WhatsApp’s New Privacy Feature – No One Can Message You Directly Anymore!
WhatsApp is rolling out a privacy control that stops unknown numbers from appearing in your main chat list. With the new “Who can message me” setting, you can choose to receive messages only from your contacts. Messages from others go to a separate Requests folder, not your main inbox.
What changed
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A new privacy option lets you pick Everyone or My Contacts.
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If you choose My Contacts, unknown senders cannot message you directly in the main chat list.
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Unknown messages appear in Requests, where you can accept or ignore them.
Who this helps
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People who want fewer spam and sales messages.
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Users who need a cleaner, distraction-free chat list.
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Those who prefer to screen new contacts before replying.
How to enable it (quick steps)
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Open Settings > Privacy.
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Tap Who can message me.
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Select My Contacts to filter unknown messages.
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Review incoming messages in the Requests folder.
Important notes
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This setting does not block messages forever — it only changes where they appear.
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Senders in the Requests folder can still send messages; you control whether to accept.
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Keep your app updated to access this feature and related privacy tools.
Quick tips
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Use My Contacts if you want fewer interruptions.
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Keep Everyone if you rely on messages from new numbers (business, services).
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Combine this with two-step verification for stronger security.
