How to avoid receiving messages from strangers on WhatsApp?

How to avoid receiving messages from strangers on WhatsApp - briefly?

To avoid receiving messages from strangers on WhatsApp, ensure your phone number is not publicly listed and adjust your privacy settings. Set your profile picture, status, and last seen to "Nobody" in the app's settings. This limits visibility and reduces the likelihood of unwanted messages.

How to avoid receiving messages from strangers on WhatsApp - in detail?

To effectively avoid receiving unwanted messages from strangers on WhatsApp, you can employ several strategies that will enhance your privacy and security. Here are detailed steps you can take:

1. Adjust Your Privacy Settings:

   • Profile Photo: Set your profile photo to 'Nobody' if you don’t want everyone to see it. This limits the visibility of your photo to your contacts only.
   • Status: Similarly, set your status to 'My Contacts' or 'Nobody'. This ensures that only people in your contact list can view your status updates.
   • Last Seen: Adjust this setting to 'Nobody' if you prefer to keep your last seen time private from everyone.

2. Block Unwanted Contacts:

   • If you receive a message from an unknown number, you can block the contact immediately. This prevents them from sending any further messages or calls. To do this, open the chat with the stranger, tap on their name at the top, and select 'Block Contact'.

3. Use the 'Message a Friend' Feature:

   • WhatsApp offers a feature called 'Message a Friend', which allows you to invite specific friends to message you. This way, you maintain control over who can initiate contact with you.

4. Avoid Sharing Your Phone Number Publicly:

   • Be cautious about where and how you share your phone number. If it’s publicly available on social media or other platforms, strangers may use it to find and message you on WhatsApp.

5. Report Spam Messages:

   • WhatsApp provides an option to report spam messages. If you receive a spammy or inappropriate message, forward it to WhatsApp at +1 408 379 6723. This helps WhatsApp identify and block such numbers from sending further messages.

6. Use Two-Step Verification:

   • Enabling two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your account. This feature requires you to enter a unique PIN whenever you register your phone number with WhatsApp, making it harder for someone else to use your number on WhatsApp.

7. Limit Who Can Add You to Groups:

   • Strangers may add you to groups without your permission. To prevent this, go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Groups and select 'Nobody' or 'My Contacts'. This ensures that only people in your contact list can add you to groups.

8. Regularly Review Your Blocked Contacts List:

   • Periodically review the list of contacts you have blocked. If you find any numbers that you recognize and trust, you can unblock them.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving unwanted messages from strangers on WhatsApp, ensuring a more private and secure messaging experience.