How to Respond to a Dick Pic (Both Negatively & Positively)

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Dating coach John Keegan tells us what to say when someone sends a risque photo

Co-authored by John Keegan

Last Updated: January 29, 2026 Fact Checked

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Responding Negatively

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Responding Positively

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Responding Gently

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Why do people send dick pics?

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Q&A

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The dick pic—sometimes disappointing, mostly unwanted, and truly difficult to escape. If one of these creatures of the Internet Age has crept into your messages or DMs, you might be wondering how to respond. This comes down to whether or not you wanted these pics in the first place—in other words, whether they’re solicited or unsolicited. We’ll walk you through how to respond to unwanted dick pics, what to say to consensual dick pics, and how to let ‘em down easy. Plus, we’ll explain why dick pics are even a thing.

What to Say to a Dick Pic

Dating coach John Keegan says that, if you don’t want to see it, say something like, “Hey, I see you’re coming at me with the heat… You’re definitely looking for something I’m not willing to give.” If that doesn’t work, block their number or account so that you don’t have to keep talking to them.

Section 1 of 4:

Responding When You Don’t Want Dick Pics

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Block their number. You don’t have to tolerate unwanted dick pics. Sending dick pics without the other person’s consent is a form of sexual harassment, and it’s perfectly acceptable to do whatever it takes to protect yourself from harassment.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
Largest anti-sexual assault organization in the US providing support and advocacy for survivors

Go to source} Block their number or profile, with or without a note letting them know you’re going to do it, and don’t look back.^{[2]
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Research source}
- Some senders of unsolicited dick pics are just looking to provoke a reaction. Blocking is the best way to leave them in the dust without giving them the satisfaction.
- If they send it on social media, report their profile, too, for sexual harassment. Chances are, they’ll get suspended or banned.
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Leave them on read. The best response is sometimes no response. If you have read receipts, or are using Snapchat or another social media platform that lets the sender know when you’ve opened their message, leaving them on read is a great way to get a point across.^{[3]
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Research source} They’re looking for a reaction—don’t give them one.
- In fact, if you can tell it’s a dick pic without even opening the message, don’t open it at all. It’s sometimes better to leave them hanging altogether if you want to get them to stop sexting you.
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Tell them you’re not impressed. Deny an unsolicited dick pic sender their ego boost. After all, if they’re sending you these pictures without your permission, why should you have to tiptoe around their feelings in your response? Let them know you’re not impressed by replying something like:
- “I’ve seen better.’
- “2/10”
- “LOL”
- “This one’s not great.”
- “Not having the effect you thought it would.”
- “Yikes. That’s what you’re working with?”
4
Throw a snarky comment their way. Sometimes harsher words are called for. If you’re really looking to bruise some egos, let them know that they’ve got an ugly-looking member. People can be pretty sensitive about their dicks, so it’s a good opportunity to twist the knife a little as revenge for massively overstepping boundaries.
- “You should get a doctor to check that out.”
- “What’s wrong with it?”
- “You sure that’s what it’s supposed to look like?”
- “That’s one ugly dick.”
- “Now I just feel bad for you.”
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Reply with a joking or mocking dick pic. If you don’t have a penis yourself, give the sender a surprise. Grab a dick pic from the internet (or your phone, if this isn’t the first time you’ve gotten one) and send it over without any context. Teach them a lesson that whatever game they’re playing isn’t going to work out for them.^{[4]
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Research source}
- You can also get a little metaphorical. Instead of sending over a picture of a real penis, try a gif of a banana or sausage.
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Send an ambiguous emoji. A weird emoji is a good way to confuse them. Since getting an unsolicited dick pic is confusing, why not return the favor? You’ll have them trying to decipher your meaning, which gives you the upper hand in the interaction. Try one of these, or pick any other that catches your eye:^{[5]
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Research source}
- 👹: Let the ogre emoji speak for you. Is he the ogre? Is that just how it makes you feel? Who can say? Who cares?
- 🔬: You’re looking closer. Is it because it’s too small to see?
- 💩: A classic emoji that makes absolutely no sense as a response to a dick pic. They’ll be puzzled over this one.
- Or, send over a favorite meme—dig through your camera roll and see if you can find one that fits the situation.
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Ask them to explain themselves. You have a right to confront them about their actions. No one should be sending dick pics without consent—in other words, without the person on the receiving end saying they want them. Asking them to justify their actions might stop them from doing this to other people in the future, and also can help you keep your relationship on the right track if you’re interested in this person. Message them something like:^{[6]
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Research source}
- “Why would you send me this?”
- “I’m confused about why you would think this was a good idea.”
- “This isn’t appropriate for our relationship at all. Care to explain yourself?”

Section 2 of 4:

Responding When Dick Pics are Welcome

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Give them a spicy compliment. Sometimes, the dick pic is consensual and welcome.^{[7]
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Research source} If you like what you see, let them know. If you’ve asked for dick pics and have had your request met, it’s good form to send them a compliment. People can feel self-conscious after sending such an intimate image of themselves, and they’re looking for affirmation. You can also say something like:
- “Looking good.”
- “That’s hot—I like it ;)”
- “10/10”
- “That’s a beautiful dick.”
- “Better than I imagined.”
- “You’re making me all flustered.”
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Send a positive emoji. Emojis are simple and to the point in these situations. If you don’t feel like turning this interaction into a whole conversation, but you still want to let the sender know that you appreciate the pic, try one of these:
- 😍 or ❤️: Let them know you like what you see with one of these heart emojis.
- 😋: Try out this emoji for a naughtier response.
- 👰🏼: This one will let them know you’re really into it. Get ready for the altar!
- 😈: This tells them you’re having spicy thoughts.
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Ask for more pics. One picture just might not be enough. If you want to see more, just ask—whoever’s sending them to you will likely be more than happy to oblige. You can also make some requests if you know what you’re looking for, as long as you stay respectful and consensual.^{[8]
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Research source} Try saying something like:
- “Got any other angles?”
- “Let’s see one with your shirt off too.”
- “Just one? You can do better than that ;)”
- “Find some better lighting. I want to see it in its full glory.”
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Respond with a nude of your own if you feel comfortable. You don’t have to respond to a nude with a nude, but you can if you want. Although some people might pressure you into sending them nudes just because they sent you some, you don’t need to do anything you’re not comfortable with. But if you do want to send some sexy pics, this is another completely valid way to respond. Have fun with it!^{[9]
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- Only send nudes if you feel comfortable with doing it and if you’re over the age of 18. Distributing child pornography is illegal, so for your own safety, don’t do this until you’re no longer a minor.
- It’s a good idea to use an encrypted, password-protected messaging app like Signal to keep your nudes safe from prying eyes.
- Understand that when you send a nude, there’s always the chance someone other than the recipient will see it, whether it’s by accident or by intentional leak.

Section 3 of 4:

Responding Gently Without Hurting Their Feelings

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Redirect the conversation if you don’t want a confrontation. Sometimes someone just misreads the vibes and jumps the gun. It’s embarrassing, and maybe a red flag, sure, but not always, and sometimes you just gotta laugh it off and move on, if you want to maintain a relationship. Keegan says to politely explain that you’re not into it, or at least not ready. Be honest!^{[10]
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Expert Source

John Keegan
Dating Coach

Expert Interview} Then, keep the conversation moving.
- “A little early for that, I think, but maybe you can show me again some other time.”
- “Hey, I’m not really here for that, but we could talk about something else if you want.”
- “I’m just not that kind of person, but don’t feel embarrassed. I get it.”
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Suggest that they sent it by accident. If you think they sent it by mistake (or just want to ignore the implications), tell them it’s okay that they sent it by accident, and that you won’t think about it too much. Also, tell them that it won’t affect your relationship. Whether it was an accident or not, this sends the message that everything’s cool, and they have another chance to be normal about it.
- “That probably wasn’t meant for me, I’ll just delete this convo and restart it so I don’t see it.”
- “Oops! Did you mean to send that to someone else? No worries, it happens.”
- Avoid commenting on the content of the picture itself.

Section 4 of 4:

Why do people send dick pics?

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1
Some people think of it as flirting or a shortcut to sex. We’re not excusing it, just explaining it. A lot of people think that sending a photo of “the goods” is a good way to catch someone’s attention and entice them. And if it’s consensual, it can be! But if it’s totally out of the blue, it’s harassment. The thing is, a lot of people don’t think of it that way (even if it’s true), and see it as just a way to skip the chat and get down to business.^{[11]
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Research source}
- It’s a byproduct of a digital culture. Unfortunately, people have always been making unwelcome sexual advances, and the internet and instant messaging have simply made it easier.
- Of course, on apps like Grindr, where sex is the goal, it’s totally common and even expected.
Sometimes, people know that unsolicited dick pics are uncomfortable, and that’s exactly why they do it.^{[12]
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Research source} They feel powerful or entertained by purposefully overstepping boundaries. It’s unhealthy and bad behavior. That’s why ignoring, blocking, and reporting is often the best course of action.^{[13]
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Research source}

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Question

If someone sends me an unsolicited explicit image after I have informed them I am a minor, should I report them?

Aubrey Gilbert

Community Answer

Yes, you should report them, especially given your age. Blocking the individual is also a valid response, but reporting is recommended in such serious cases.

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