User to User Block

Better Messages gives every chat user a built-in Block action that stops another user from sending them messages. The block is one-directional and reversible, with role-based controls for which user roles can block and which roles are immune from being blocked — so site staff and moderators can always reach users for safety reasons.

What it adds#

One-click Block action from any conversation, profile, or message author menu
One-directional logic — the blocker can still message the blocked user if they choose
Blocked users cannot start new threads with or send messages to the blocker
Role-based permission to use the Block action (e.g., paid members can block, anonymous can't)
Role-based immunity from being blocked (e.g., moderators, support staff, admins)
Unblock at any time from the user's personal block list

How it works#

When user A blocks user B, the plugin stores a one-directional block record in the database. From that moment:

Action	Outcome
B tries to start a new thread with A	Blocked — UI hides the "Send Message" button on A's profile
B sends a message to an existing thread with A	Blocked — message rejected with a user-friendly notice
A sends a message to B	Allowed — the block is one-directional
B sends a message to a group chat that includes A	Allowed — group conversations are not affected
A unblocks B	Communication resumes immediately, prior history preserved

The "Immune Roles" setting overrides the block — a user in an immune role (typically administrators or support staff) can still message a user who blocked them. This prevents the block feature from being used to evade moderation contact.

When to use#

Common deployment patterns:

Site type	Configuration
Dating / fan community	Everyone can block; only admins immune
LMS with cohort discussions	Students can block peers but not instructors (instructor role immune)
Marketplace (Dokan / WCFM)	Vendors can block buyers; site admin and shop manager immune
Public support forum	Anonymous/guest users can't block (low trust); registered users can
Telemedicine / coaching	Clients can block other clients; coach + support staff immune

How to enable#

Navigate to WP Admin → Better Messages → Settings → Restrictions.

Allow Users to Block — Enables the Block action throughout the messenger UI
Roles That Cannot Block — User roles whose users do NOT see the Block action (typically guest/anonymous)
Immune Roles — User roles whose users are exempt from being blocked (typically Administrator, Shop Manager, custom moderator roles)

Frequently asked questions#

Is the block visible to the blocked user?#

No — the block is silent. The blocked user sees the same UI but their "Send Message" attempts fail with a generic "Cannot send message" notice rather than naming the blocker. This is intentional to avoid retaliation.

Does blocking affect group chats?#

No. Group conversations and chat rooms are not affected by user-to-user blocks. If user B and user A are in the same group, B's messages still appear to A. To exclude a user from a group, the room admin should remove them directly.

Can administrators see who has been blocked by whom?#

Yes — the block records are stored in the database and can be inspected by an admin via direct SQL or by extending the admin UI. There's no built-in admin "View all blocks" screen in the current version.

Can a user be blocked by many people?#

Yes, there's no cap. Each block is an independent A→B record. A user who is blocked by 100 others simply cannot message any of those 100, but can message everyone else normally.

What happens if I block someone then we're both in a guest conversation?#

Guest conversations follow the same rules as regular conversations — direct messages are blocked, but if both users participate in a multi-party guest chat (chat room), messages are still delivered.