needed, first tap People & options.
- Select Block number, then tap Block to confirm.
Method 6: Google Photos on mobile
- Open the Google Photos app (pinwheel icon).
- Tap the chat bubble icon (top-left).
- Tap the album with the person.
- Tap their profile photo.
- Tap the three dots next to their name.
- Tap Block person, then Block. As owner, their contributions are removed.
Method 7: Google Photos on desktop
- Go to photos.google.com.
- Click the Sharing tab on the left.
- Hover over the album and click the three vertical dots.
- Click Block [UserName].
- Click Block. As owner, their contributions are removed.
Blocking users in Google apps protects your privacy by stopping unwanted interactions, spam emails, harassing messages, or intrusive follows across services like Chat, Maps, and Photos. It helps maintain a safer online experience without constant exposure to bothersome contacts.
These actions are quick and targeted, affecting only specific apps or accounts while preserving your other connections. Regularly reviewing and blocking reinforces control over your digital space, reducing stress from persistent unwanted communications.
