WhatsApp provides various features to help you manage your incoming calls and maintain your privacy. Whether you want to mute unknown callers (Callers on WhatsApp), block unwanted numbers, or customize your call settings, WhatsApp offers the tools you need to tailor your communication experience to your preferences.
WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, allows us to connect with friends, family, and colleagues in real-time. However, with the increasing frequency of unsolicited calls from unknown numbers, maintaining your privacy can be challenging.
How to Mute Unknown Callers on WhatsApp
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to effectively manage your incoming WhatsApp calls and protect your privacy.
1. Mute unknown callers on WhatsApp
One of the most convenient features WhatsApp offers is the ability to mute unknown callers. This feature allows you to silence calls from numbers that are not saved in your contacts, reducing disruptions and preserving your privacy.
To mute unknown callers on WhatsApp, follow these simple steps:
- Step 1. Open WhatsApp:
Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone. - Step 2. Access Settings:
Tap on the “Settings” option, usually represented by a gear icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. - Step 3. Navigate to Privacy:
Within the Settings menu, you will find various options. Select “Account” and then tap on “Privacy.” - Step 4. Adjust Call Settings:
Scroll down until you see the “Calls” section. Here, you can customize your call settings. - Step 5: Mute Unknown Callers
Look for the “Mute unknown contacts” or “Silence unknown callers” option. Toggle it on to enable the feature.
Once you’ve enabled this feature, WhatsApp will automatically mute calls from numbers not in your contacts. This means that calls from unknown callers will not ring aloud, and you can review them at your convenience.
2. Block unknown callers on WhatsApp.
While muting unknown callers can help reduce disturbances, you might prefer a more aggressive approach by blocking them altogether. Blocking unknown numbers on WhatsApp ensures that you don’t receive calls, messages, or status updates from unwanted sources.
To block unknown callers on WhatsApp, follow these steps:
- Step 1. Open WhatsApp:
Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone. - Step 2. Access Settings:
Tap on the “Settings” option (the gear icon) located in the bottom right corner. - Step 3. Navigate to Privacy:
Within the Settings menu, select “Account” and then tap on “Privacy.” - Step 4. Adjust Block Settings:
Scroll down until you reach the “Messaging” section. Here, you can manage who can send you messages. - Step 5. Block Unknown Contacts:
Look for the “Blocked Contacts” or “Blocked” option. Tap on it to access your blocked list. - Step 6. Block Unknown Numbers:
To block unknown callers, tap on the “+ Add” or “Add New” button. Enter the unknown number you want to block and confirm your choice.
Blocked contacts will not be able to send you messages or call you on WhatsApp. Keep in mind that you can always unblock them later if needed.
3. Automatically block unknown numbers on WhatsApp:
WhatsApp has introduced a convenient feature that automatically filters out unknown numbers, preventing them from sending you messages. While this feature doesn’t block calls, it’s still a useful addition to safeguard your privacy.
To enable automatic filtering of unknown numbers on WhatsApp, follow these steps:
- Step 1. Open WhatsApp:
Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone. - Step 2. Access Settings:
Tap on the “Settings” option (the gear icon) located in the bottom right corner. - Step 3. Navigate to Privacy:
Within the Settings menu, select “Account” and then tap on “Privacy.” - Step 4. Enable the Filter Unknown Senders Option:
Scroll down to find the “Messaging” section. Enable the “Filter unknown senders” or similar option.
Once activated, this feature will automatically segregate messages from unknown numbers into a separate chat folder labeled “Unknown. While it doesn’t block calls, it helps keep your message inbox organized and ensures that you only see messages from contacts you know.
4. Can you mute someone on a WhatsApp call?
Apart from muting unknown callers, WhatsApp also allows you to mute specific individuals during a call. This feature can be handy when you receive calls from friends or family members, but you need some silence for a moment.
To mute someone on a WhatsApp call, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Answer the call.
When you receive a WhatsApp call, tap the green “Answer” button to accept the call. - Step 2. Access the Call Screen:
Once you’re on the call, you’ll see the call screen with various options. - Step 3. Mute the Call:
Look for the microphone icon, often located at the bottom of the call screen. Tap the microphone icon to mute yourself during the call. - Step 4. Unmute as Needed:
If you need to speak again, simply tap the microphone icon once more to unmute yourself.
This feature allows you to control your audio during a call and maintain silence when necessary without disconnecting from the call.
5. How to Add Callers on WhatsApp
Adding new contacts to your WhatsApp account is a straightforward process that ensures you can communicate with people you want to connect with while keeping unwanted callers at bay.
To add callers to WhatsApp, follow these steps:
- Step 1. Open WhatsApp:
Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone. - Step 2. Access Contacts:
Tap on the “Contacts” tab, usually located at the bottom of the screen. - Step 3. Add a New Contact:
Look for an option to add a new contact. This option may vary depending on your device and operating system. Typically, you can find it by tapping a “+” or “Add New Contact” button. - Step 4. Enter contact details:
Fill in the contact’s name, phone number, and any additional information you want to include. - Step 5. Save the Contact:
After entering the details, tap the “Save” or “Done” button to add the contact to your WhatsApp.
Once you’ve added a contact, you can communicate with them through WhatsApp, including making voice and video calls.
6. Silence WhatsApp calls on the iPhone
WhatsApp offers similar features across different platforms, but the steps to silence calls on an iPhone may vary slightly from those on Android. If you’re an iPhone user and want to silence WhatsApp calls, here’s how to do it:
- Step 1. Open WhatsApp:
Launch the WhatsApp application on your iPhone. - Step 2. Access Settings:
Tap on the “Settings” option, typically found in the bottom-right corner of the screen. - Step 3. Navigate to Notifications:
In the Settings menu, select “Notifications.” - Step 4. Customize WhatsApp Notifications:
Scroll down to find WhatsApp in the list of apps with notification settings. You can adjust the notification style, sound, and other preferences to control how WhatsApp calls are alerted on your iPhone.
By customizing these settings, you can ensure that WhatsApp calls are less intrusive and don’t disturb you when you don’t want to be disturbed.
7. WhatsApp Call Time Limit
WhatsApp calls have a time limit to prevent excessive data usage and ensure the app remains efficient during extended calls. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the call time limit for WhatsApp voice and video calls was approximately 4 hours.
It’s important to note that this time limit is usually more than sufficient for regular calls and video chats. However, if you plan to have an extended conversation, be aware that the call may automatically disconnect after reaching the time limit. In such cases, you can simply call the person back to continue your conversation.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively mute unknown callers, block unwanted contacts, and control your WhatsApp call settings. Additionally, you can enjoy the added convenience of features like automatic filtering of unknown numbers and the ability to mute specific individuals during a call.
Keep in mind that WhatsApp may introduce new features or modify existing ones, so periodically checking for app updates and reviewing your settings is a good practice to ensure a smooth and secure communication experience on the platform.
