WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to easily chat with friends and family. One of the key features of WhatsApp is the ability to create group chats, which allows multiple people to communicate in the same conversation thread.
While creating a group chat normally requires adding the contacts of everyone you want to include, there is a workaround that lets you create a WhatsApp group with strangers without having their phone numbers saved in your contacts. This can be handy if you want to create a group for an event, club, or meeting without needing to collect everyone’s details.
Why Create a WhatsApp Group Without Contacts?
Here are some common reasons you may want to make a WhatsApp group without having people’s numbers saved already:
- Organizing an event or meeting – Quickly set up a group chat for all attendees without needing to get everyone’s contact details.
- Creating a group for a club or society – Add new members seamlessly without contacts.
- Setting up a group with strangers – Meet new people by bringing strangers together in a group chat.
- Temporary group chat – Set up a quick group that you may not need after the purpose is over.
How to Make a WhatsApp Group Without Contacts
The process of creating a WhatsApp group without contacts requires scanning a QR code. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your iPhone.
- Tap on the Chats tab at the bottom.
- Tap on the New Chat icon in the top-right corner (looks like a pen and paper).
- Tap on New Group at the top.
- Type in a name for your group and tap Next.
- Instead of adding contacts, tap on “Create group via link”.
- A QR code and link will be generated for your new group. Tap Share and choose how you want to share the join info.
- As people scan your QR code or enter the link, they will be added to the group chat.
That’s all there is to it! The tricky part is getting the join link or QR code to the people you want to add. Here are some easy ways to share the group details:
Share the WhatsApp Group Link
- Text or email the link to people you want to join.
- Post the link to social media, events pages, or forums.
- Display the link physically on a flyer, noticeboard, or at an event via QR code.
Share the WhatsApp Group QR Code
- Print and display the QR code flyers, posters, or handouts.
- Display the QR code on a presentation screen at a meeting or event.
- Send the QR code image to people and have them scan it.
Once people join via the link or QR code, they will be seamlessly added to your WhatsApp group chat!
Tips for WhatsApp Groups Without Contacts
Here are some handy tips when creating and managing WhatsApp groups without having members’ contacts:
- Name group appropriately – Clearly state the purpose in the group name.
- Set group photo – Add an appropriate avatar photo for the group chat.
- Welcome new members – Greet new joins and set the tone.
- Provide context – Give an intro explaining the group purpose and rules.
- Turn on admins – Appoint other trusted members as admins to help manage.
- Moderate politely – Gently remind members if they post irrelevant content.
- Don’t overshare link – The group may get flooded with strangers.
- Revoke link when done – Generates a new unshareable link and restricts new joins.
Creating WhatsApp Groups on iPhone vs. Android
The process for creating a WhatsApp group without contacts is quite similar across iPhone and Android platforms. However, there are some minor differences:
| Platform | iPhone | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Access Group Links | Chats > New Chat > New Group > Add via Link | Menu > New Group > Add Group Link |
| Generate QR Code | In New Group flow | From Group Info > Add Member > Invite via QR code |
| Share QR Code | Save and share image | Scan code directly from Android device |
As you can see, iPhone builds the QR code and link directly into the group creation process, while Android requires accessing it from the Group Info after creation.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Group Issues
Sometimes issues can arise when creating and managing a WhatsApp group without contacts. Here are some common problems and fixes:
Can’t Create Group Link
- Confirm WhatsApp is updated to the latest version.
- Check if you have an active internet connection.
- Force close and restart the WhatsApp app.
- On iPhone, check if you have iCloud Backup enabled in WhatsApp settings.
QR Code Not Scanning
- Double check the QR code is clearly displayed and not blurry.
- Try scanning at different distances and angles.
- Increase brightness on device scanning QR code.
- Generate a fresh QR code and try again.
Can’t Join Via Link
- Make sure you are entering the full invite link correctly.
- Check your internet connection is working.
- Try rejoining the group or asking the admin for a new link.
- The group link may be invalid or expired if not joining.
Members Can’t See All Messages
- If a member leaves and rejoins, they only see messages from after rejoining.
- Have them close chat, force stop WhatsApp, and clear cache before reopening.
- Ask an admin to add the member again via invite link.
Conclusion
Creating WhatsApp groups without saving member contacts first provides flexibility and convenience for both large and small groups. While it takes a few extra steps to generate the QR code or link, the process is quick and easy across both iPhone and Android platforms.
The key is distributing the join information to members and setting up some initial ground rules and context for the group. With a few troubleshooting tips in mind, you can now seamlessly set up group chats on WhatsApp for any purpose, whether it’s for family, work, events, or even strangers!