WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. With that many users, unwanted messages can become a nuisance. Fortunately, WhatsApp provides several ways to block messages so you don’t have to deal with spam or unwanted contact.
How to block a user
If you want to stop receiving messages from a specific user, you can block them in WhatsApp. This prevents them from sending you any messages or even seeing when you were last online.
To block a user on WhatsApp:
- Open the chat with the user you want to block
- Tap on the name or number at the top of the chat
- Scroll down and tap Block
You can also block a user from their contact info in your phone’s contacts list. Just tap the “i” icon next to their name and select Block Contact.
Once you block someone, they will no longer be able to:
- Call or send you messages on WhatsApp
- See your profile photo or about info
- See your last seen or online status
To the blocked user, it will seem like you deleted them as a contact. They won’t be notified that they were blocked.
How to block unknown senders
In addition to blocking specific people, you can use WhatsApp’s privacy settings to block any unknown contacts from messaging you.
To block unknown senders:
- Open WhatsApp Settings
- Tap Account > Privacy
- Turn on Block Unknown Contacts
With this setting enabled, you’ll only receive messages from people in your phone’s address book. Any messages or calls from numbers not saved in your contacts will be automatically blocked.
How to report spam
If you receive unwanted spam messages, you can report the sender to WhatsApp. This helps WhatsApp identify and crack down on accounts spreading spam.
To report spam on WhatsApp:
- Forward the spam message to WhatsApp at +1 (877) 797-2775
- WhatsApp will add the number to its list of blocked accounts
You can also report a business account that sends spam messages. This helps ensure businesses don’t abuse WhatsApp messaging.
How to block WhatsApp groups
Along with individual users, you can also block groups on WhatsApp. This will prevent any notifications or messages from the group.
To block a WhatsApp group:
- Open the group chat
- Tap on the group name at the top
- Scroll down and tap Block Group > Block
When you block a group, you won’t get any messages sent to the group. The group admin also won’t be notified that you blocked them.
If you change your mind later, you can always unblock a user or group. Just go back to their chat info and tap Unblock.
How to block WhatsApp on iPhone
Along with blocking specific contacts, you can block WhatsApp entirely on an iPhone. This prevents all messages and notifications from the app.
To block WhatsApp on iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time
- Tap App Limits
- Select WhatsApp
- Tap Block App, then Block
With Screen Time, you can set time limits for WhatsApp or schedule when it’s blocked. You can also block it completely for a set number of hours, days, or indefinitely.
Using Do Not Disturb
Another option is using Do Not Disturb on iPhone. You can set Do Not Disturb to block all notifications from WhatsApp.
To block WhatsApp with Do Not Disturb:
- Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb
- Tap Silence > Always
- Under Allow Calls From, select No One
This will silence all calls and notifications from WhatsApp. Just don’t forget to turn off Do Not Disturb when you want to receive messages again.
How to block WhatsApp on Android
For Android users, you can block WhatsApp messages and notifications directly from the app info settings.
To block WhatsApp on Android:
- Open Settings > Apps & Notifications
- Tap WhatsApp > Notifications
- Turn off Show Notifications
This stops all notifications from the app. You can also block sounds, vibration, heads up notifications, and the notification dot icon.
Using Do Not Disturb
As with iPhone, Android’s Do Not Disturb mode can block notifications and calls from WhatsApp.
To block WhatsApp with Do Not Disturb on Android:
- Go to Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb
- Tap People > No one
- Toggle on Enable Do Not Disturb
This will silence all calls and notifications until you turn off Do Not Disturb. You can also customize the settings to allow exceptions.
Does blocking notify the user?
When you block someone on WhatsApp, they are not notified or alerted in any way. To the blocked user, it will seem like you deleted them from your contacts.
So blocking a user or group is a “silent” process. The other party is not informed at all when you block them.
Can a blocked user message me?
No, a blocked user cannot send you any messages on WhatsApp. Their messages will not go through once they are blocked.
If you block an unknown number, any messages will be automatically declined before they reach you. They will have no indication if the number is valid.
For users you’ve blocked, they will be unable to see any updates about your online status or profile. All communication is cut off in both directions.
Can I undo blocking a contact?
Yes, you can unblock a user or group if you change your mind later on. Unblocking is easy to do:
- For individual contacts, go to their chat info and tap Unblock
- For groups, go the group info and tap Unblock
- For unknown senders, turn off Block Unknown Contacts in settings
Once unblocked, all previous messages will become available. The user will not be notified you had blocked them previously.
Does blocking delete chat history?
No, blocking a contact does not delete your chat history with them. All previous messages remain saved in the chat.
To delete the chat history, you will have to clear the messages manually. The other user will also still have the message history available if they did not delete it.
Can I get blocked on WhatsApp?
Yes, other users can also block you on WhatsApp. If someone blocks you, here is what happens:
- Your messages will not be delivered to them
- Your calls will go directly to voicemail
- You will not see their profile photo, status, or online indicator
You will not receive any notification if you are blocked by another user. To you, it will seem like they deleted you as a contact.
Should I block contacts on WhatsApp?
Blocking contacts can be useful to stop unwanted spam or harassment. But blocking can also be seen as an extreme reaction in some cases.
Here are some things to consider before blocking someone:
- Is this person intentionally harassing or harming you?
- Have you asked them to stop contacting you directly?
- Is there a way to resolve the issue without blocking?
- Are you ready to cut off all contact with this person?
Think carefully before blocking close contacts like family and friends. In some cases, it may be better to mute notifications or temporarily stop chatting instead of completely blocking them.
Best practices for blocking
If you do need to block a contact, here are some best practices:
- Block individual users instead of unknown contacts if possible
- Always report spam to WhatsApp before blocking
- Don’t block as a first resort if other options are available
- Remember you can always unblock contacts later
Blocking should not be used to ghost or ignore people. But in cases of harassment or spam, blocking can be an effective tool to protect your peace of mind.
Conclusion
WhatsApp provides flexible options to block unwanted messages. You can block individuals, groups, or unknown senders based on your specific needs.
Keep in mind blocking should only be used when necessary, not as a means to ignore people. With proper judgment, blocking can help prevent disturbance from spam or harassment.
Overall, understanding the ins and outs of blocking contacts on WhatsApp gives you greater control over your messaging experience.
| Platform | How to Block WhatsApp |
|---|---|
| iPhone |
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| Android |
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| Type | How to Block |
|---|---|
| Individual |
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| Group |
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| Unknown Contacts |
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