How do I prevent unknown numbers from messaging me on WhatsApp on my phone?

How do I prevent unknown numbers from messaging me on WhatsApp on my phone - briefly?

To block unknown numbers from messaging you on WhatsApp, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the "Settings" tab.
2. Select "Account," then "Privacy," and set your profile picture, status, and last seen visibility to "Nobody." This will prevent unknown numbers from seeing your information and messaging you.

How do I prevent unknown numbers from messaging me on WhatsApp on my phone - in detail?

To protect your privacy and avoid unwanted messages from unknown numbers on WhatsApp, you can follow these detailed steps:

1. Adjust Your Privacy Settings:

   • Open WhatsApp on your phone.
   • Go to "Settings" (on Android) or tap on the three dots at the top right corner and select "Settings" (on iPhone).
   • Navigate to "Account."
   • Select "Privacy." Here you can manage several settings:
     • Last Seen: Set it to "Nobody" if you don't want anyone, including unknown contacts, to see when you were last online.
     • Profile Photo: Choose "Nobody" so that only your contacts can see your profile picture.
     • About: Select "Nobody" to hide your 'About' section from strangers.
     • Status: Set it to "My Contacts" or "Nobody" depending on who you want to share your status updates with.

2. Block Unknown Numbers:

   • If an unknown number messages you, you can block them directly:
     • Open the chat with the unknown number.
     • Tap on the three dots at the top right corner (on Android) or the contact name at the top (on iPhone).
     • Select "Block" to prevent this number from sending you further messages.
   • Alternatively, you can block numbers via your phone's settings:
     • Go to your phone’s settings and find the option for blocking contacts.
     • Add the unknown number to your blocked list.

3. Disable Read Receipts:

   • In the "Privacy" settings under "Account," you can turn off "Read Receipts." This will prevent anyone, including unknown numbers, from knowing if you have read their messages.

4. Use Two-Step Verification:

   • Enable two-step verification in WhatsApp to add an extra layer of security:
     • In the "Account" settings, select "Two-step verification."
     • Follow the prompts to set up a PIN and provide an email address for recovery.

5. Avoid Sharing Your Phone Number Publicly:

   • Be cautious about where you share your phone number. Avoid posting it on public platforms or websites where it can be easily accessed by unknown individuals.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving unwanted messages from unknown numbers on WhatsApp, thereby safeguarding your privacy and maintaining a clutter-free messaging experience.