How to prevent unknown numbers from sending you WhatsApp messages?

How to prevent unknown numbers from sending you WhatsApp messages - briefly?

To prevent unknown numbers from sending you WhatsApp messages, adjust your privacy settings by selecting the "Nobody" option under "Who can send me messages." Additionally, consider using the "Blocked Contacts" feature to manually block unwanted numbers.

How to prevent unknown numbers from sending you WhatsApp messages - in detail?

To prevent unknown numbers from sending you WhatsApp messages, follow these detailed steps:

  1. Adjust Your Privacy Settings:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to the 'Settings' tab.
    • Select 'Account'.
    • Tap on 'Privacy'. Here you can manage who can see your profile picture, status updates, and live location. Set these options to 'My Contacts' or 'Nobody' to limit visibility to unknown numbers.

  2. Block Unknown Numbers:

    • If an unknown number sends you a message, you can block it directly from the chat.
    • Tap on the three dots (menu) in the top right corner of the chat.
    • Select 'More' and then 'Block'. Confirm your choice. This will prevent that specific number from sending you any further messages.

  3. Enable Two-Step Verification:

    • Go to 'Settings' > 'Account'.
    • Tap on 'Two-step verification'. Enable this feature by following the prompts. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unknown numbers to access your account.

  4. Avoid Adding Unknown Numbers:

    • Be cautious about adding phone numbers to your contacts that you don't recognize or trust. Only add numbers from people you know and communicate with regularly.

  5. Use the 'Report' Feature:

    • If you receive spam or inappropriate messages, use the 'Report' feature. Tap on the three dots (menu) in the chat, select 'More', and then 'Report'. This helps WhatsApp identify and take action against such numbers.

  6. Limit Who Can Add You to Groups:

    • Go to 'Settings' > 'Account' > 'Privacy'.
    • Under 'Groups', select who can add you to groups. Choosing 'My Contacts' or 'Nobody' will restrict unknown numbers from adding you to groups without your permission.

  7. Regularly Update WhatsApp:

    • Ensure that your WhatsApp application is up-to-date. Regular updates often include security improvements and new features to protect your privacy.

By implementing these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving unwanted messages from unknown numbers on WhatsApp. Staying vigilant and using the available features will help maintain a secure and private messaging environment.