Silence WhatsApp Calls Without Blocking Contacts: Two Easy Methods
Maintaining privacy on WhatsApp is important, and while blocking contacts seems like a solution to unwanted calls, it can be overkill. What if you want to mute calls without cutting off communication entirely?
Luckily, there are two simple methods to achieve this:
1. Activate the “Silence Unknown Callers” Feature
The first method utilizes WhatsApp’s built-in feature designed to silence calls from unknown numbers. This feature is incredibly helpful if you frequently receive annoying calls from unfamiliar numbers. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Open the WhatsApp application and navigate to the ‘Settings’ menu.
2. Select the ‘Privacy’ option, then choose ‘Calls’.
3. Enable the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ feature.
With this feature activated, calls from unknown numbers will be automatically silenced, preventing distractions while ensuring the sender can still send messages. You won’t hear the call, but you won’t miss any potential messages.
2. Activate Do Not Disturb (DND) Mode on your cellphone
The second method leverages your device’s Do Not Disturb mode.
Activating DND allows you to mute notifications and calls, including those from WhatsApp, without resorting to blocking contacts.
Here’s how to activate DND on your device:
A. For iPhone
- Go to the ‘Settings’ menu and select ‘Focus’.
- Select ‘Apps’ and add WhatsApp to the list of apps you want to silence.
- In the ‘People’ section, deactivate the ‘Allow Repeated Calls’ option. This ensures that repeated calls from the same number remain muted.
- Enable Do Not Disturb mode through the Control Center – simply tap the ‘Do Not Disturb’ option.
When DND is active, all notifications, including call alerts from WhatsApp, will be muted.
B. For Android
- Access the ‘Settings’ menu, locate the ‘Do Not Disturb’ option (it may also be accessible via Quick Settings on your cellphone screen).
- Adjust Do Not Disturb settings to prevent WhatsApp from sending notifications or receiving calls.
- While DND is active, WhatsApp calls won’t appear on your phone’s screen and will be automatically rejected.
With these two methods, you can control who calls you without resorting to blocking. This ensures your privacy is maintained while allowing for continued communication through messages.
What prompted WhatsApp to introduce the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature?
## WhatsApp’s New “Silence Unknown Callers” Feature: A Chat with Tech Expert Sarah Jones
**Intro:**
Today we’re discussing the latest update to WhatsApp: a feature allowing users to silence calls from unknown numbers without blocking them. To break down what this means and how it works, we’ve invited tech expert Sarah Jones. Welcome, Sarah!
**Sarah:** Thanks for having me!
**Interviewer:** So, Sarah, can you tell our viewers what prompted WhatsApp to introduce this feature?
**Sarah:** WhatsApp has a massive user base, especially in markets like India [[1](https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/19/whatsapp-introduces-feature-to-automatically-silence-call-from-unknown-numbers/)]. Many users were experiencing a surge in spam calls and unwanted solicitations. This feature directly addresses that concern, offering a gentler solution than outright blocking.
**Interviewer:** How does this “Silence Unknown Callers” feature work exactly?
**Sarah:**
It’s actually quite straightforward. Users simply need to activate the settings within the app. Once enabled, calls from numbers not saved in your contacts will go straight to voicemail without ringing your phone. You’ll still see a missed call notification, but your phone won’t be disrupted.
**Interviewer:** That sounds convenient. Are there any concerns about potentially missing important calls from unknown numbers?
**Sarah:** That’s a great point. It’s essential to realize that this feature is about finding a balance. You can choose to review missed calls from unknown numbers later. If it’s genuinely important, the caller can always leave a message, send a text, or try reaching out through other means.
**Interviewer:** That makes sense. Thank you so much for shedding light on this new WhatsApp feature, Sarah.
