To silence unknown callers on WhatsApp, go to Settings, then Privacy, then Calls, and turn on Silence unknown callers. Calls from numbers you haven't saved or talked to won't ring, but they still show in your Calls tab and notifications, so you can call back if one turns out to matter.
Spam calls on WhatsApp are often international numbers, recruitment scams and 'wrong number' openers that are anything but. Silence unknown callers stops your phone ringing for any of them, without blocking anyone or missing a call you'd want to return. It's one of the most useful privacy switches in the app, and most people don't know it's there.
How to turn it on
- Open WhatsApp and tap More options (the three dots) on Android, or Settings on iPhone.
- Go to Settings, then Privacy.
- Tap Calls.
- Turn on Silence unknown callers.
To turn it off, follow the same steps and switch it off. It takes seconds either way, so there's no harm in trying it for a week to see how much quieter your phone gets.
Who counts as an unknown caller?
| Caller | Rings? |
|---|---|
| Someone saved in your contacts | Yes |
| Someone you've chatted or called with before | Yes |
| A number you've never had contact with and haven't saved | No, silenced |
WhatsApp describes an unknown caller as someone you haven't had contact with before, someone you haven't saved as a contact, or a suspicious number. Remember that anyone with your number can try to call you on WhatsApp, which is why this setting matters.
What happens to silenced calls
- Your phone doesn't ring.
- The call still appears in your Calls tab and in your notifications.
- If they called you in a chat, you'll see a Silenced unknown caller message there.
- You can call them back from the Calls tab, or by tapping that message.
So you never lose the call. You just decide afterwards whether it's worth returning, at a time that suits you.
The catch most people miss
If you call or message a silenced caller back, WhatsApp says you won't be able to silence their calls in future. Once you've been in touch, they're no longer unknown. So before you return a call out of curiosity, be sure you want them to be able to ring you from then on. If it's a scammer, block them instead.
Spotting a suspicious call
When an unknown number calls, WhatsApp shows some details to help you decide what to do:
- That the caller isn't one of your contacts.
- Whether you have any groups in common.
- Which country their phone number is registered in.
A number from a country you have no connection with, and no groups in common, is a strong hint to leave it. If someone keeps trying, block the number. My guide on how blocking works on WhatsApp explains what the other person sees.
Silence vs block vs mute
| Tool | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Silence unknown callers | Stops ringing for every number you've never had contact with | General spam and unknown numbers |
| Block | Stops one number calling or messaging you | A scammer or someone who keeps trying |
| Mute a chat | Stops notifications for one chat you're already in | Busy groups or chatty contacts |
Most people need the first two together. Silence unknown callers handles the background noise automatically. Block deals with the persistent ones. Muting is for people you know, not strangers, so it doesn't help with spam calls.
A simple routine for scam calls
- Turn on Silence unknown callers once, using the steps above.
- Once a week, glance at your Calls tab for silenced calls.
- If you recognise a name or a business you were expecting, message them first rather than calling back.
- If it's a number from a country you have no ties to, with no groups in common, block it.
- Never share a verification code with anyone who calls you, whoever they claim to be.
That last rule matters more than any setting. Many WhatsApp scams start with a friendly call or message and end with a request for the six-digit code WhatsApp sent you. No real company, bank or friend will ever need it, and handing it over can give a stranger your whole account.
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Who should turn it on
- Anyone getting spam or scam calls on WhatsApp.
- People whose number is public, such as on a business card, website or social profile.
- Parents setting up a teenager's phone.
- Anyone who just wants their phone to ring only for people they know.
Who might keep it off? Freelancers and small businesses who get new enquiries by WhatsApp call. If you're not sure how WhatsApp fits your work, here's what WhatsApp is used for. If new clients ring you, a silenced call could mean a missed booking. In that case, check the Calls tab regularly, or reply to new numbers by message first.
Silenced calls and call waiting
If you're already on a WhatsApp call and someone else rings, call waiting shows you a notification and lets you answer or decline. Silenced unknown callers still land quietly in your Calls tab and notifications, so they won't interrupt your call at all. It's a neat combination for anyone who takes long calls on WhatsApp.
My verdict
Turn on Silence unknown callers. You lose nothing by it, you still see every missed call, and it ends the stream of spam ringing for good. Just remember that calling or messaging a silenced number back means it can ring you in future, so block scammers rather than replying.
Frequently asked questions
How do I silence unknown callers on WhatsApp?
Go to Settings, then Privacy, then Calls, and turn on Silence unknown callers.
Can I still see silenced calls on WhatsApp?
Yes. They appear in the Calls tab and your notifications, but your phone doesn't ring.
Why can't I silence a caller on WhatsApp any more?
If you've called or messaged them, WhatsApp no longer treats them as unknown and won't silence their calls.
Does silencing unknown callers block them?
No. It only stops the ringing. To stop them contacting you, block the number.
