Short answer: Facebook does not have a "reject" button that notifies the sender, it has Delete (or Ignore), which quietly removes the request without telling the person. If you keep getting unwanted requests, the real fix is to change who is allowed to send them. Here is exactly how it works and how to stop the flood.
Delete does not mean reject
When you tap Delete on a friend request, Facebook removes it from your list and the sender is not notified that you declined. To them, the request simply stays pending. They can send another later, which is why some requests feel like they will not go away. There is deliberately no confrontational "rejected" message.
Why a request seems to come back
If the same person keeps appearing, either they are re-sending, or you only removed it from your notifications, not the actual request. Go to your Friend Requests page directly and use Delete there. You can also mark a persistent, spammy request as spam.
Stop unwanted requests at the source
The lasting fix is limiting who can send you requests:
- Go to Settings & privacy > Settings > How people find and contact you.
- Set Who can send you friend requests to Friends of friends (instead of Everyone).
- This alone cuts out most spam and stranger requests.
For a specific persistent person
- Block them: blocking removes any pending request and prevents future contact entirely, and they are not told.
- Restrict: if it is someone you cannot block socially, adding them to a restricted list limits what they see.
The non-obvious tip: tighten your profile visibility too
Strangers often send requests after finding your profile via search or a mutual friend's photos. Under privacy settings, limit who can look you up by phone or email, and set your friends list and past posts to a tighter audience. Fewer strangers can find you, so fewer unwanted requests arrive in the first place.
Frequently asked questions
Does someone know if I reject their Facebook friend request?
No. Deleting a friend request removes it quietly and the sender is not notified. To them it just remains pending.
How do I stop getting unwanted friend requests?
Set 'Who can send you friend requests' to Friends of friends in Settings > How people find and contact you, which blocks most stranger requests.
Why does the same friend request keep coming back?
Either the person re-sends it, or you only cleared it from notifications. Delete it from the Friend Requests page, or mark it as spam.
How do I permanently stop someone from adding me?
Block them. Blocking removes any pending request and prevents future contact, and the person is not notified.
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