WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. However, the popularity of WhatsApp also means that users often receive messages from unknown numbers. While some of these may be legitimate, others can be from telemarketers, spammers, or scammers. Fortunately, WhatsApp provides features to block unwanted messages from strangers automatically.
Should I block unknown numbers on WhatsApp?
There are a few key reasons why you may want to block unknown numbers on WhatsApp:
- Avoid spam and unwanted messages – Blocking unknown numbers can prevent you from receiving marketing messages, spam, offensive content from strangers.
- Protect your privacy – By blocking unknown numbers, you prevent strangers from having access to your phone number and personal conversations.
- Stop scammers – Scammers often use unknown or masked numbers to try and trick users. Blocking these numbers can protect you from these kinds of scams.
- Regain peace of mind – Eliminating unwanted messages from strangers can help you avoid distractions and focus on conversations that matter.
However, there are a couple cases where you may not want to automatically block all unknown numbers:
- Expecting important calls from new numbers – You may miss important calls from numbers not already in your contacts, like doctors offices or job recruiters.
- Connecting with new people – Blocking unknowns makes it harder to connect with new people who may have gotten your number from a mutual friend.
So in summary, blocking unknown numbers can be beneficial for cutting down on spam, scams, and unwanted chatter – but it does mean missing out on potentially important messages from previously unknown numbers. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons for your specific situation.
How can I automatically block unknown numbers on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp provides a couple different ways to automatically block any number not already saved in your contacts list:
Block Unknown Numbers Directly in WhatsApp
You can enable a setting directly in WhatsApp to automatically block unknown numbers:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the Settings menu (the 3 dots or 3 line icon)
- Select Settings > Account > Privacy
- Enable the setting for “Block Unknown Contacts”
Once enabled, this will automatically block any new number not already saved in your contacts from messaging or calling you on WhatsApp.
Use Third Party Apps
There are also third party apps that provide expanded tools to block unknown numbers and spam calls/messages on your phone, including on WhatsApp:
- Truecaller – Identifies spam calls and texts and can automatically block unknown numbers from messaging you or calling across different apps including WhatsApp.
- Whoscall – In addition to blocking unknown numbers, it can identify important and useful calls from numbers like delivery services.
- Mr. Number – Blocks unwanted calls and spam texts/messages across SMS and various messaging apps.
These apps make use of crowd-sourced databases to identify and block unwanted numbers and spam at the device level, adding an extra layer of protection beyond WhatsApp’s built-in settings.
What are the limitations of blocking unknown numbers on WhatsApp?
While blocking unknown numbers can be useful, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- False positives – Important calls or messages may be blocked if they come from previously unknown numbers.
- Contacts only on other devices – Numbers saved only on your phone’s local contacts rather than your WhatsApp account will still be blocked.
- SMS/calls not blocked – Blocking only applies to WhatsApp, it does not block unknown numbers from contacting you directly via SMS, calls, or other apps.
- Must repeat for multiple accounts – Blocking is limited to the device and WhatsApp account where you enable it only.
To avoid missing important messages, be sure to occasionally check your blocked list and unblock any numbers that were incorrectly blocked but need to reach you. And enable blocking separately for each WhatsApp account you use across your devices if you want comprehensive coverage.
Can I block unknown numbers on WhatsApp Business?
WhatsApp Business accounts have access to the same blocking capabilities as standard WhatsApp accounts. Business users can enable “Block Unknown Contacts” in WhatsApp Business settings to automatically block any new numbers trying to message or call your business account.
This can be useful for businesses to avoid unwanted spam and messages. However, since business accounts more frequently interact with new potential customers, you may want to occasionally check your blocked list to ensure important contacts haven’t been incorrectly blocked.
What happens when you block an unknown number on WhatsApp?
When you block an unknown number on WhatsApp, here is what happens:
- You will no longer receive any calls or messages from that number on WhatsApp.
- Any existing chats with that number will no longer show up in your Chats tab.
- The blocked number will not be notified that you have blocked them.
- The number will be added to your Blocked Contacts list, which you can manage in WhatsApp Settings.
- If the blocked contact tries to add you to a group, the group admin will be notified you were blocked.
Essentially, blocking an unknown number completely cuts off any ability for that number to contact or interact with you on WhatsApp until you manually unblock them.
Can I identify and block spam numbers on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp provides a couple ways to identify and block specific numbers that are sending you unwanted spam or abusive messages:
Check Message History
If you receive an unwanted message on WhatsApp, you can check your message history and block the specific number that message came from:
- Open the chat that contains the unwanted message.
- Tap on the contact’s name at the top of the chat.
- Scroll down and tap Block Contact.
Report Spam
You can report an unknown number as spam directly within WhatsApp:
- Open the chat for the unwanted number.
- Tap More options > Report contact.
- Select the reason for reporting the contact as spam.
Reporting numbers as spam helps WhatsApp identify abusive numbers for blocking across all users. But it doesn’t automatically block that number from contacting you specifically.
Can I automatically block numbers not in my address book?
Yes, there are a couple ways to automatically block any number not already saved in your contacts or address book on WhatsApp:
- Enable “Block Unknown Contacts” in WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy. This will block all unknown numbers trying to message you.
- Use a third party app like Truecaller or Mr. Number to block calls and messages from all unsaved numbers at the device level.
Enabling these types of settings can provide an added layer of protection from unwanted spam and abusive messages. However, you may occasionally miss important messages from numbers not already saved in your contacts.
Should I reply to unknown numbers before blocking?
If you receive a message on WhatsApp from an unknown number, there are a few options to consider before blocking:
- If the message is clearly spam, abusive, or from a suspicious number, it’s fine to immediately block the number without replying.
- For seemingly harmless messages, you may want to reply with a note that you do not know them and will be blocking them.
- If the message references shared connections or previous conversations, politely ask who they are before deciding to block.
- Avoid engaging in prolonged conversations with unknown numbers, as this could lead to scams or sharing of personal information.
Use your best judgment based on the content and context of the message. Legitimate businesses and contacts will identify themselves if you request more information before blocking.
Conclusion
Blocking unknown contacts can be a useful self-defense against spam, scams, and unwanted messages on WhatsApp. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons for your specific situation before turning on options to auto block all unknown numbers. Check your blocked list periodically to ensure you have not inadvertently blocked important contacts. With the proper precautions, blocking unknown numbers provides a convenient way to gain more control over your WhatsApp messaging experience.