While it is not possible to stop receiving messages from a person without blocking it, there are some things you can do to reduce interruptions and the chance to view any kind of contact.
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17/07/2026
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A the most effective way to stop being contacted by a specific person through WhatsApp is without a doubt to block that contact. However, it is understandable that you do not want to go through the situation of blocking someone and, having daily contact with them, going through the situation of having to explain.
Fortunately, you can resort to other ways to reduce interruptions and the possibility of viewing any kind of contact – whether by silencing conversations, deactivating notifications or even limiting the functioning of WhatsApp itself.
O techAll site he made a list of the measures he could take to avoid undesirable contacts of people who, apart from live contact, would have no problem blocking.
You can find these tips below.
How to stop receiving messages in WhatsApp without locking
Silence conversations:
- On the WhatsApp home screen, press for a moment the conversation you want to silence;
- Press the bell icon that appears at the top of the screen;
- Choose between silence for 8 hours, 1 week or Always;
- Confirm the change.
Silence groups:
- On the WhatsApp home screen, press for a few moments the group you want to silence;
- Press the bell icon that appears at the top of the screen;
- Choose between silence for 8 hours, 1 week or Always;
- Confirm the change.
Silence unknown calls:
- On the WhatsApp home screen, press the represented icon with three vertical points in the upper right corner;
- Enter the Definitions;
- Select the Privacy area;
- Get in Calls;
- Enable Silent Unknown Numbers option.
Disable notifications (on Android):
- Access Phone Settings;
- Enter Notifications;
- Enter App Notifications;
- Find WhatsApp;
- Press the button to disable notifications.
Disable notifications (on iOS):
- Access iPhone Settings;
- Enter Notifications;
- Find WhatsApp;
- Disable Allow notifications.
Prevent WhatsApp running in the background (on Android):
- Access Phone Settings;
- Enter Apps;
- Enter battery usage for apps;
- Press the Allow use button in the background.
Prevent WhatsApp running in the background (on iOS):
- Access iPhone Settings;
- Enter General;
- Find the Update in the background;
- Disable the option.