WhatsApp Testing a Feature to Silence Incoming Calls from Unknown Numbers

• May 08,2023

In today's world, smartphones have become an essential part of our lives. One of the most popular messaging apps, WhatsApp, has over 2 billion active users worldwide. It offers various features such as text messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing. However, the app has been facing a problem with spam calls and messages. To tackle this issue, WhatsApp is testing a new feature that enables users to silence incoming calls from unknown numbers.

What is the new feature of WhatsApp?

The new feature of WhatsApp allows users to manage their incoming calls effectively. Users can now choose to receive calls only from contacts, or they can silence calls from unknown numbers. The feature is currently being tested on both Android and iOS devices.

How to enable the new feature?

Enabling the new feature is a straightforward process. Users need to follow these simple steps:

Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.

Tap on Account and then Privacy.

Look for the option called "Calls" and tap on it.

You will see an option called "My contacts except..." and "Everyone". Choose "My contacts except..." to enable the new feature.

You can then select the contacts you want to receive calls from, and all other calls from unknown numbers will be silenced.

It is essential to note that users can also choose to silence calls from specific contacts if they wish to do so.

What are the benefits of using the new feature?

The new feature of WhatsApp offers several advantages to users. Some of these are:

Improved privacy

With the new feature, users can now protect their privacy by only receiving calls from known contacts. This feature is especially useful for those who receive many unsolicited calls from unknown numbers.

Reduction in spam calls

Spam calls are a common problem that many people face today. With the new feature of WhatsApp, users can now silence calls from unknown numbers, thereby reducing the number of spam calls they receive.

Better control over incoming calls

The new feature gives users more control over their incoming calls. They can choose to receive calls only from specific contacts, which is especially helpful during work hours or when they are busy.

Are there any limitations of the new feature?

While the new feature of WhatsApp is beneficial, there are some limitations that users need to be aware of. These include:

Limitations related to call notifications

When users enable the new feature of WhatsApp, they will not receive any notifications for incoming calls from unknown numbers. This means that if someone important is calling from an unknown number, the user may miss the call.

Compatibility issues with older devices

The new feature of WhatsApp is currently being tested on the latest versions of Android and iOS devices. It may not be compatible with older devices or older versions of the operating system.

What are the reactions to the new feature?

The new feature of WhatsApp has received mixed reactions from users and experts. While some users appreciate the added privacy and control over incoming calls, others are concerned about missing important calls from unknown numbers.

Experts suggest that this feature may be useful for people who receive a lot of spam calls or telemarketing calls. It can also be useful for people who prefer to receive calls only from known contacts.

Conclusion

The new feature of WhatsApp is a step towards improving privacy and managing incoming calls effectively. It offers users the flexibility to choose who they want to receive calls from and who they want to silence. However, users need to be aware of the limitations of the feature, such as missing important calls from unknown numbers.

Overall, the new feature of WhatsApp is a welcome addition that can help users manage their calls better and reduce unwanted spam calls.