How to receive messages only from contacts in WhatsApp?

How to receive messages only from contacts in WhatsApp - briefly?

To ensure you only receive messages from your contacts on WhatsApp, adjust your privacy settings. Go to Settings > Account > Privacy, and select the "Messages" option. Then, choose "My Contacts" to limit message receipt to your contact list. This simple setting enhances your communication experience by filtering out unwanted messages.

How to receive messages only from contacts in WhatsApp - in detail?

To ensure that you receive messages only from your contacts in WhatsApp, follow these detailed steps:

  1. Update Your Privacy Settings:

    • Open WhatsApp and tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner to access the menu.
    • Select "Settings" > "Account".
    • Tap on "Privacy". Here, you can adjust who can see your profile picture, status, and read receipts. For receiving messages only from contacts, focus primarily on the "Last Seen" setting.
  2. Adjust 'Last Seen' Setting:

    • In the Privacy settings, tap on "Last Seen".
    • Select "My Contacts". This means that only your saved contacts will be able to see when you were last online, and this is a good indicator for who can message you directly.
  3. Block Unknown Senders:

    • Return to the main chat screen and identify any unknown numbers or senders.
    • Tap on the chat with an unknown sender.
    • Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner of the chat window.
    • Select "Block" > "Block". This will prevent that number from sending you messages in the future.
  4. Disable Read Receipts:

    • Go back to Settings > Account > Privacy.
    • Tap on "Read Receipts".
    • Turn off read receipts for all contacts or only specific contacts if you prefer. This doesn't prevent messages from being sent, but it can reduce the likelihood of unwanted interactions by hiding your read status.
  5. Use 'Report Spam' Feature:

    • If you receive spam or unsolicited messages, use the "Report Spam" feature.
    • Long-press on the chat with the spammer.
    • Select "Report Spam". This helps WhatsApp identify and block similar numbers in the future.
  6. Limit Data Sharing:

By following these steps, you can effectively manage and restrict messages from unknown contacts in WhatsApp, ensuring a more secure and private messaging experience.