How to Receive WhatsApp Messages Only from Contacts [2024]

Why Receive Messages from Strangers on WhatsApp?

Receiving messages from strangers on WhatsApp can be unnerving, but understanding why it happens is the first step. There are various reasons why this can happen:

• Your number may have been obtained from a group you belong to.
• Spam from bots or automated programs may be flooding your inbox.
• Acquaintances may share your phone number without your consent.
• Your contact information may have appeared in an online advertisement that drew unwanted attention.
• If your phone is stolen and security measures are not in place, someone may use your phone number and contacts for malicious purposes.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to stay calm and take action to resolve the issue. While WhatsApp does not currently offer contact-only messaging, there are effective ways for “how to receive WhatsApp messages only from contacts”.

How to Receive WhatsApp Messages Only from Contacts - 4 Easy Ways

Once you understand the cause, let’s dive into effective ways for “WhatsApp only receive messages from contacts”.

Way 1. Block Unknown Numbers on WhatsApp

Blocking unknown contacts is the first step, as there are no specialized apps to avoid WhatsApp messages from unfamiliar numbers. The process is very quick and falls within the scope of WhatsApp’s features. Follow the steps below to learn WhatsApp receive messages only from contacts:

>> Access the Conversation with Unknown Contacts window > Tap the three-dot menu to reveal more options and select Block from the menu.

★Tip:

You can also tap the contact’s name, scroll down to find the Block option, and confirm your choice.

In addition, WhatsApp offers the option to block a contact through your privacy settings:

Step 1: Navigate to the WhatsApp main menu and tap the three-dot menu > Go to Settings > Account, and then select Privacy.

Step 2: Go to Block Contacts and add the contacts you want to block to prevent receiving messages from strangers.

This process usually takes less than five minutes. However, please note that the person may try to contact you from another number and the process will need to be repeated.

Way 2. Mute Calls from Strangers

An effective alternative is to mute notifications from unknown contacts and archive the conversation. This method allows you to avoid receiving WhatsApp messages from unknown individuals without having to block them. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Long press the three-dot button in the chat list > A menu will appear at the top of the screen.

Step 2: Tap Privacy, indicated by the crossed out speaker icon, and select Slience unknow calls.

By performing these steps, only contacts can message on WhatsApp and you can archive the conversation to keep your chat list tidy.

Way 3. Manage Your Contacts in Groups

Another effective way to avoid receiving WhatsApp messages from strangers is to manage who can add you to a group. As you know, once you’ve joined a WhatsApp group, participants can see the numbers of all the members. Here’s a full guide on “WhatsApp allow messages only from contacts”:

Step 1: First visit Settings > Select the Privacy option.

Step 2: Navigate to Groups and select the My Contacts option.

By performing these steps, you will enhance your privacy by only allowing your contacts to add you to groups.

Way 4. Customize WhatsApp Privacy Settings

The last way is to adjust the privacy settings within WhatsApp. While this won’t stop someone from sending you messages, it will limit their access to certain details of your account. Follow these steps to configure your privacy settings:

Step 1: Tap the three-dot menu on the home screen to access Settings > Select Privacy.

Step 2: Adjust the settings for Last seen, Profile picture, and About to My contacts > Ensure that each option is set to My Contacts.

By configuring these settings correctly, unknown people will be able to view your number but will not be able to see your profile picture or your recent online status.

Also Read: [5 Fixes] WhatsApp not Syncing Contacts on iPhone >>

Bonus: How to Make a WhatsApp Backup Without Storage Limits

While backing up WhatsApp to iCloud is convenient, it can be problematic if your iPhone is low on storage space. In this case, instead of taking the time to fix this inconvenience, it would be wise to opt for a more efficient backup tool such as FoneTool - a free and professional WhatsApp backup software for iOS devices.

Unlike iCloud, FoneTool offers the flexibility to store WhatsApp backups in different locations, such as a local folder on your computer, an external hard drive, a NAS, and more. So, how to make a WhatsApp backup with FoneTool? Here is a full guide:

Step 1: Download, install, and launch FoneTool on your computer > Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable > When prompted, tap Trust on your iPhone.

Step 2: On the FoneTool main interface, navigate to WhatsApp Manager in the left pane > Hover over Backup WhatsApp and click Get Started to confirm.

Step 3: Optionally, enable backup encryption and select your preferred destination to save the WhatsApp backup files > Click Start Backup to initiate the task.

Once you have finished the backup, you can go to the Backup History section to check and view your backup files and recover WhatsApp messages from old phone when needed.

The Bottom Line

That’s all about how to receive WhatsApp messages only from contacts. If you want to receive WhatsApp messages exclusively from your contacts, implementing the methods outlined here will provide you with enhanced privacy and peace of mind. By following the instructions to configure your app settings, only people in your contact list will be able to access your WhatsApp data.

For added security, consider using FoneTool - one of the best WhatsApp backup software to back up your WhatsApp data. In addition, FoneTool can help you backup and transfer your data between iPhones and PCs. Try it out today!