Quick Answer
Yes, you can block messages from unknown numbers on WhatsApp. There are a few different ways to do this:
– On Android devices, go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked > Add New. Enter the phone number you want to block and tap Block.
– On iPhone devices, go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked > Add New. Enter the phone number and tap Block.
– You can also block a number directly from a chat window. Tap and hold on the message from the unknown number, then tap More > Block [number].
Blocking a number prevents that person from calling you or sending you messages on WhatsApp. Calls and messages from blocked numbers will not show up on your phone.
Blocking Unknown Numbers on Android
Here are the step-by-step instructions for blocking an unknown number on Android devices:
1. Open the WhatsApp app on your Android phone.
2. Tap the 3 dot menu icon in the top right corner.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Tap Account.
5. Tap Privacy.
6. Tap Blocked contacts.
7. Tap Add new.
8. Enter the phone number you want to block in full international format. For example: +11231231234
9. Tap Block.
This will prevent the number from contacting you on WhatsApp. You can repeat these steps to block additional numbers as needed.
Unblocking a Number on Android
If you want to unblock a number you previously blocked:
1. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked contacts.
2. Tap and hold on the phone number you want to unblock.
3. Tap Unblock.
The number will be removed from your blocked contacts list and able to message/call you again on WhatsApp.
Blocking Unknown Numbers on iPhone
To block an unknown number on your iPhone’s WhatsApp:
1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
2. Tap Account > Privacy > Blocked > Add New.
3. Enter the phone number with country code you want to block.
4. Tap Block to confirm.
This will prevent that number from contacting you through WhatsApp. Repeat these steps to block additional unwanted numbers.
Unblocking a Number on iPhone
To unblock a number on iPhone:
1. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked.
2. Swipe left on the number you want to unblock.
3. Tap Unblock.
This will remove the number from your blocked contacts list so they can message/call you in WhatsApp again.
Blocking Numbers via Chat
You can also easily block a number directly from a chat window:
On Android
1. Open the chat with the unknown number.
2. Tap and hold on their message.
3. Tap More > Block [number].
On iPhone
1. Open the chat with the unknown number.
2. Tap on the contact’s name at the top of the screen.
3. Scroll down and tap Block Contact.
This will instantly block that number from contacting you without having to go through your settings.
Does Blocking Delete Messages?
Blocking a number prevents any new messages but does not delete existing messages. To delete a conversation on WhatsApp:
Android
1. Open the chat.
2. Tap and hold on the message bubble.
3. Choose Delete messages > Delete for everyone.
iPhone
1. Open the chat.
2. Tap and hold on the message bubble.
3. Tap More > Delete messages > Delete for everyone.
This permanently deletes the messages from yours and the other person’s chat.
Can a Blocked Contact Still See Your Profile Photo?
No, when you block someone they are also removed from your contact list and can no longer see your profile photo, status, or when you were last online. All visibility is removed both ways.
Does Blocking Prevent Calls?
Yes, blocking a number on WhatsApp blocks all communication, including calls. Any calls from a blocked number will go directly to voicemail and show up as missed calls with no notification.
Can You Get Messages from a Blocked Sender?
No, you will not receive any messages or calls from numbers you have blocked on WhatsApp. They are automatically filtered out so you never see them.
Will a Blocked Contact Know I Blocked Them?
No, when you block someone on WhatsApp they are not notified or given any indication that they have been blocked. Your messages will simply not deliver from their side.
Can I Get in Trouble for Blocking Someone?
No, there are no legal issues with blocking someone on a messaging app like WhatsApp. You have full control over who can contact you and blocking is always your choice. The only exception may be if the messages relate to an ongoing legal case.
Should I Notify Someone Before Blocking Them?
You do not need to notify someone before blocking them on WhatsApp. However, if it is someone you know and want to explain your decision you can send them a final message such as “I am going to block your number now. Please do not try to contact me again.” before blocking them.
Can Someone on WhatsApp Message Me with a Different Number if I Block Them?
If you block someone on WhatsApp, they can message you again if they get access to a new phone number that you haven’t blocked. To prevent this, do not share your phone number publicly and be careful about who you give your number to.
Can I Block Someone Who is Not in My Contacts?
Yes, you can block any phone number on WhatsApp, even if the number is not saved in your contacts list. Simply go to your blocked contacts and add the unsaved number manually. As long as you have the accurate international number, you can block anyone.
Can I Block Someone on WhatsApp Without Them Knowing?
Yes, when you block a contact on WhatsApp they are not notified or given any indication that they have been blocked. You can block anyone on WhatsApp without them being aware. Their messages will simply not deliver to you after blocking them.
Is There a Limit to How Many People You Can Block on WhatsApp?
There is no known limit to the number of contacts you can block on WhatsApp. You are able to block as many individual phone numbers as needed to control who can message or call you through the app.
Can I Automatically Block Spam Numbers on WhatsApp?
Unfortunately WhatsApp does not currently have a built-in spam filter to automatically detect and block potential spam numbers. The only way to block contacts is to add their numbers manually. However, there are some third party apps that can identify spammers on WhatsApp.
Can I Block Someone Without Their Number?
No, on WhatsApp you can only block someone if you have their exact phone number. This number must include the full international country code. You cannot block a contact using only their name or WhatsApp ID. The phone number is required.
Conclusion
Blocking unwanted numbers is an important privacy tool on WhatsApp. By following the blocking steps for your device, you can gain control over who is able to call or message you. Messages from blocked numbers will be filtered out without any notification. Remember that blocking is permanent unless you choose to later unblock that contact. Use blocking judiciously to protect your peace of mind on WhatsApp.
| Platform | How to Block a Number |
|---|---|
| Android | Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked > Add New |
| iPhone | Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked > Add New |
| Windows Phone | Contact Info > Block |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does blocking delete existing messages? | No, blocking only prevents future messages. |
| Can a blocked contact see your profile photo? | No, they cannot see anything about you. |
| Will a blocked contact know they are blocked? | No, WhatsApp does not notify blocked contacts. |
| Can you get in trouble for blocking someone? | No, you have the right to block contacts. |