How to prevent unknown numbers from sending messages in WhatsApp - briefly?
To prevent unknown numbers from sending you messages on WhatsApp, you can adjust your privacy settings. Go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Messages, and select "Nobody" or "My Contacts." This will ensure that only people in your contact list can message you.
How to prevent unknown numbers from sending messages in WhatsApp - in detail?
Preventing unknown numbers from sending messages on WhatsApp involves a combination of adjusting your privacy settings and being cautious about the information you share online. Here's a detailed guide to help you enhance your security:
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Adjust Privacy Settings: Start by configuring your WhatsApp privacy settings to restrict who can contact you.
- Open WhatsApp and go to
Settings. - Tap on
Account>Privacy. - For each option (Last Seen, Profile Photo, About, Status), select the setting that best suits your needs. The most secure option is often to set it to
My Contacts, which means only people you have saved in your phone's address book can see this information.
- Open WhatsApp and go to
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Block Unknown Numbers: If an unknown number sends you a message, you can block them immediately.
- Open the chat with the unknown number.
- Tap on the three dots (
More) at the top right corner of the screen. - Select
Block. This will prevent that specific number from sending you messages in the future.
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Use Two-Step Verification: Enabling two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp account.
- Go to
Settings>Account. - Tap on
Two-step verification. - Follow the prompts to set up a PIN and provide an email address for recovery.
- Go to
- Limit Visibility in Groups: Be cautious about joining groups where your phone number is visible to all members. If you must join such groups, consider using a secondary phone number or a virtual number service that protects your primary number.
- Avoid Sharing Your Phone Number Publicly: Do not share your WhatsApp-registered phone number on public forums, social media platforms, or websites. This reduces the chances of unknown numbers obtaining your contact information and reaching out to you unsolicited.
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Report Spam: If you receive spam messages from unknown numbers, report them to WhatsApp.
- Regularly Update Your App: Ensure that you are using the latest version of WhatsApp, as updates often include security enhancements and bug fixes that protect against new threats.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of unknown numbers sending messages to your WhatsApp account, thereby enhancing your overall privacy and security.