WhatsApp on Android Will Have the Ability to Mute Calls from Unknown Numbers

JAKARTA - WhatsApp Android users may soon receive a feature that can mute calls from unknown numbers.

The feature, which is still in beta, can be activated while still showing the unknown number in the call list and notification center.

WhatsApp's new capability, which was first spotted by WABetaInfo, is quite what users need, as it significantly reduces interruptions and can help prevent spam calls.

Later, this feature can be activated through the application settings. Users will find a new option called Mute unknown callers.

By activating that option, users will give WhatsApp permission to mute calls from unknown numbers automatically.

If a user chooses to silence unknown calls on WhatsApp, the caller's screen will not be visible on that messaging app.

However, this new upcoming feature will not block calls from unknown numbers. Nothing will change on the part of the caller, as they will still continue to hear the same ringtone even if the user has activated the toggle switch.

Keep in mind, an unknown number doesn't mean they are a scammer or spam, it could just be a call from family or friends.

For information, this new feature prevents fraudsters from stealing personal information, engaging in extortion, and leaking sensitive data, as quoted from Neowin, Tuesday, March 7.

Even so, users are expected to be careful, because scammers are always coming up with new tactics to trick them into giving out all personal information.

According to WABetaInfo, the ability to mute calls from unknown numbers is currently being tested internally and is not yet available to WhatsApp beta testers. It is unknown whether the company will also make this feature available to iOS users.