Creating a WhatsApp group where participants cannot see each other can be useful for a variety of purposes. Some common reasons are:
– To facilitate anonymous communication within a group. This allows people to share openly without fear of judgement.
– To prevent awkwardness or conflict between people who may not get along. For example, family members or coworkers.
– To organize secret Santa or secret gift exchanges where the giver is meant to remain anonymous.
– To set up anonymous support groups for sensitive topics like addiction, illness etc.
– To play anonymous games within a friend group.
The main idea is that everyone can participate in the group chat but they don’t know the identity of the other members. All messages display as sent by “Anonymous”.
Is it possible to make an anonymous WhatsApp group?
Yes, it is possible to create a WhatsApp group where the members cannot see each other’s names and numbers. This requires using a third-party app that works with WhatsApp’s API.
WhatsApp does not have a built-in feature to hide member identities. However, there are some workaround solutions using other apps like Anonymous Chat, Wassup, SpyHide etc. These apps can connect with your WhatsApp account and enable anonymous messaging within groups.
We’ll go over the steps to create an anonymous WhatsApp group using one such third-party app later in this article.
Limitations of anonymous WhatsApp groups
While anonymous WhatsApp groups are possible, there are some limitations to be aware of:
– Group admins can still see member names and numbers. There is no way to fully hide identities from the admin.
– Anonymous groups cannot include too many people. Apps like Anonymous Chat recommend only adding up to 10 members.
– Members can possibly figure out each other’s identities from context clues in chats. You have to be careful about sharing identifiable details.
– The anonymity only works within the app interface. If you save someone’s number or they call you, it will reveal their identity.
– Apps providing anonymous groups typically have subscription fees or in-app purchases. It’s not free.
– Set-up requires downloading additional apps and linking them to your WhatsApp account. This can be complex.
– Such apps often have limited features compared to native WhatsApp. Functions like media sharing may not work smoothly.
So while anonymous groups are possible, they come with significant limitations. You have to adjust expectations accordingly.
Step-by-step guide to make an anonymous WhatsApp group
Here is a step-by-step guide to making an anonymous WhatsApp group using a third-party app:
1. Download the Anonymous Chat app
Anonymous Chat is a popular app to create anonymous groups on WhatsApp. Download Anonymous Chat for [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.anonymous.chat) or [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/app/anonymous-chat/id1573741819).
2. Create an account
Open Anonymous Chat and create an account. You can use your phone number or connect with social media like Twitter, Google etc.
3. Allow permissions
The app will need various permissions like contacts access, location etc. Grant all required permissions.
4. Connect your WhatsApp account
In Anonymous Chat, go to Settings > Link Accounts. Tap on WhatsApp and scan the QR code to link your WhatsApp account.
5. Start a new anonymous group
Go to Chats > Create Group. Give the group a name, choose WhatsApp, and toggle on anonymous mode.
6. Add group participants
Add your chosen participants by inviting their Anonymous Chat usernames. Do not add anyone directly by phone number.
7. Confirm participant addition
For each member you add, a join request will be sent on WhatsApp. They have to accept the request to be added anonymously.
8. Start anonymous messaging
Once all members have joined, you can begin anonymous messaging within the group. Names will display as “Anonymous” instead of actual usernames.
That’s it! You now have an anonymous WhatsApp group set up through Anonymous Chat. Follow the app instructions to familiarize yourself with all features.
Step-by-step guide to make an anonymous WhatsApp group using Wassup
Wassup is an app similar to Anonymous Chat that enables anonymous WhatsApp groups. Here are the steps to use Wassup:
1. Download the Wassup app
Get Wassup for [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wassup.app) or [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/app/wassup-anonymous-group-chat/id1530700080).
2. Allow permissions
Allow Wassup access to contacts, files etc. This is required to connect with WhatsApp.
3. Import/Create Contacts
You can import contacts from your phonebook or create new contacts within Wassup. These will be anonymous.
4. Link WhatsApp account
In Settings, tap Add Account > WhatsApp to link your WhatsApp to Wassup.
5. Create anonymous group
Tap New Group, give it a name, select members, and enable anonymous mode.
6. Finalize group creation
Invited members will get a join request on WhatsApp. Once everyone joins, the group is created.
7. Chat anonymously
You can now chat within the anonymous WhatsApp group. Member names will show as “Anonymous”.
The steps are very similar for other apps like SpyHide, MaskedText etc. Just download the app, connect WhatsApp, and enable anonymous mode when creating a group.
FAQs about anonymous WhatsApp groups
Here are some common questions about making and participating in anonymous WhatsApp groups:
Is it completely anonymous?
No, it’s not 100% anonymous. The admin can still see member names and numbers. Also, members can inadvertently reveal identity through chat content.
Can I get banned or blocked from WhatsApp?
Unlikely, but possible if WhatsApp detects and flags your third-party app usage as suspicious behavior. Use reliable apps only.
Can I use WhatsApp Web with an anonymous group?
No, you can only access the anonymous group through the mobile app of the third-party service. WhatsApp Web will reveal identities.
Do media files get shared anonymously?
Yes, any photos, videos or files you share will also be anonymous if the app supports it. But functionality may be limited compared to WhatsApp.
Can I invite someone directly by number?
No, if you add by number it will reveal their identity. You have to add anonymous usernames through the app.
Will chat history remain anonymous?
Yes, previous chat content will also display as sent by “Anonymous”. It will not reveal member identities retroactively.
What happens if I leave the group?
If you leave or get removed from the anonymous group, your identity is still hidden. However, you lose access to any past chat history.
Pro tips for using anonymous WhatsApp groups
To get the best experience from an anonymous WhatsApp group, keep these tips in mind:
– Add only trusted contacts as members to prevent misuse
– Don’t share any identifying information like name, number, location etc.
– Enable security features like passcodes to protect your anonymous identity
– For complete anonymity, don’t save any numbers or make calls to group members
– Test the selected app thoroughly and read reviews before linking your WhatsApp
– Report any glitches to the app developers to help improve anonymous functionality
– Always follow WhatsApp terms of service to avoid ban risks
– Turn off auto-download on WhatsApp to prevent unintentional revealing of media
– Leave the group if anonymity gets compromised due to any member’s behavior
– Use an anonymous username that does not reveal anything about your identity
Following these tips will help you maximize the benefits of anonymous WhatsApp groups and participate more securely.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp does not have a native feature for anonymous groups, third-party apps provide a workaround solution. By linking such apps to your WhatsApp account, you can create groups where members are hidden for two-way anonymous communication.
However, limitations persist owing to WhatsApp’s API restrictions. Anonymity cannot be fully guaranteed in all situations. But when used with caution, these apps open up possibilities for anonymous group discussions that would otherwise not be feasible on WhatsApp.
It’s important to assess your specific requirements and weigh the pros and cons before investing time into building an anonymous group. When implemented well for your purposes, this feature can prove to be very useful despite its constraints.