Strava: How to Block Users, What Happens When You Block, and Unblocking

How do I block on Strava?

Blocking someone on Strava is a privacy feature that prevents a specific user from viewing your activities, interacting with your content, or following you. This action ensures mutual disengagement and enhances your personal control over your athletic data and social interactions on the platform.

Understanding Strava's Blocking Feature

Strava, as a leading platform for tracking and sharing athletic endeavors, offers various tools to manage your online presence and privacy. The blocking feature is a critical component of this, designed to empower users to curate their digital environment.

Why Block Someone? Users typically choose to block another athlete for several reasons:

• Privacy Concerns: To prevent a specific individual from accessing your detailed activity data, even if your general privacy settings are set to public.
• Unwanted Interactions: To stop receiving comments, kudos, or messages from an individual.
• Safety: In situations where an individual's behavior is concerning or constitutes harassment.
• Professional Boundaries: For coaches or trainers who wish to maintain distinct professional and personal boundaries with clients.

What Happens When You Block Someone? When you block another athlete on Strava, the following occurs:

• Mutual Un-following: If you were following each other, this connection is immediately severed.
• Activity Concealment: The blocked individual will no longer be able to view your activities, even if your general privacy settings allow public viewing. Your activities will not appear in their feed, nor can they directly search for or access your profile page.
• No Interaction: The blocked user cannot give you kudos, leave comments on your activities, or send you direct messages.
• Segment Leaderboards: While your activities are hidden, your results on public segment leaderboards may still be visible, depending on your overall activity privacy settings. For complete anonymity on leaderboards, activities must be set to "Only You."

Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking on Strava (Mobile App)

The most common method for blocking is via the Strava mobile application.

Method 1: Blocking from an Athlete's Profile Page

1. Navigate to the Athlete's Profile: Open the Strava app and find the profile of the person you wish to block. You can do this by searching for their name in the "Explore" tab, tapping on their name from an activity feed, or accessing them through your "Following" or "Followers" lists.
2. Access Profile Options: Once on their profile page, tap the "..." (three dots) icon located in the top right corner of the screen (on iOS) or the three vertical dots (on Android).
3. Select "Block Athlete": From the pop-up menu, select the option "Block Athlete" or "Block User."
4. Confirm Action: A confirmation prompt will appear, explaining the implications of blocking. Tap "Block" to confirm.

Method 2: Blocking from Your Followers/Following List

1. Go to Your Profile: From the main navigation bar, tap on "You" (your profile icon).
2. Access Followers/Following: Tap on "Followers" or "Following" below your profile picture.
3. Select the Athlete: Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the athlete you want to block. Tap on their name to go to their profile.
4. Follow Profile Blocking Steps: Once on their profile, proceed with steps 2-4 from Method 1 above.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking on Strava (Web Version)

Blocking is also possible through the Strava website, offering similar functionality.

Method 1: Blocking from an Athlete's Profile Page

1. Log In to Strava: Go to strava.com and log in to your account.
2. Navigate to the Athlete's Profile: Use the search bar at the top of the page to find the athlete, or click on their name from an activity in your feed or from your followers/following lists.
3. Access Profile Options: On their profile page, locate the "..." (three dots) icon next to the "Following" or "Follow" button, typically below their name and profile picture.
4. Select "Block Athlete": Click on the "Block Athlete" option from the dropdown menu.
5. Confirm Action: A confirmation dialogue box will appear. Click "Block" to finalize the action.

What Happens After You Block Someone?

Once an athlete is blocked, the changes are immediate and reciprocal:

• Mutual Disconnection: Any existing follow relationship is terminated.
• Invisible Activities: Your activities will no longer appear in their feed, and they cannot view your profile or past activities. Similarly, you will not see their activities.
• No Communication: They cannot send you messages, give kudos, or comment on your activities.
• Leaderboard Visibility (Caveat): While your activities are hidden, your performance on public segment leaderboards may still be visible unless your activity privacy is set to "Only You." This is a crucial distinction for athletes concerned about performance visibility.

Unblocking Someone on Strava

Should you wish to reverse a block, the process is straightforward.

1. Find the Blocked Athlete:
   • Mobile App: Go to your profile ("You"), tap the gear icon (Settings), then scroll down to "Privacy Controls" and select "Blocked Athletes." Find the athlete in the list.
   • Web Version: Go to your profile icon (top right), select "Settings," then navigate to "Privacy Controls" on the left sidebar. Click on "Blocked Athletes."
2. Unblock: Once you've located the athlete in your blocked list, tap "Unblock" (mobile) or click the "Unblock" button next to their name (web).
3. Confirmation: Confirm the unblock action. Note that unblocking does not automatically re-establish a follow relationship; you would need to follow them again if desired.

Best Practices for Online Privacy and Safety on Strava

Beyond blocking, Strava offers a robust suite of privacy settings that athletes should regularly review to ensure their comfort and safety.

• Review Your Privacy Controls: Regularly check your overall privacy settings in the app or on the website. You can control who sees your activities (Everyone, Followers, Only You), group activities, and Flyby data.
• Utilize Privacy Zones: For enhanced safety, especially around your home or workplace, set up Privacy Zones. Activities starting or ending within these zones will have their precise start/end points hidden from others.
• Manage Group Activities: Decide whether your participation in group activities is visible to "Everyone," "Followers," or "Only You."
• Report Problematic Users: If an interaction goes beyond simply wanting to block and involves harassment or inappropriate content, utilize Strava's reporting feature. This helps maintain a positive community environment.
• Educate Yourself: Stay informed about Strava's privacy updates and features. Knowledge is your best tool for managing your online presence effectively.

Conclusion

The ability to block an athlete on Strava is a fundamental privacy control, empowering you to manage your interactions and safeguard your personal data. By understanding how and when to use this feature, combined with a proactive approach to your overall privacy settings, you can ensure your Strava experience remains positive, motivating, and secure. Prioritizing your digital well-being is as important as your physical training, ensuring a healthy and controlled environment for your athletic journey.