Blocking Users Effectively on Video Chat
Blocking is the first line of defense. Learn how blocking works across platforms, what it does and does not prevent, and how to stay ahead of persistent bad actors.
How Platform Blocking Works
On most video chat platforms, blocking is a one-click action. Look for a block icon or "ban this user" option near the person's name or video feed. On Coomeet and Chatrandom, you can block during a conversation or from your chat history after the conversation has ended.
Once you click block, the action is usually immediate. The blocked user cannot see your profile, cannot send you connection requests, and will not be matched with you again. On platforms with active moderation, block reports also flag the account for review.
Managing your block list is important too. On Coomeet, you can view and edit your blocked users in the settings menu. Periodically review this list to ensure you are not missing anyone and to remove blocks for users who may have changed behavior.
What Blocking Prevents
On the platform where you applied the block, blocking prevents reconnection. If you block someone on Coomeet, they cannot match with you again even if both of you are online at the same time. Your profile becomes invisible to them and their profile becomes invisible to you.
Blocking also typically hides your online status from the blocked user. They will not know whether you are currently on the platform, making it harder for them to wait for you or plan an encounter.
On well-moderated platforms, blocking also sends an automatic signal to the moderation team. If the blocked user receives additional reports from other users, their account is more likely to be actioned quickly because of the existing block history.
What It Does Not Prevent
Blocking is platform-specific. If you block someone on Coomeet, they can still create an account on Chatrandom or another platform and contact you there. This is why using different usernames and profile photos across platforms makes it harder for determined individuals to follow you.
VPNs can allow banned users to bypass IP-based blocks. While platforms like Coomeet also use account-level blocking that follows the user regardless of IP address, determined ban evaders may use VPNs to get around IP-based restrictions on less sophisticated platforms.
New accounts are the most common workaround. A blocked user who creates a fresh account with different credentials can appear as a completely new person. This is why reporting ban evasion matters — it helps platforms detect and remove these workaround accounts.
When Someone Creates a New Account
Ban evasion is a violation of most platform terms of service. When someone creates a new account to bypass a ban, they are explicitly breaking the rules. If you encounter a user who exhibits the same behavior patterns as someone who previously harassed you, there is a good chance it is the same person.
Common signs of ban evaders include the same profile photo, similar username (like "JohnDoe123" becoming "JohnDoe456"), same writing style or speech patterns, and the same type of inappropriate behavior. Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is.
Report ban evasion to the platform immediately. Provide the new account's username and explain why you believe it is the same person who was previously banned. Moderation teams take ban evasion seriously and will typically remove the evading account.
Cross-Platform Blocking Tips
If you use multiple video chat platforms, consider using different usernames and profile photos on each one. This makes it harder for someone who finds you on one platform to locate you on another. It also makes it easier for you to recognize when someone is following you across platforms.
If you encounter the same person on multiple platforms, block them on each one. Do not assume the block carries over — it does not. Each platform has its own block list and moderation system.
Some users share profile photos across platforms. If you see the same face on multiple platforms under different usernames, that may indicate the same person operating multiple accounts. This could be innocent — many people use the same photo across platforms — but in the context of harassment, it can be a red flag.
Coomeet has one of the most responsive block and ban systems we have tested. Blocks take effect immediately and ban evasion reports are handled quickly. Full Coomeet review →