How to prevent unknown contacts from messaging me in WhatsApp?

How to prevent unknown contacts from messaging me in WhatsApp - briefly?

To prevent unknown contacts from messaging you on WhatsApp, adjust your privacy settings. Go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Messages, and select "Nobody" or "My Contacts."

How to prevent unknown contacts from messaging me in WhatsApp - in detail?

To prevent unknown contacts from messaging you on WhatsApp, follow these detailed steps:

  1. Adjust Your Privacy Settings:

    • Open WhatsApp and tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner to access the menu.
    • Select "Settings" > "Account" > "Privacy."
    • Here, you can control who can see your profile picture, status, about section, and read receipts. Set these to "My Contacts" or "Nobody" depending on your preference.

  2. Block Unknown Numbers:

    • If an unknown number messages you, you can block them directly.
    • Open the chat with the unknown contact.
    • Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select "More" > "Block."
    • Confirm by tapping "Block." This will prevent the user from messaging you in the future.

  3. Use the "Who Can Add Me to Groups" Feature:

    • Go to "Settings" > "Account" > "Privacy."
    • Tap on "Groups."
    • Choose who can add you to groups: "Everyone," "My Contacts," or "Nobody." Setting this to "Nobody" will require a request before anyone can add you to a group.

  4. Disable Read Receipts for All Contacts:

    • Go to "Settings" > "Account" > "Privacy."
    • Tap on "Read Receipts."
    • Turn off the toggle. This will prevent anyone, including unknown contacts, from seeing if you've read their messages.

  5. Report Spam:

    • If you receive spam or unwanted messages from an unknown number, you can report them as spam.
    • Open the chat with the unknown contact.
    • Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select "More" > "Report."
    • Follow the prompts to report the message as spam. This helps WhatsApp identify and block similar accounts in the future.

  6. Be Cautious with Sharing Your Number:

    • Avoid sharing your phone number on public platforms or with people you don't trust. Unknown contacts often obtain numbers from publicly available sources.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving messages from unknown contacts on WhatsApp and maintain a higher level of privacy and security.