How to Unrestrict Someone on Messenger (2025 Updated Guide)

If you’ve ever restricted someone on Messenger and now want to reconnect, you’re not alone. Facebook’s restrict feature is handy when you want space without unfriending or blocking a person—but sometimes, it’s too easy to forget who you’ve restricted and how to undo it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to unrestrict someone on Messenger across Android, iPhone, and desktop. You’ll also learn what happens when you restrict someone, how it differs from blocking, and what to do if you can’t unrestrict them.

What Does Restricting Someone on Facebook or Messenger Mean?

Restricting someone on Facebook or Messenger creates a semi-private barrier between you and them. When you restrict someone:

• They can still message you, but messages go to your nessage requests folder.
• They can’t see your active status (when you’re online).
• You won’t get message notifications from them.
• Your previous chats remain, but replies won’t appear as seen unless you open them manually.

Essentially, it’s a softer way to manage privacy without blocking or unfriending. Many users prefer this setting to quietly limit interactions without confrontation.

How to Unrestrict Someone on Messenger (Step-by-Step)

Let’s dive into the exact steps depending on your device.

On Android:

1. Open the Messenger app.
2. Tap your profile picture (top-left corner).
3. Go to Privacy & Safety → Restricted accounts.
4. You’ll see a list of people you’ve restricted.
5. Tap the name you want to unrestrict.
6. Select Unrestrict.

Now that person will be able to message you normally again.

On iPhone (iOS):

1. Launch the Messenger app.
2. Tap your profile icon → Privacy & Safety.
3. Choose Restricted Accounts.
4. Tap on the contact → select Unrestrict.

You’ll immediately start receiving messages from them in your main inbox again.

On Desktop (Messenger.com or Facebook.com):

1. Visit Messenger.com or open Messenger on Facebook.com.
2. Open the conversation with the restricted user.
3. Click on their name (top-right of the chat).
4. In the sidebar menu, select Privacy & Support → Unrestrict.

Once done, your conversation thread will return to normal.

What Happens After You Unrestrict Someone?

After unrestricting:

• Their chat moves back to your main inbox.
• You’ll receive message notifications again.
• They can see your Active Status (if enabled).
• You can freely call, message, and interact again.

However, unrestricting doesn’t notify the person—so it stays private and discreet.

Restricting vs. Blocking on Facebook Messenger

Feature	Restrict	Block
Can they message you?	Yes, goes to “Message Requests”	No
Can they see your profile or status?	Limited	No
Can you still see their profile?	Yes	No
Are they notified?	No	No

Blocking completely cuts off interaction, while restricting only limits it temporarily.

If you accidentally blocked someone instead of restricting, you can also learn how to unblock someone on Facebook or Messenger easily through your settings.

Why You Might Not Be Able to Unrestrict Someone

If you can’t unrestrict someone, it could be due to:

• A temporary Facebook restriction on your account.
• The person blocked you after being restricted.
• A Messenger bug or outdated app version.
• Internet connectivity issues.

Try logging out, updating your Messenger app, or checking your privacy settings under Restricted Accounts.

If your entire Facebook account shows “restricted,” check this guide on top social media platforms to explore other messaging options while your account is limited.

How to Manage Restriction Settings Effectively

To maintain privacy without losing contact with friends or coworkers:

• Use Restrict for temporary space.
• Use Block for safety or harassment issues.
• Review your restricted list monthly to stay organized.

This way, you can keep Messenger clutter-free and your social interactions healthy.

Related Tip: Rename Your Facebook Page Smartly

If you’re a business or influencer managing multiple pages, learn how to choose creative Facebook page name ideas that boost your visibility and match your brand identity.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to unrestrict someone on Messenger helps you manage relationships more maturely. Instead of blocking, you can take space temporarily and reconnect when you’re ready.

Just remember: Facebook updates its privacy tools frequently, so stay updated, and use the restrict/unrestrict feature wisely to keep your Messenger inbox positive and productive.