How to block unknown numbers in WhatsApp?

How to block unknown numbers in WhatsApp - briefly?

To block unknown numbers in WhatsApp, you can go to the "Settings" tab and select "Account". Then, navigate to "Privacy" and choose "Blocked Contacts" to add the unwanted number to your blocked list.

How to block unknown numbers in WhatsApp - in detail?

Blocking unknown numbers on WhatsApp is a straightforward process designed to enhance user privacy and security. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively block unknown numbers:

1. Identifying Unknown Numbers: Before blocking, you need to identify the unknown number. This can be done by checking your recent calls or messages list for any unfamiliar contacts. WhatsApp also allows users to report spam messages, which helps in identifying and blocking suspicious numbers.

2. Blocking an Individual Number:

   • Open WhatsApp on your device.
   • Navigate to the chat with the unknown number you wish to block.
   • Tap on the three dots (⋮) located at the top right corner of the screen.
   • Select "More" and then tap on "Block".
   • Confirm by tapping "Block" again in the pop-up window.

3. Reporting Spam: In addition to blocking, you can report spam messages to WhatsApp. This helps in preventing others from receiving similar messages:

   • Open the chat with the unknown number.
   • Tap and hold on the message you want to report.
   • Select "Report" from the menu that appears.
   • Confirm by tapping "Report" again in the pop-up window.

4. Blocking Unknown Callers: If you frequently receive calls from unknown numbers, you can use the call blocking feature available on many devices. This feature blocks all incoming calls from numbers not saved in your contacts list:

   • On iOS: Go to "Settings" > "Phone" > "Call Blocking & Identification". Enable the toggle for any third-party app that offers call blocking.
   • On Android: The process varies by device and manufacturer, but typically involves going to "Settings" > "Blocked Numbers" or a similar option.

5. Using WhatsApp’s Privacy Settings: To further enhance your privacy, you can adjust WhatsApp's settings to control who can see your profile picture, status, and last seen information:

   • Open WhatsApp and go to "Settings".
   • Tap on "Account" > "Privacy".
   • Here you can select who can view your profile picture, status, and last seen information. Choosing "My Contacts" or "Nobody" will help in limiting the visibility of your information to unknown numbers.

By following these steps, you can effectively block unknown numbers on WhatsApp, ensuring a safer and more private messaging experience.