Are strangers messaging you on WhatsApp, and you want to stop this? There’s a way to stop getting messages from unknown numbers on WhatsApp – block them.

However, you can’t preemptively block unknown numbers from sending you messages on WhatsApp. This only works when someone has already messaged you.

WhatsApp doesn’t let you block people who aren’t in your contacts list from sending you messages even before you receive the messages.

Keep reading to see what you can do if a stranger messages you on WhatsApp!

Summary: In this article, I discuss how you cannot preemptively block unknown numbers from messaging you on WhatsApp. 

However, if a stranger messages you, you can block them by following a few simple steps. 

I also explore possible reasons why you might be receiving messages from strangers, such as your phone number being shared or leaked, or even friends playing pranks on you. 

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to prevent this from happening.

1. Tap on a person’s profile picture

When someone messages you on WhatsApp, their chat will appear in the “CHATS” section. If you want to block them, tap on their profile picture.

Follow the guide for additional steps!

2. Tap on the “i” icon

Once you tap on someone’s profile picture on WhatsApp, you’ll see a pop-up page with a zoomed-in picture of their profile photo.

There are also several options under their profile picture. Tap on the “i” icon in the bottom-right corner of their profile picture!

3. Select “Block.”

Once you get to that person’s profile page on WhatsApp, scroll down until you see the “Block” button. Tap it and then confirm that you want to block that person.

It’s done. Now, that person won’t be able to send you messages anymore or disturb you in any way.

Why Am I Getting Messages from Strangers on WhatsApp?

Are you getting many messages from random people on WhatsApp, and you don’t know why? The answer might be simpler or more sinister than you think.

Your current phone number didn’t just pop into existence out of nowhere. Before it was yours, it’s been used by someone else.

That person may have had WhatsApp at some point, and some friends didn’t realize they’d changed phone numbers.

So, they contacted that person on the same phone number only that their phone number is now yours, through some unfortunate accident.

Another explanation is that one of your friends shared your phone number with others, and those people started contacting you on WhatsApp.

Naturally, you don’t know those people, so they’re only strangers to you. If you want to be sure about this, why don’t you ask a friend you suspect if they’ve shared your phone number with someone else?

It’s also possible that your phone number leaked through a database leak on one of your online accounts.

This has happened before, leading to people receiving spam emails, calls, or text messages on their phone numbers.

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do other than block spam callers or strangers who text you on WhatsApp.

Another reason you’re getting messages from strangers is that your friends could be playing a prank on you. Or the other person wants to remain anonymous and is using a new number to contact you.

One of your friends might have changed their phone number recently, and they’re now telling you about it. Don’t block every new contact on WhatsApp because some of them might be important to you.

Conclusion

To summarize, you can’t automatically block WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers. All you can do is block someone who has already contacted you on WhatsApp.

If your phone number was leaked, then there isn’t much you can do if you’re being spam-messaged on WhatsApp. Block as many numbers as possible and hope for the best.

Leave a comment below if you have questions about this topic or if you’re having another problem on WhatsApp.

Stay tuned for our other guides about WhatsApp, as well!