Introduction
Maybe you blocked someone in Gmail on accident. Or, maybe you blocked someone a long time ago and you’ve made up since. No matter the reason Google makes it easy to unblock someone in Gmail. The only caveat is that you can’t unblock someone in the Gmail mobile app for iPhone, iPad or Android, and you can only do it through the desktop version of the Gmail.com website.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Unblock an Email Address in Gmail
- Navigate to the desktop version of the Gmail.com website, and then click the “Gear” icon at the top of the screen to open a menu.
- Select “See All Settings” in this menu.
- Choose “Filters and Blocked Addresses” in the menu at the top of this screen to display those options on the bottom of the screen.
- Find the email address you want to unblock, and then click “Unblock” next to it. An Unblock This Email Address dialog box is shown.
- Click “Unblock.” Emails from that sender will no longer be blocked in your Gmail account.
Reasons to Unblock an Email Address in Gmail
1. Mistakenly Blocked
Errors happen, even in digital communication. One might accidentally block an email address in Gmail. The interface is user-friendly, yet mis-clicks can occur. This could result in unintentional blocking. The accidental block could have prevented important emails from reaching the inbox. Realizing this mistake calls for unblocking the email address.
2. Change in Communication Needs
Our communication needs evolve over time. What was irrelevant in the past might be pertinent today. An email address once blocked due to its content might now serve a new purpose. Unblocking such an email address accommodates these changing needs.
3. Blocked for Temporary Reasons
There are times when we need to focus on specific tasks or people. Blocking non-essential communication temporarily aids this. When the need for focus is past, unblocking these temporarily blocked addresses resumes normal communication flow.
4. Change in Personal or Professional Relationships
Relationships, whether personal or professional, are fluid. An email address that was once a source of discomfort might now be essential. Past disputes could have been resolved. Blocked contacts may now be allies or partners, prompting the unblocking of their email addresses.
5. Email Address Has Changed Hands
Digital properties often change hands, including email addresses. What was once a source of spam might now be in the possession of a legitimate user. Unblocking such an email address can enable communication with this new user.
