How to prevent messages from unknown numbers from coming to WhatsApp on your phone?

How to prevent messages from unknown numbers from coming to WhatsApp on your phone - briefly?

To prevent messages from unknown numbers from appearing in your WhatsApp, you can adjust the privacy settings of your account. Go to Settings > Account > Privacy, and then select the option "Nobody" under "Message me on this number." This will ensure that only contacts saved in your phone's address book can send you messages via WhatsApp.

How to prevent messages from unknown numbers from coming to WhatsApp on your phone - in detail?

To prevent messages from unknown numbers from appearing in your WhatsApp, you can take several proactive steps to ensure your privacy and security. Here are the detailed methods to achieve this:

  1. Adjust Your Privacy Settings:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to "Settings."
    • Navigate to "Account" > "Privacy."
    • Under "Messages," select "My Contacts Except..." or "Nobody" depending on your preference. This setting will block messages from unknown numbers, allowing only those from contacts saved in your phone's address book.
  2. Block Unknown Numbers Manually:

    • If you receive a message from an unknown number, open the chat.
    • Tap on the three dots (menu) at the top right corner of the screen.
    • Select "More" > "Block." This will prevent that specific number from sending you messages in the future.
  3. Use WhatsApp Business for Professional Contacts:

    • If you have a separate business account, you can use it to interact with clients or customers while keeping your personal WhatsApp for friends and family.
    • This way, unknown professional contacts won't clutter your personal messages.
  4. Enable Two-Step Verification:

    • While this doesn't directly block unknown numbers, enabling two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your account.
    • Go to "Settings" > "Account" > "Two-step verification." Follow the prompts to set it up.
  5. Regularly Update WhatsApp:

    • Ensure that you are using the latest version of WhatsApp, as updates often include security patches and new features to enhance privacy settings.
    • Go to your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS) and check for updates.
  6. Avoid Sharing Your Phone Number Publicly:

    • Be cautious about where you share your phone number. Avoid posting it on public forums, social media profiles, or websites where it can be easily accessed by unknown numbers.

By implementing these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving messages from unknown numbers in WhatsApp and maintain a more secure and private messaging environment.