WhatsApp can silence calls from unknown numbers without blocking them. The calls won't ring but will appear in your call history. Unexpected WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers can disrupt work, sleep, and personal time. Blocking each caller individually isn't always possible, especially if the unknown number is from a delivery person, company, or other authorized contact.

WhatsApp's Silence Unknown Callers feature offers a middle ground. It blocks calls from unknown numbers and stores their details in the Calls tab for later review. When this feature is enabled, WhatsApp voice and video calls from unknown numbers are automatically muted. The call will appear in WhatsApp's call history and a hang-up notice may appear, but the phone won't ring. 

The caller can still send messages and isn't banned. If the number appears suspicious, users can report it, keep it as a contact, or block it, check it later, and return the call.

This configuration is intended to reduce interruptions and further protect against spam, fraudulent, and harassing calls. Regular mobile-network calls made from the phone's dialer are not muted by this.

How to turn it on on Android?

Open WhatsApp on your Android phone.

Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.

Select Settings, then Privacy.

Scroll down and tap Calls.

Turn on Silence Unknown Callers.

Once enabled, WhatsApp will prevent unsaved or unknown calls from ringing. Users can turn this function off at any time by returning to the same menu.

How to turn it on on iPhone?

On iPhone, launch WhatsApp.

In the bottom right corner, tap Settings.

Select Privacy.

Go to the Calls section.

Turn on Silence Unknown Callers.

Update WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and try again if the option doesn't appear.

Blocking a number isn't the same as silencing calls. Callers unknown to the account can still contact you via SMS, and their calls are still visible.

If users expect calls from hospitals, delivery services, recruiters, or companies, they should check the Calls tab frequently. Adding the true caller's number to your phone's contacts can help prevent future calls from being mistaken for unknown calls.

Calls from suspicious foreign numbers should never be returned without verification. If someone asks for an OTP, UPI PIN, verification code, or urgent payment, hang up. Suspicious numbers can be banned and reported by reviewing their WhatsApp profile or call details.

PC: Rochak Khabre