How to prevent WhatsApp messages from being delivered without adding them to the blacklist?

How to prevent WhatsApp messages from being delivered without adding them to the blacklist - briefly?

To prevent WhatsApp messages from being delivered without adding contacts to the blacklist, you can mute notifications or disable read receipts for specific chats. This approach allows you to maintain contact with individuals while controlling message delivery and privacy settings.

How to prevent WhatsApp messages from being delivered without adding them to the blacklist - in detail?

Preventing WhatsApp messages from being delivered while avoiding the use of the blocklist can be achieved through a combination of privacy settings and user behavior adjustments. Here are some detailed steps to help you maintain your communication preferences without resorting to blocking contacts:

  1. Adjust Privacy Settings:

    • Last Seen: By setting your "Last Seen" status to "Nobody," you can prevent others from knowing when you were last active on WhatsApp. This can deter people from sending messages if they believe you are not available. 
      Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen > Nobody
    • Profile Photo: Limiting the visibility of your profile photo to "Nobody" or "My Contacts" can help reduce unwanted attention and messages from unknown contacts. 
      Settings > Profile Picture > Visible To > Nobody/My Contacts
    • Status: Restricting who can see your status updates to a select group of contacts can minimize the chances of receiving unsolicited messages. 
      Settings > Account > Privacy > Status > My Contacts/Custom

  2. Mute Notifications:

    • Muting notifications from specific contacts or groups allows you to receive messages without being disturbed by constant alerts. This can be particularly useful if you want to read messages at your convenience without the sender knowing you have seen them. 
      Open the chat > Tap on the contact's name/group icon > Mute Notifications > Choose duration or Permanent

  3. Disable Read Receipts:

  4. Use Archived Chats:

    • Archiving less important conversations moves them out of your main chat list, reducing the visibility and urgency of new messages. You can still access these chats when needed but will not be constantly reminded of incoming messages. 
      Swipe left on the chat > Archive

  5. Set Up Do Not Disturb:

    • WhatsApp's "Do Not Disturb" feature allows you to temporarily mute all notifications, which can be useful during specific times when you do not want to be interrupted by messages. 
      Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb > Turn On/Schedule

  6. Limit Who Can Add You to Groups:

    • Restricting who can add you to groups prevents unwanted group invitations and the subsequent influx of messages from unknown contacts. 
      Settings > Account > Privacy > Groups > Nobody/My Contacts

By implementing these settings, you can effectively manage your WhatsApp communication without needing to block contacts. This approach ensures that you maintain control over your messaging experience while preserving your relationships with various contacts.