How to silence unknown whatsApp calls without blocking

WhatsApp can silence calls from unknown numbers without blocking them. The calls will not ring but will remain visible in your call history.

Unexpected WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers can interrupt work, sleep or personal time. Blocking every caller individually is not always practical, particularly when an unfamiliar number could belong to a delivery agent, business or another legitimate contact.

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WhatsApp’s Silence Unknown Callers feature offers a middle option. It prevents calls from unknown people from ringing while retaining their details in the Calls tab for later review.

What Silence Unknown Callers Does

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When the feature is enabled, incoming WhatsApp voice and video calls from unknown numbers are automatically silenced. The phone will not ring, but the call will still appear in WhatsApp’s call history and may also generate a silent notification.

The caller is not blocked and can still send messages. Users can review the number later, return the call, save it as a contact or block and report it if it appears suspicious.

The setting is designed to reduce interruptions and provide additional protection against spam, scams and nuisance calls. It does not silence normal mobile-network calls received through the phone’s dialler.

How to Enable It on Android

1. Open WhatsApp on the Android phone.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Settings and then open Privacy.
4. Scroll down and tap Calls.
5. Switch on Silence Unknown Callers.

Once enabled, WhatsApp will stop unsaved or unrecognised callers from making the phone ring. Users can return to the same menu to disable the feature whenever required.

How to Enable It on iPhone

1. Open WhatsApp on the iPhone.
2. Tap Settings in the lower-right corner.
3. Select Privacy.
4. Open the Calls section.
5. Turn on Silence Unknown Callers.

If the option does not appear, update WhatsApp through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and check again.

What Users Should Keep in Mind

Silencing a call is different from blocking a number. Unknown callers can still contact the account through messages, and their attempted calls remain visible.

Users expecting calls from hospitals, delivery services, recruiters or businesses should check the Calls tab regularly. Saving a legitimate caller’s number to the phone’s contacts can prevent future calls from being treated as unknown.

Do not return calls from suspicious international numbers without verifying them. If a caller asks for an OTP, UPI PIN, verification code or urgent payment, end the interaction. Suspicious numbers can be blocked and reported by opening their WhatsApp profile or call information.

Users seeking broader protection can also review WhatsApp’s Privacy Checkup under Settings → Privacy.