WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to easily connect with friends, family, coworkers, and more. With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp makes it easy to stay in touch through texting, voice notes, video calls, and more.
However, the popularity and open nature of WhatsApp also means you may occasionally receive messages from people you don’t know. While this is usually harmless, some users understandably want more control over who can message them.
Luckily, WhatsApp provides options to restrict who can message you directly. Here’s what you need to know about limiting WhatsApp to contacts only.
Can I restrict WhatsApp to my contacts only?
Yes, you can restrict WhatsApp to only allow messages from users already saved in your phone’s contacts. This prevents anyone not in your contacts from sending you direct messages.
There are two main ways to limit WhatsApp to contacts only:
- Change your privacy settings in WhatsApp
- Block unknown senders
Below we’ll explore both options in more detail, including step-by-step instructions to configure contact-only messaging.
Method 1: Update WhatsApp privacy settings
The easiest way to limit WhatsApp to contacts only is by updating your privacy settings within the app:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the 3-dot menu in the top right
- Go to Settings > Account > Privacy
- Tap Who can add me to groups
- Select My Contacts
With this setting enabled, only users already in your phone’s contacts will be able to add you to groups. Additionally, anyone not in your contacts will be unable to directly message you.
Method 2: Block unknown senders
Another option is to leave your privacy settings open but automatically block any unknown numbers trying to message you. Here’s how:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy
- Tap Blocked > Add New
- Input the phone numbers of any users you want to preemptively block
- Toggle Block Unknown Contacts to on
With this enabled, WhatsApp will automatically block any new numbers not already in your contacts from messaging you directly. You can also manually block specific numbers ahead of time if desired.
What are the limitations of contacts only?
Restricting WhatsApp to your contacts only prevents unknown users from messaging you, but it does come with some limitations:
- You may miss messages from new contacts or numbers not in your address book yet
- Businesses and services can’t easily reach out regarding your accounts
- It takes extra steps to start conversations with new people
While usually minor, these drawbacks mean restricting WhatsApp to contacts only may not be ideal for everyone. Evaluate your own messaging needs to decide if it’s right for you.
Missing messages from legitimate contacts
The main disadvantage of limiting WhatsApp to contacts only is that you may miss out on messages from new contacts not in your address book yet. For example, if a friend gets a new number and tries to reach out, they wouldn’t be able to message you directly until you add their number to your contacts.
You can minimize this issue by frequently syncing your contacts across devices and updating your address book whenever you get a new number from someone. But an occasional missed message is still possible with contacts-only messaging enabled.
Difficulty reaching out to businesses/services
Many businesses and services now use WhatsApp to contact customers about accounts, booking confirmations, shipping updates, and other notifications. With contacts only enabled, these companies won’t be able to reach you directly until you proactively add their official number to your address book.
You’ll need to be diligent about saving key phone numbers to your contacts to ensure you receive important service updates. But it’s likely you’ll still miss some business messages with restrictions enabled.
Extra steps to start new conversations
Restricting WhatsApp to current contacts only means you’ll need to take extra steps to start conversations with new people. To message someone new, you’ll first need to get their number, add them as a contact, and then begin chatting.
While just a minor hassle, this reduces the spontaneity of striking up conversations with new connections. It also prevents you from easily responding to people who message you first but aren’t contacts yet.
What are alternatives to contacts only?
If the limitations outweigh the benefits for you, alternatives to consider include:
- Selectively blocking individual numbers
- Using WhatsApp’s block spam and report features
- Leaving your privacy settings open to all
Let’s explore some of these options more as potential alternatives to limiting messages to contacts only.
Blocking individual numbers
Instead of blanket blocking all unknown numbers, you can be more selective by blocking specific numbers giving you issues. To do this:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked
- Manually input any number you want to block
- Tap Block to confirm
This allows you to block just the irritating or abusive numbers, while still receiving messages from legitimate new contacts. It gives you more control than blocking all unknown senders.
Using report spam and block features
WhatsApp also allows reporting and blocking numbers right from within chat windows:
- In any chat, tap the contact name at the top
- Tap Report Spam or Block Contact
With these options, you can quickly stop communications with any harassing or spam accounts. It’s easier than contacts-only limitations if you just have a few bad numbers to block.
Leaving privacy settings open
The simplest option is leaving your privacy settings open for anyone to message. This allows maximum reachability and prevents missing legitimate messages.
To ensure you only get contacted by people you know, be careful about giving out your WhatsApp number publicly. You can also use features like profile pictures and status messages to indicate only friends should message you.
While less restrictive, open privacy settings give you the most messaging flexibility overall.
Can I do contacts only on WhatsApp Business?
WhatsApp Business is a version of WhatsApp designed for companies and organizations to connect with customers. On WhatsApp Business, you have two options for limiting messages to contacts only:
- Block unknown senders
- Manually approve contacts
Blocking unknown senders
Similar to regular WhatsApp, businesses can block unknown contacts from messaging them directly. To do this:
- Go to WhatsApp Business Settings
- Tap Blocked Contacts
- Toggle on Block Unknown Contacts
However, blocking all unknown senders means you may miss messages from potential new customers. So it likely isn’t the ideal solution for most businesses.
Manually approving contacts
A better option for WhatsApp Business is requiring manual approval for new contacts. Here’s how to enable it:
- Go to WhatsApp Business Settings
- Tap Message Approval
- Toggle Require Approval to On
With this, when a new number messages your business for the first time, their message will be pending until you manually approve them as a contact. This gives you more granular control.
Overall manual approval strikes the right balance for most organizations using WhatsApp Business for customer communications.
Can I do contacts only on WhatsApp Web/Desktop?
WhatsApp’s desktop and web apps sync to your mobile settings and contacts. So any privacy or contact restrictions enabled on your phone will apply to WhatsApp Web and Desktop as well.
For example, if you limit messages to contacts only on your mobile WhatsApp, the same rule will apply on WhatsApp Web. Unknown numbers not already in your phone’s contacts won’t be able to message your linked desktop app either.
WhatsApp Desktop/Web acts as an extension of your phone’s app. So contact restrictions carry over seamlessly to your computer when using the desktop client or web version of WhatsApp.
Conclusion
Restricting WhatsApp messaging to contacts only is one option if you want to limit who can reach you. While the ability to block unknown senders provides more privacy, it can also result in missed messages from new contacts or businesses.
Alternative options like selective blocking, reporting spam, or leaving settings open may work better depending on your preferences. Evaluate the pros and cons to decide if limiting WhatsApp to contacts only fits your messaging needs.
With over 2 billion users, WhatsApp delivers flexible options to manage privacy and contacts. Choose the settings that strike the right balance for you based on how you use WhatsApp to stay connected with the important people and businesses in your life.
| Setting | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts only |
|
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| Selective blocking |
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| Open privacy |
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Related Questions
How do I make my WhatsApp contacts only?
To make WhatsApp contacts only, go to Settings > Account > Privacy and enable “My Contacts” under Who Can Add Me to Groups. This will restrict messaging and invites to only your saved contacts.
Can you block someone not in your contacts on WhatsApp?
Yes, you can block someone on WhatsApp even if they’re not in your contacts. Simply go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked > Add New. Then enter the phone number you want to block.
Does turning off chat history delete contacts?
No, turning off chat history in WhatsApp deletes your past conversations but does not affect your contacts. Your saved contacts and their phone numbers will remain in WhatsApp even if you disable chat history.
Can I use WhatsApp without a phone number?
No, you cannot use WhatsApp without a phone number. WhatsApp requires a valid mobile number to create an account and send verfication codes during setup. There is currently no way to use WhatsApp without providing a phone number.
Can I get texts from non-contacts on Android?
It depends on your Android messaging app and settings. Many apps like Android Messages allow texts from anyone by default. But you can restrict texts to contacts only in your app’s settings, or via your overall OS notifications settings in some cases.