B cells represent an important link between the adaptive and innate immune systems as they express both antigen‐specific B‐cell receptors (BCRs) as well as various Toll‐like receptors (TLRs). Several checkpoints in B‐cell development ensure that self‐specific cells are eliminated from the mature B‐cell repertoire to avoid harmful autoreactive responses. These checkpoints are controlled by BCR‐mediated events but are also influenced by TLR‐dependent signals from the innate immune system. Additionally, B‐cell‐intrinsic and extrinsic TLR signaling are critical for inflammatory events required for the clearance of microbial infections. Factors secreted by TLR‐activated macrophages or dendritic cells directly influence the fate of protective and autoreactive B cells. Additionally, naive and memory B cells respond differentially to TLR ligands, as do different B‐cell subsets. We review here recent literature describing intrinsic and extrinsic effects of TLR stimulation on the fate of B cells, with particular attention to autoimmune diseases.