Many WhatsApp users are wondering if it’s possible to automatically block unknown numbers. Suppose you don’t want to receive inappropriate content or spam messages from specific contacts or numbers. In that case, you can tweak your WhatsApp privacy settings. Spammers often use random numbers to send out their messages. However, things are a bit more complicated when it comes to automatically blocking unknown numbers.
How Do I Block Unknown Numbers Automatically on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp doesn’t automatically block unknown numbers. There’s no option to automatically block messages from unknown numbers. The service doesn’t provide any feature like this.
When you receive a message from an unknown number, Whatsapp will alert you the sender is not in your list of contacts. You have three options at your disposal: Block, Report, and Block, or Add to contacts.
How to Block Unknown Numbers on WhatsApp
When you receive a message from an unknown number, you can simply select the respective chat and tap Block.
First, open the chat, and then select the respective phone number. Select Block Contact, and tap Block or Report Contact. Select Report and Block to report and block that number.
By the way, if you want to block a specific contact, go to WhatsApp Settings, select Account, and tap Privacy. Then select Blocked, tap Add New, and select the contact you want to block.
What Happens When You Block a Number on WhatsApp?
Blocked numbers and contacts can no longer contact you. They won’t be able to send you messages, add you to groups, or call you. At the same time, they won’t be able to access profile-related information such as status updates or changes to your profile photos.
Remember that blocking a number or contact on WhatsApp doesn’t automatically remove them from your contacts. You need to go to your phone’s contacts list and manually delete the respective contact.
Conclusion
You can’t automatically block unknown numbers on WhatsApp. There’s no option to prevent unknown numbers from sending you messages. When you receive a chat message from an unknown number, you can block that number or add it to your contacts list if you know the sender personally.
Do you often receive spam messages or unwanted content on WhatsApp? Do you think the app should support the option to automatically block unknown numbers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Zechariah says
Hi,
Sometime we just want privacy at full but there is no such option for it. There should be an option for unknown numbers to be block all at once.
Thandeka says
My family has been stalked by someone who sends us a lot of abusive and insulting messages using different numbers. I really would like to have an option that will allow me to automatically block all numbers that are not in my contacts
Asy says
WhatsApp needs to add automatic block to the app, I’m getting tired of getting messages from people I don’t even know and have no clue how the they get my number.. Please respect our privacy etc…I’m sick of it!
Raj says
Option to turn off read receipts for unknown numbers would be nice
Jkl says
Yes I would certainly like the option of automatically blocking unknown numbers as I get same spam messages using different numbers
LBroo says
I’m forced to use this app for my overseas relatives. I hate the deliberate lack of privacy/control on the app.
Anca S says
Yes, definitely WhatsApp should block calls from unknown numbers which are not in your contacts. Who wants to call, can use the cellline and not via WhatsApp.
Lisa says
WhatsApp needs to add automatic block to the app, I’m getting sick and tired of getting international messages from damn people I don’t even know and have no clue how the hell their getting my damn number..you say you respect our privacy,etc…then start dealing with it before I go talk to an attorney… because it’s BS and I’m sick of it!
P. says
Whatsapp should provide this option of automatic blocking unknown numbers, for us !!
sanaa ahmad says
please we need a way to directly block unknown number on whatsapp
luky says
Yes whatsapp should give the option to stop spam
Zubair says
Whatsapp should introduce option of Block automatically unknown numbers.
Chavda punit says
Please its my humble rqst to add this features automatic block unknwn call or msgs in whatsapp….because some. Frauded continuesly calling and demanding money…and how many numbrs they have ..its neccessry features…without this features whatsapp insecure or incmplt…pls upgrade this featurs to whatsapp
Kofi Aj says
There should that option to automatically stop messages from unknown numbers
SISIRA BANDARA says
Yes, I suggest whetsapp must be develop with block all the unknown numbers which is not in my contact
Blesssed says
I think WhatsApp should add auto block unknown number or add them.People are messing up with scam messages.
A says
Yes of course I think this feature in what’s app should be necessary.
Jackson Ken says
WhatsApp is now getting used by “marketing spams” (in Malaysia primarily) & it is getting extremely annoying especially those that constantly sending large texts with images.
Feature to allow contacts only messaging should be enabled, where else only verified/legit businesses (WhatsApp business) can by pass this. This gives WhatsApp a business model to “charge businesses that wish ‘to spam'” while also giving users to block such businesses from contacting us ever again.
Tom says
I personally have been disturbed my a lot of annoying messages and i think this features could come in handy.
Tez says
Yes. I should be able to block unknown numbers. I will definitely delete this app without that feature.
Fimi says
Yes ,whatsapp should support the option to automatically block unknown numbers
Natalia says
I believe that what’s app should have the option to chose if you want to receive messages from unknown numbers or not. I’m constantly getting spammed last few days and is very annoying and definitely not pleasant. Harassment by strangers should be considered very serious issue and the option to be able to block unknown numbers should be added.
Cliff Wright says
Automatically block unknown contacts from adding a message/video to a whatsapp group must be implemented because vile people are distributing pornagraphic videos onto whatsapp groups
Rajendra says
Automatic blocking of unknown numbers should be an added feature.
Nowadays scammers are really frightening ! They Threaten You Via Whatsapp, Scammers are really Scary
Johnny Bleeker says
Hi, I am hastled very often by people who gain access to my privacy via whatsapp’s “click to chat” I’ve even installed Truecaller on my phone but still are able to gain access to my phone. Some of them have an endless amount of sim cards that they use, so I block one number then they use another number, I can see that it is the same person by manor of the form they use. Please do coding in this App to select by choice to block and unblock automatically any number not in our contact lists.
TanKS says
Automatic blocking of unknown numbers should be an added feature.
Nowadays scammers are really frightening !
Zack says
Is necessary to upgrade the auto system block. It will protect the user and added value of the system.
Frank says
I think that this basic function, which is surprisingly missing, should be added to WhatsApp to protect its users from scams
Micheal says
Yes this very necessary. These days every one using this platform to call & messages. So many spam messages. So please bring this feature immediately
Carol says
Choice to block unknown nos. would be great. My elderly mother was scammed by person pretending to be me with a new phone, who later on in chat said needed money urgently. She felt awful realising she’d been messaging with a potential thief.
Miguel says
An absolute necessity. I am now getting daily spam whatsapps from unknown numbers. I’m afraid my already long block-list is getting even longer! If you can limit personal details & status to only your contacts, why not chats & calls?
Kranthi says
Yes this automatic blocking of unknown numbers option should be created
Pieter says
Signal has this option, I already requested it months ago at Whatsapp but no response.
My Grandfather got scammed twice by numbers he doesn’t have in his contact and pretend to be a family member with money problems.
Sanam Mehta says
Watsapp should definitely introduce an option of automatically blocking numbers to send messages on watsapp if the number is not saved in your phonebook because if we want someone to chat on watsapp then that number should be added in my phonebook first then only we can chat on watsapp
Please introduce this option watsapp team it will be really very useful
Momina says
I have been receiving spam messages from unknown numbers since last year. It’s made me want to stop using the app altogether. Whatsapp needs to develope a feature which automatically puts unknown numbers in spam and should most importantly keep from them the option of calling or video calling.
Who in the world wants to pick up a video call from an unknown number? It’s preposterous! This needs to be fixed ASAP.
tom says
Whatsapp WANTS spam. They want you to be interrupted multiple times a day.
Otherwise, “block unknown numbers” is trivially simple for an intern to do.
But no. Whatsapp want trash numbers bombarding you.
Josette says
it would be great to have the option to allow or not allow people that are not in your contact list to send you a WhatsApp msg
restless in seattle says
yes.. especially because in order to block them you have to open the chat first which lets them know on the other end it’s a live (useful number)
Anand says
Yes please block all promotional app use for they are disturbing so much .
Mansi says
Yes, there should be an option to automatically block unknown numbers on WhatsApp.
Charu says
Yes this option should be there so that no can mentally disturbed or harras by anyone. I recently face this
Adesanya Bamidele Okunola says
Fully support that the option to automatically block unknown numbers be introduced.
Giri Thumati says
Yeah unknown numbers auto blocking feature in WhatsApp would be awesome
sisulu says
Automatic block of message,even calls from unknown numbers will be a good feature
Cindy says
block numbers not in contacts. i’ve gotten five spam calls today up from zero
Sasha c says
Please install the option to automatically block all unknown numbers. Without having this option i am unable to protect myself.
I want to continue using whatapp, but my ex boyfriend is stalking me, sends me hundreds of mesages using different numbers. In ten months he contactez me on whatapp from more than 100 numbers. I can Block unknown numbers on my Phone, but whatapp doesnt have this option and it is too bad. I must stop using whatapp or change my Phone number again.
Hussain says
An option should be provided to block numbers not in contact if required, for safety purpose, as now a days, kids are using smartphone.
Sanjeet says
unknown numbers auto blocking feature in WhatsApp would be a great feature to stop spamming
Kamakhya says
Definitely, please provide automatic block option on what’s app,
Amanda says
I absolutely HATE getting spam messages from random assholes via whatsapp. Like to the point I’m considering deleting the app altogether. There should be an option to not accept messages from unknown senders. Please fix this Meta!
Hary says
Yeah unknown numbers auto blocking feature in WhatsApp would be awesome
Ivy says
Please please please help us block unknown numbers automatically, this feature is important for peace of mind, I personally have different spammers texting me every single day and it’s annoying
Dan says
I’ve got over 100 numbers that messaged me who were either spam or marketing, or just plain African countries numbers that attempt to con you.
Is there any option that whatzapp could add that feature of blocking automatically unknown numbers before they reach me?
If you want to get in touch, and I can show you how many numbers I have blocked already who are from African countries. Over 100…
Thanks,
Dan
Andhi K. says
WhatsApp is currently replacing SMS in the past. Certain people start to use it to broadcast both marketing and spam messages. Very annoying :(
It is important to add filtering features either to block unknown/unsaved number or message contents
Adey says
Definitely. Should the Question even arise??
Anil says
It’s very important feature….it should be added in wts up……..
Bina says
Yes I would certainly like the option of automatically blocking unknown numbers as I get same spam messages using different numbers .
Mark the Dark prince says
it’s really obvious and common sense to stop receiving messages from unknown numbers. but FB or meta doesn’t really care about our mental health. they are greedy true monsters
Anye Awasom says
I am for the option of authomatic block of unknown numbers.