WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the key features of WhatsApp is voice and video calling, allowing users to easily connect with friends, family, and even businesses. However, unknown or unwanted callers can be a nuisance on WhatsApp just like regular phone calls. Fortunately, WhatsApp provides options to silence these unknown callers so you’re not disturbed by them.
How to silence unknown callers on WhatsApp
When you receive a WhatsApp call from an unknown number not in your contacts, you’ll see “Unknown” displayed as the caller ID instead of a name or number. There are a couple ways to silence these unknown callers on WhatsApp:
- Block the number – Open the call log in WhatsApp, tap on the info icon next to the unknown number, then select Block. This will block the number so any future calls or messages will not come through.
- Silence unknown callers – Open WhatsApp Settings > Calls > Silence Unknown Callers. This will automatically silence and reject all calls from numbers not in your contacts.
Blocking individual numbers can help for specific unwanted callers, but silencing unknown callers blocks all these calls more conveniently. You can toggle this setting any time to control when unknown calls are silenced or allowed.
What happens when you silence unknown callers?
When you enable the setting to silence unknown callers, here is what happens when you receive a WhatsApp call from a number not saved in your contacts:
- You will not receive any call ringtone or notification for the incoming call.
- The call will be rejected automatically after ringing for a short time on the caller’s end.
- The caller will hear a quick message saying you missed their call.
- The rejected call is not shown in your call history or log.
- You will not see any record of the call happening on your end.
Essentially, silencing unknown callers makes it so you are never disturbed by calls from strangers or unfamiliar numbers. It’s an easy way to avoid unwanted, spam, or robocalls. The call is dismissed without you having to actively reject the call yourself.
Does the caller know you silenced their call?
When you silence unknown callers on WhatsApp, the caller is made aware their call did not go through to you:
- On the caller’s end, the call rings for a short time then is automatically rejected.
- They receive a notification saying the call was missed or could not be completed.
- There is no indication you intentionally blocked or silenced the call.
- From the caller’s perspective, it simply seems like you were unavailable or missed their call.
So while you don’t have to deal with the disturbance of the call, the caller is made aware you did not answer. There is no message or notice saying you specifically blocked or silenced their call. As far as they know, you just didn’t pick up.
Can silenced callers leave a voicemail or message?
When you silence unknown numbers on WhatsApp:
- Callers cannot leave a voicemail message for silenced calls.
- They also cannot leave a text/chat message unless you have an existing chat history with them.
- Without an existing chat, they have no way to message you directly.
This prevents strangers with your phone number from bombarding you with voicemails or messages. It keeps you free from unwanted contact attempts through calls or texts.
Will silencing calls affect my whatsapp groups?
Silencing unknown callers only affects incoming calls from numbers not already saved in your contacts. It does not impact your WhatsApp groups in any way:
- You will still receive notifications and calls normally from WhatsApp groups you’ve joined.
- Even if you don’t have individual members’ numbers saved, their calls within groups will still come through.
- Silencing is only applied to 1-on-1 calls from numbers not already in your contacts.
So you don’t have to worry about missing important calls from your WhatsApp groups. Group calling works as usual. Only direct calls from unknown individual numbers are silenced.
Can I still screen unknown silenced calls?
While silencing unknown calls will automatically reject them, you can still choose to screen these calls if you prefer:
- When the setting is enabled, silenced calls will ring for a short time.
- You can choose to answer within this time if you want to screen the call.
- If you answer, the call will connect and you can find out who’s calling.
- You can then end the call if needed without the caller knowing you silenced them.
Screening lets you selectively pick up calls to identify the caller if needed, while rejecting the rest. This gives you more control over managing these calls.
Can I undo silencing for specific contacts?
If there are any contacts where you’ve silenced their calls but now want to allow them through, you have a couple options:
- Save their number in your contacts so they are no longer “unknown.”
- Toggle off the setting to disable silencing and allow all calls through.
- Switch silencing back on once you’ve received the call you were expecting.
By saving specific numbers to your contacts, those callers will be exempt from silencing even when enabled. You can easily make exceptions for certain numbers you want to allow calls from.
Does silencing calls use up my phone plan minutes?
When you silence and automatically reject WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers:
- You are not charged for any phone plan minutes for these rejected calls.
- Since you do not actually connect to the call, they do not consume your minutes.
- The caller is also not charged for the call by their carrier.
So silencing unknown calls is free and does not use up any minutes from your calling plan. Both you and the callers avoid charges for these blocked calls.
Can I still receive calls from unknown numbers?
If you want to still be able to receive calls from some unknown numbers even with silencing enabled, you have a few options:
- Save contacts temporarily – Add numbers you’re expecting calls from to your contacts list, then remove them later.
- Use screening – Answer within the short ringing time to screen unknown calls.
- Disable silencing – Toggle the setting off temporarily to allow unknown calls through.
With some extra management, you can allow calls from certain unknown numbers when needed. Silencing still gives you control over avoiding unwanted calls easily.
Are there any disadvantages to silencing unknown callers?
Silencing unknown WhatsApp callers can be very useful for avoiding disruptions from unwanted calls. However, there are some potential disadvantages to keep in mind:
- You may miss important calls from numbers not in your contacts, like doctors offices or schools calling about your child.
- Silenced calls from legitimate businesses will not reach you.
- Scammers can still leave voicemails even if you silence calls.
- You have to remember to disable silencing when expecting unknown calls.
While silencing can block unwanted disturbance, it also prevents you from receiving calls from unrecognized numbers that may be important. Keep this in mind when enabling the setting.
Best practices for managing unknown calls
Here are some tips for effectively managing unknown WhatsApp calls even with silencing enabled:
- Save contacts proactively – Regularly add numbers you communicate with often so they can reach you.
- Screen calls – Evaluate unknown callers by answering initially before rejecting.
- Disable when expecting calls – Temporarily turn off silencing when awaiting calls.
- Use voicemail – Check voicemails to return important calls you missed.
- Add numbers to blacklist – Block specific spam numbers in addition to silencing.
With some extra effort, you can minimize disruption from unwanted calls while still allowing important unknown calls through using smart contact saving, screening, and silencing adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does silencing calls also block WhatsApp messages?
No, the setting to silence unknown calls only affects incoming calls. It does not block or impact WhatsApp messages in any way. You will still receive messages normally from all contacts and numbers.
Can I undo silencing for a specific number?
Yes, you can either add the specific number to your contacts so they are no longer unknown, or toggle the silencing setting off temporarily to allow calls from that number through before enabling it again.
What happens if a silenced number tries to call me multiple times?
Even if an unknown silenced number attempts to call you multiple times consecutively, all the calls will be automatically rejected. They will have to call you from a number saved in your contacts for the call to go through.
Will silencing calls reduce my WhatsApp data usage?
Silencing calls may slightly reduce your WhatsApp data usage since it prevents unknown calls from connecting. However, the data savings are marginal compared to messaging, voice notes, and media usage.
Can I selectively silence calls during certain times or days?
Unfortunately no, the unknown call silencing setting is a simple on/off toggle. There is no granular scheduling option to silence calls only during certain hours or days right now.
If I silence a call, can the caller tell I rejected it?
No, callers whose unknown calls are silenced have no indication you purposefully rejected their call. From their perspective, it simply seems like you missed or ignored their call attempt.
How many unknown calls can I silence per day?
There is no limit on how many unknown WhatsApp calls you can silence per day. All calls from numbers not in your contacts will be automatically rejected until you disable the silencing setting.
Can I use silencing if I have dual SIM phones?
Yes, you can enable silencing of unknown callers independently on WhatsApp for both SIMs on a dual SIM phone. The setting is configured separately for each SIM.
Is there a way to auto-reply to callers I’ve silenced?
Unfortunately WhatsApp does not currently have an auto-reply feature for rejected calls. Silenced callers have no way to directly message you unless you already have an existing chat history.
| Call Silencing Scenario | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| Receive call from saved contact | Call goes through normally |
| Receive call from unsaved number | Call is silenced and rejected |
| Call from same unknown number | Automatically rejected again |
| Disable silencing setting | All calls go through |
| Enable silencing setting | Unknown calls silenced again |
Conclusion
Silencing unknown callers on WhatsApp is a simple and effective way to avoid disruptions from unwanted calls. While enabling this setting rejects all calls outside your contacts, a little extra management allows important unknown calls through when needed. Overall, silencing unused numbers lets you control your call experience better on WhatsApp for reduced disturbances.