How to prohibit messages from unknown numbers in WhatsApp?

How to prohibit messages from unknown numbers in WhatsApp - briefly?

To prevent messages from unknown numbers on WhatsApp, you can adjust your privacy settings. Go to "Settings" > "Account" > "Privacy," and then select the option that restricts message visibility to your contacts only. This ensures that unwanted messages from unfamiliar numbers do not disrupt your communication experience.

How to prohibit messages from unknown numbers in WhatsApp - in detail?

Prohibiting messages from unknown numbers on WhatsApp is a critical step towards ensuring your privacy and security. WhatsApp, being one of the most popular messaging platforms, provides several features to help users manage who can contact them. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking Unknown Numbers on WhatsApp

1. Adjust Privacy Settings:

   • Open WhatsApp and go to the Settings menu. This is usually represented by three dots in the upper right corner of your screen.
   • In the settings, select Account.
   • Tap on Privacy. Here you will find several options to customize who can see your personal information, status updates, and more.

2. Blocking Unknown Contacts:

   • Within the Privacy section, tap on Messages. This option allows you to control who can send you messages.
   • You’ll have three options: Everyone, My Contacts, or Nobody. Select My Contacts if you want only people in your contact list to be able to message you. Alternatively, you can choose Nobody for maximum privacy, but this will prevent anyone from messaging you until you add them to your contacts.

3. Using the Block Feature:

   • If you receive a message from an unknown number and want to block it immediately, open the chat with that contact.
   • Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen to access the menu.
   • Select Block. Confirm your decision by tapping Block again. The contact will be blocked, and you won’t receive any further messages from them.

4. Reporting Spam:

   • WhatsApp also allows users to report spam or abuse. If you believe a message is spam, long-press on the message until it is selected.
   • Tap on the trash can icon at the top of the screen to delete the message.
   • After deleting, tap Report and then Block to prevent further messages from this number. This helps WhatsApp improve its spam detection algorithms and keeps your inbox clean.

5. Using Two-Step Verification:

   • Enabling two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your account. Go to Settings, then Account, and tap on Two-step verification. Follow the prompts to set up a PIN, which will be required for any attempts to verify your number.

Additional Tips for Enhanced Security

• Regularly Update WhatsApp: Ensure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed. Updates often include security patches and new features designed to protect users.
• Be Cautious with Links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links, even if they are from contacts you know. Phishing attempts can use your contacts’ accounts to spread malicious content.
• Review Blocked Contacts: Periodically review your list of blocked contacts. If there are numbers you no longer wish to block, you can unblock them through the Privacy settings.

By following these steps, you can effectively prohibit messages from unknown numbers in WhatsApp, thereby safeguarding your personal information and maintaining a secure communication environment.