WhatsApp - can I block contact without opening message?

[Whycallnow]

Blocked a family member due to ongoing abusive behaviour in August, they have changed phones and sent me a WhatsApp message this morning. Can I block them without opening the message? I have archived, but then realised that if they send another message it will unarchive the chat. Blocking gave me such relief from it all, I don't want the messages to start again.

@Whycallnow Click on their photo icon and then click on the 'i' in the circle. There's an option to block

Turn on airplane mode
Open WhatsApp
Ignore the message that will pop up asking to use data or WiFi.
Open the message and block the contact.
Close the app completely.
Turn off airplane mode.
All traces will be gone when you reopen the app and the other person will never know.

Great little hack for when you’re avoiding someone but want to see how important a message is

Oh dear opened it by mistake, so have blocked in the normal way - oh well!
When i pressed on photo it didn't give me an option to block, just delete or archive

Thank you for the hack, I will definitely use this in future if he finds a way into my inbox again :-/