desbloquear
/desblokeˈaɾ/
To unblock in Spanish is desbloquear.
The verb desbloquear is used for both unblocking digital access, such as a phone screen or a contact and unblocking physical objects like a mechanism or a pipe.
Meaning: to enable communication again, via telephone, instant messaging, etc., with (somebody previously blocked) (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix des- (undoing an action) and bloquear (to block).
How does it change in a sentence?
When unblocking a person on social media or a messaging app, you use the preposition a before the person, such as desbloquear a María. Additionally, the past participle desbloqueado is used as an adjective to describe something that has been unblocked.
How do you pronounce it?
/desblokeˈaɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you want to say you are 'unblocking' a person's number, you might also hear people use the verb desbanear, borrowed from the English gaming term 'to unban'.
- The root of bloquear is an English loanword, as the Spanish word for 'block' was adapted from the English 'block' in relatively recent history.
- Unlike the English 'unblock', which is mostly a verb, the Spanish desbloqueado is frequently used as a status indicator in gaming to mean an 'achievement' has been unlocked.
Examples in context
- Puedes desbloquear la pantalla del celular/móvil con la huella dactilar.You can unblock the smartphone screen with your fingerprint.This sentence shows how to use desbloquear regarding a smartphone screen.
- Por favor, desbloquee mi cuentaPlease, unblock my account
- Por favor, le solicito que desbloquee mi cuenta lo antes posible.Please, I request that you unblock my account as soon as possible.
- ¿Podrías desbloquear este número de teléfono, por favor?Could you please unblock this phone number?
- No puedo desbloquear su número de WhatsApp.I cannot unblock her WhatsApp number.
- Voy a desbloquearte para que me llames.I am going to unblock you so you can call me.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing their social media connections.
- Mateo¿Me vas a desbloquear por fin?Are you finally going to unblock me?
- ElenaSí, te voy a desbloquear ahora mismo.Yes, I am going to unblock you right now.
- MateoGracias, Elena, lo aprecio mucho.Thanks, Elena, I appreciate it a lot.
- ElenaDe nada, Mateo, ya podemos hablar.You're welcome, Mateo, now we can talk.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unblock” translations and entries desbloquear, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
