Getting unwanted calls on WhatsApp can be annoying and disruptive. In this article, we’ll discuss some quick and effective ways to stop unwanted calls on WhatsApp so you can take control of your messaging experience.
Why am I getting unwanted calls on WhatsApp?
There are a few common reasons why you may be getting unwanted calls on WhatsApp:
– Your phone number is available publicly – If your phone number is listed online or in public directories, it’s easy for people to find it and call you on WhatsApp.
– You gave your number to the wrong person – Whether it was a salesperson, service provider or stranger, giving your number to someone untrustworthy can lead to unwanted calls.
– Spammers got your number – Robocallers and spammers often scan through number ranges searching for active numbers to call.
– You have a similar number to someone else – Getting calls meant for someone else with a similar number happens more often than you might think.
– You have an old number – If you got a new phone number that was previously used by someone else, they may still be giving out that number which directs calls to you.
How to stop unwanted calls on WhatsApp
If you want to prevent unwanted calls from interrupting you on WhatsApp, here are some effective solutions:
Adjust your privacy settings
WhatsApp has privacy settings that control who can see your personal info and call you. Here’s how to update them:
– Open WhatsApp and tap the More options icon > Settings > Account > Privacy
– Tap Phone number and select My contacts except… to only allow calls from people in your contacts.
– Tap Read receipts and turn off the setting to stop sending read receipts, which confirm you’ve read a message.
– Tap Groups and select My contacts to control who can add you to groups, limiting unwanted invitations.
Restricting your privacy settings gives you greater control over who can interact with you on WhatsApp.
Block numbers
An easy way to stop unwanted calls from a specific number is to block them in WhatsApp:
– When you get an unwanted call, open the call log in WhatsApp.
– Tap the info icon next to the number.
– Select Block [number].
– Confirm you want to block the number.
You can also block numbers manually by opening a chat with the number and tapping Block. Blocked contacts won’t be able to call you or send messages.
Report unwanted numbers
If you keep getting unwanted calls from the same number, report it to WhatsApp:
– Open the chat with the number.
– Tap More options > Report contact.
– Select the reason for reporting the number.
– Tap Submit to send the report to WhatsApp.
Reporting numbers helps WhatsApp identify and block accounts engaging in spam and abuse.
Use call filtering apps
Call filtering apps like Truecaller and Hiya can help identify and block spam calls and robocalls. Key features include:
– Caller ID – See who’s calling and detect potential spam numbers.
– Block lists – Automatically block known spam numbers.
– Reverse lookup – Search unknown numbers to see if they’re spam.
– Block mode – Block all calls except contacts to avoid unwanted calls.
Having advanced call filtering improves your chances of stopping unwanted calls.
Don’t accept calls from strangers
One simple way to avoid unwanted calls is to not accept calls from people not in your contacts. If it’s an important call from someone legitimate, they’ll leave a voicemail which you can act on.
Rejecting or ignoring calls from unknown numbers will signal to spammers that your number is inactive, which could reduce unwanted calls.
Ask contacts not to share your number
Politely ask your friends, family and business contacts not to share your personal phone number without your consent. This will limit your number being given out to unnecessary third parties.
You can also avoid posting your phone number online or in public directories where strangers can access it.
Change your number as a last resort
If all else fails and you keep getting bombarded by unwanted calls, changing your phone number will guarantee they stop. This is generally a last resort option once other methods have been tried.
While it can be a hassle to notify all your contacts of a new number, it will provide a clean slate and fresh start if unwanted calls become unbearable.
Stopping unwanted WhatsApp calls on iPhone
Here are some additional tips for stopping unwanted WhatsApp calls if you have an iPhone:
– Use Do Not Disturb mode – This allows calls only from contacts or numbers in your Favorites.
– Block contacts – Go to Phone > Recents, tap the info icon, scroll down and select Block Contact.
– Block calls from unknown numbers in Phone settings. Go to Phone > Call Blocking & Identification and switch on Silence Unknown Callers.
– Use iCloud Voicemail – Activating this will send all unanswered calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail.
– Ask Siri – Say something like “Hey Siri, block this caller” after receiving an unwanted call. Siri will take care of the rest!
Stopping unwanted WhatsApp calls on Android
For Android users, here are some ways to stop unwanted calls:
– Block numbers – Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, select Settings > Block numbers > Add a number.
– Use Do Not Disturb preferences – Customize when to allow calls by going to Settings > Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb preferences.
– Install call screening apps – Try apps like Call Control or Should I Answer which screen and block nuisance calls.
– Block unknown callers – In Phone settings, go to Blocked numbers > Turn on Block unknown callers to send unidentified calls straight to voicemail.
– Use native filtering – Select Settings > Caller ID & spam to enable spam detection and filtering of nuisance calls.
Conclusion
Unwanted calls on WhatsApp can be irritating, but thankfully there are many ways to stop them in their tracks. Adjusting your privacy settings, blocking numbers, reporting spammers, using call filters and not answering unknown calls can all help reclaim your peace and quiet.
With consistent use of these techniques, you can effectively minimize unwanted calls and get back to enjoying WhatsApp as it’s meant to be used – for connecting with people you really want to hear from. So be proactive about stopping those annoying unwanted calls!