Most WhatsApp users can attest to the fact that spam has grown exponentially on the Meta owned instant messaging platform over the years. Some of it, you can ignore, some are plain annoying. There are others that may be dangerous, too. Phishing attempts are on the rise. And while your email provider may have figured out a way to filter some —if not all— of them out, WhatsApp has a long way to go. And so, while it does that, the most it can do is provide efficient and able blocking mechanisms to minimise unwanted contacts from messaging you, with your cooperation obviously.
WhatsApp has started rolling out a new feature update giving users the ability to block unwanted contacts directly from the Lock Screen of their smartphones— both Android and iPhones. Now when you receive a message from a person or entity who is not in your contacts, WhatsApp will show you two prompts, to reply or block.
If you choose to block the sender, the contact will be blocked then and there, no extra step needed. Per usual, they will not be able to call or message you anymore. WhatsApp will also let you report the contact, in the next step, if you want to. If you choose to block and report them, the last five messages sent by them to you, will be forwarded to WhatsApp for necessary action. The feature by extension will also be accessible through the notification shade on your smartphone.
So far, you had to open the chat list or individual chats to block an unsaved contact on WhatsApp. With the new update, WhatsApp is basically letting you block them without even opening the app.
The development was shared as a text message by WhatsApp through its official account and so, it is safe to presume, the roll-out is underway and ready to hit your devices anytime now.
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