WhatsApp is testing a quiet shift in how it handles calls from unfamiliar numbers. Reports from WABetaInfo indicate that a new option will let users mute calls from people they don’t recognize, effectively silencing those incoming attempts while still keeping them visible in the call log and the notification center. The goal behind this addition is straightforward: give users more control over their experiences, reduce interruptions, and curb the kinds of unwanted contact that can lead to scams or attempts to harvest personal information or prompt unsolicited payments.
In practical terms, the feature would allow Android users to switch on a mute setting for calls from unknown contacts. When enabled, those silent attempts won’t ring the device as a normal call; instead, they will be silenced, though the missed call note and the entry in the call list will remain, ensuring the user can review activity at a glance. This approach helps people stay secure by limiting exposure to potential spam or deceptive calls, while preserving a trail of contact attempts for later review. The mute option is described as still surfacing notifications in the center, which means users can quickly decide whether to review or discard a given message without being disrupted by an actual ring.
The development team has not announced a firm release date for this capability, and its rollout timing remains uncertain. At present, beta testing is underway on Android devices, with users able to enable the feature via the in-app settings once it becomes available to them. This measured rollout approach allows the platform to gauge user experience, tweak sensitivity settings, and ensure compatibility across various device configurations before broadening access.
While the silent-call feature centers on safety and convenience, it sits alongside other ongoing WhatsApp privacy measures. For instance, readers may recall discussions about account activity policies and how inactivity can influence account status. The broader context here is clear: WhatsApp continues to refine controls that help people manage who can reach them and how, without compromising the core function of messaging, voice, and video communication. Users remain encouraged to log in from any connected device to register or re-establish access, ensuring they can take full advantage of the evolving security and privacy tools.
Source: WABetaInfo. As this feature progresses from beta to a wider release, users should stay attentive to official updates and settings paths within WhatsApp. The company’s approach emphasizes user empowerment—giving people direct options to limit interruptions while preserving visibility into who has tried to contact them. In this way, the experience remains both practical and protective, offering a streamlined way to handle unknown callers without losing a complete record of call activity.