How to prevent unknown numbers from messaging you on WhatsApp?

How to prevent unknown numbers from messaging you on WhatsApp - briefly?

To prevent unknown numbers from messaging you on WhatsApp, adjust your privacy settings to allow messages only from contacts or known numbers. Additionally, avoid sharing your phone number publicly to minimize unwanted communications.

How to prevent unknown numbers from messaging you on WhatsApp - in detail?

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

1. Adjust Your Privacy Settings:

   • Open WhatsApp and go to the "Settings" menu.
   • Tap on "Account."
   • Select "Privacy." Here, you can manage who can see your profile picture, status updates, and read receipts. For unknown numbers, set these options to "Nobody" or "My Contacts" to restrict visibility.

2. Block Unknown Numbers:

   • If an unknown number messages you, block it immediately.
   • To block a contact, open the chat, tap on the three dots at the top right corner, and select "More" > "Block." This will prevent the number from sending you future messages.

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

   • Go to "Settings" > "Account" > "Privacy."
   • Tap on "Groups." Here, you can choose who can add you to groups: "Everyone," "My Contacts," or "Nobody." Selecting "Nobody" will ensure that only contacts you know can add you to groups.

4. Disable Read Receipts for Unknown Numbers:

   • In the "Privacy" settings, toggle off read receipts. This way, unknown numbers won't know if you've seen their messages.

5. Avoid Sharing Your Phone Number Publicly:

   • Be cautious about sharing your phone number on social media or public forums. Unknown numbers can use this information to contact you.

6. Report Spam:

   • If an unknown number sends spam, report it as spam within WhatsApp.
   • Open the chat, tap on the three dots at the top right corner, and select "More" > "Report." This helps WhatsApp identify and block spammers more effectively.

7. Use Two-Step Verification:

   • Enable two-step verification for an extra layer of security.
   • Go to "Settings" > "Account" > "Two-step verification" and follow the prompts to set it up. This ensures that even if someone tries to verify your number on WhatsApp, they won't be able to without the PIN you've set.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving unwanted messages from unknown numbers on WhatsApp.