How to silence unknown callers on WhatsApp? A guide for Android and Apple iOS users

WhatsApp has a feature that allows users to automatically silence unknown callers to avoid spam and unwanted calls. This also allows users to avoid calls from people who have their number but whom they do not want to be disturbed by.

Silencing calls from unknown callers ensures that users receive calls only from those who matter to them. It also preserves their privacy. An unknown caller can also include a person whom you haven’t had contact with before, or someone you haven’t saved as a contact. It can also be a suspicious number.

Whenever a WhatsApp user receives a call from an unknown person, the instant messaging platform shows details that can help them decide how to respond. These details will let the user know if the caller is not a contact, whether you have groups in common, and what country their phone number is registered in.


Now, with these details in hand, the user can decide if they should answer the call, block the phone number, or silence calls from unknown callers by changing their privacy settings.

How to silence calls on Android

Tap More Options (three vertical dots) > Settings > Privacy.

Tap Calls.

Turn on or off silence for unknown callers.

How to silence calls on Apple iOS

Tap Settings or your profile picture, then tap Privacy.

Tap Calls.

Turn on or off silence for unknown callers.

How can I see silenced calls?

Whether you are using Android or iOS, it is pertinent to note that you can see silenced calls from unknown callers in the Calls tab and your notifications, but your phone will not ring.

You can call an unknown caller back from within the Calls tab. Alternatively, tap the silenced unknown caller message within a chat. Also, if you call or message the silenced caller, you won’t be able to silence their calls in the future.