You can soon block messages from unknown contacts, as WhatsApp plans to bring a new update capable of doing so. According to WhatsApp’s official blog the messaging platform’s new update can keep you safe from unknown persons.
WhatsApp has started to roll out a feature that can block messages from unknown contacts. As of now the update is only available for Beta testers. The company aims to roll out the update soon on a larger scale.
Block unknown WhatsApp contacts
Many of us have often faced spam messages and calls coming in WhatsApp. Sometimes these can be threatening and can also be irritating. So, to avoid such circumstances, WhatsApp has come up with a new feature that can avoid such messages. Most of these unknown texts can come from unknown contacts.
So, how can you get this update? Here’s how Beta testers can try the latest update:
- Beta testers using the latest version for Android smartphones can start by clicking on the three-dot menu (in the right corner in the WhatsApp app)
- Then you need to go to the ‘Settings’ option
- Next click on the ‘Privacy’ menu
- Now click on the ‘Advanced’ option
- Now you will get an option named ‘Block unknown account messages’. Click on this and you are all set to use the new update
Note that WhatsApp is yet to announce the official dates for rolling out the latest updates on a larger scale. Apart from blocking unknown messages, the feature also aims to improve the safety structures in WhatsApp.
Other updates
The online messaging app/platform claims that the new update is designed to protect your account and improve device performance. According to an official blog, once enabled, the messaging platform will instantly ‘block messages sent by unknown accounts’. However, the message will get blocked if they cross ‘ a certain volume’. Sometimes, bulk unknown messages or spam messages can negatively affect the performance of your device. The new update can help restore that by blocking too many spam/unknown texts. Furthermore, the new feature also has the potential to protect you from automated spam messages.
In other news, a few days earlier WhatsApp brought a new update named ‘channel category’. With this update you can get your favorite channel quickly on WhatsApp. The launching of the ‘channel directory’ can help users to find accounts based on their favourite topics. In addition to this you can look for channels associated with different categories. This includes businesses, people, sports, organizations, entertainment, lifestyle and news & information.
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