Do you keep getting unwanted messages from random WhatsApp groups you never asked to join?
Spammy groups can be annoying, but you’re able to change a single setting to limit them.
The steps are similar for Android, with minor variations.
Open WhatsApp and tapSettings.
In Android, configs is located under the kebab menu (three vertical dots) at the top right.
Tap onPrivacyon the tweaks screen.
You’ll see multiple options for “Who Can Add Me to Groups?”.
By default, it’s set toEveryone.
Anyone with your phone number can add you to any group.
Here are three more configs that give different levels of control.
My Contacts:Only people in your address book can add you to groups.
They’ll need to send a private invite for you to approve within 72 hours.
My Contacts Except: This offers more granular control.
Choose this option and select specific contacts to exclude from adding you to groups.
Nobody:This gives you complete control and is the recommended setting.
You have to explicitly give your permission when you receive an invite from a WhatsApp group.
You will still receive invite links in a private DM to join a group.
But now you have the choice.
Note:Group privacy prefs cant be changed on WhatsApp Web or Desktop.
When you change the controls on your phone, they will be synced with WhatsApp Web and Desktop.
Don’t share your number publicly online.
Spammers can scrape contact information from social sites.
Don’t select unknown links or phishing messages that use link shorteners from unknown sources.
Be cautious of messages with urgent language or unknown senders.
Then, selectExit Groupto leave the group.
You canarchive the WhatsApp groupand hide it from view.
WhatsApp also has aPrivacy Checkuptool.
Tip:While you’re at it, tweak another setting tosilence all unknown and spam callers on WhatsApp.
