How to block a guest or host on Airbnb

You can block someone on Airbnb through your account settings, and the process differs slightly depending on whether you are a host or a guest. Hosts access the block list from the Account menu under "Hosting" and then "Reservation settings." Guests find the block option in Account settings under "Privacy." Once blocked, that person cannot message you, book your listing, or send you requests — but they can still see your listing if they search for it.

Blocking is permanent until you remove the person from your block list yourself. Airbnb does not notify the blocked person that you have blocked them, and the block applies only to your account, not across the platform.

Key Takeaways

  • Hosts block guests through Account > Hosting > Reservation settings > "Manage blocked guests"; guests block hosts or other guests through Account > Privacy > "Blocked users."
  • A blocked person cannot message you, book your property, or send reservation requests, but can still see your listing in search results.
  • Blocking is one-way and does not notify the other person; you can unblock them at any time from the same menu.
  • If you have already accepted a reservation from someone you want to block, you will need to cancel the booking first before blocking them.
  • Blocking is different from reporting; report safety concerns or policy violations to Airbnb support rather than relying on blocking alone.

How hosts block a guest

Open the Airbnb app or website and go to your Account menu. Select "Hosting" and then "Reservation settings." Scroll down to find "Manage blocked guests" and click or tap it. Enter the guest's name or email address in the search field. When you find the person, select "Block" next to their name.

If you have an active reservation with someone you want to block, you must cancel that reservation first. Once the reservation is cancelled, you can then add them to your block list. Blocking takes effect when ready.

How guests block a host or another guest

From your Account menu, select "Privacy." Look for "Blocked users" and click or tap it. Enter the name or email of the person you want to block. Select their profile from the results and confirm the block.

Guests can block hosts, other guests, or anyone else with an Airbnb account. The process is the same regardless of who you are blocking. Once blocked, that account holder cannot send you messages or reservation requests.

What happens when you block someone

A blocked person loses the ability to message you directly through Airbnb. If you are a host, they cannot book your listing or send you reservation requests. If you are a guest, a blocked host cannot contact you about past or future stays.

The blocked person can still see your listing in search results and view your public profile, but they cannot interact with you through the platform. Blocking does not remove past messages or reviews — those remain visible to both of you.

How to unblock someone

Go back to the same menu where you blocked the person: hosts return to Account > Hosting > Reservation settings > "Manage blocked guests," and guests go to Account > Privacy > "Blocked users." Find the person's name in your block list and select "Unblock." The block is removed when ready, and they can message you or book your listing again.

You can unblock and reblock the same person as many times as you need to. There is no limit to how many people you can block.

When to block versus when to report

Blocking is useful when you straightforward do not want to interact with someone again — a guest with poor communication, a host with a listing that did not match the description, or anyone else you prefer to avoid. Blocking prevents future contact but does not flag the person to Airbnb.

Report to Airbnb support if someone has violated the platform's policies, threatened you, discriminated against you, or engaged in unsafe behavior. Use the "Report" button on their profile or in a message thread. Reporting alerts Airbnb's safety team and may result in account suspension or removal. Blocking alone does not prevent someone from booking other listings or contacting other users.

Blocking and past reservations

Blocking someone does not affect reservations that have already been completed. You can still see their reviews of your stay or listing, and they can see yours. Past messages remain in your message history even after you block them.

If a reservation is currently active or upcoming, you cannot block the guest until the reservation is cancelled. Cancel through the "Reservation details" page, then proceed to block them. Keep in mind that cancellations may affect your cancellation rate or host rating depending on the timing and reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a blocked person still leave me a review?

No. Once you block someone, they cannot leave a new review of your listing or your stay. However, any review they left before you blocked them will remain visible on your profile. You can report reviews that violate Airbnb's policies through the review itself.

Will the blocked person know I blocked them?

Airbnb does not send a notification when you block someone. They may realize they are blocked if they try to message you or book your listing and see an error, but Airbnb does not tell them directly that you blocked them.

Can I block someone who has already booked my listing?

Not until the reservation is cancelled. You must cancel the booking first, then add them to your block list. If the reservation is far in the future, you can cancel with a reason and then block them to prevent rebooking.

Does blocking someone remove their past messages?

No. All messages sent before the block remain in your message thread. Blocking only prevents new messages from that person going forward. You can delete individual messages or entire conversations if you want to clear your message history.

Can I block someone on the Airbnb app but not the website?

No. Blocking is tied to your account, not the device or app you use. If you block someone on the app, they are blocked on the website and everywhere else you access Airbnb. The block list syncs across all platforms.