Anyone with your phone number can call you on WhatsApp. An unknown caller could be someone you've never contacted before or someone you haven't saved as a contact. You can block a phone number or silence calls from unknown callers by changing your privacy settings. Silencing calls from unknown callers means you can focus on the conversations that matter to you, while maintaining your privacy and blocking unwanted contacts.
Why silence unknown callers?
Blocks interruptions: Stops spam or scam calls from bothering you.
Keeps records: Calls are still logged in your WhatsApp call history, so you can return them if needed.
Secure communication: Adds an extra layer of privacy by ensuring only known contacts can reach you directly.
How to enable on Android
Open WhatsApp on your device.
Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
Select Settings.
Go to Privacy.
Scroll down to Calls.
Turn on the toggle to silence unknown callers.
How to enable on iPhone
Launch WhatsApp.
Tap Settings in the bottom-right corner.
Select Privacy.
Scroll down to Calls.
Turn on the option to silence unknown callers.
You can see silenced calls from unknown callers in the Calls tab and your notifications, but your phone won't ring. You can call back an unknown caller from the Calls tab. Alternatively, tap the Silenced Unknown Caller message in Chats.
Note: If you call or message a silenced caller, you won't be able to silence their calls in the future. You can stop receiving calls from other WhatsApp users by blocking them.
