If you see a status update from an unsaved number on WhatsApp and want to remove it, there are a couple easy ways to do so. You can block the unsaved number which will prevent their status updates from appearing. Or, you can mute their status updates specifically while still allowing their messages to come through.
What does an unsaved number status update look like?
When someone who is not in your contacts posts a status update, it will appear differently than status updates from your saved contacts. Instead of showing the contact name, it will simply show the phone number.
For example, if the phone number is 123-456-7890, you would see the status update show up like this:
123-456-7890
[Status Update Text/Image/Video]
This indicates that 123-456-7890 is not saved in your contacts and has posted a new status update.
Block the unsaved number
The easiest way to prevent seeing any more status updates from an unsaved number is to block them. This will remove their ability to send messages or status updates that are visible to you.
Here is how to block an unsaved number on WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the Chats tab
- Tap on the unsaved number’s status update to open their contact info
- Tap on the More Options icon (3 dots in top right)
- Select Block Contact
- Confirm that you want to block the unsaved number
Once you block the number, you will no longer see any status updates or messages from them. Their statuses and messages will be removed from your Chats tab entirely.
Mute status updates only
If you still want to receive messages from the unsaved number but don’t want to see their status updates, you can mute their status.
This will stop their status updates specifically from appearing while allowing regular messages to come through as normal.
To mute an unsaved number’s status updates only:
- Open the status update from the unsaved number
- Tap Mute at the bottom
- Select Mute for 24 Hours or Always Mute
Mute for 24 Hours will mute just for 1 day before it automatically unmutes. Always Mute will keep them permanently muted until you manually unmute.
Unmute or unblock a number
If you change your mind later, you can easily unmute or unblock a number to see their status updates again.
Unmute a muted status
- Go to Settings > Notifications
- Tap Status privacy
- Tap on the unsaved number you want to unmute
- Toggle the Unmute switch on
Unblock a blocked number
- Go to Settings > Account > Privacy
- Tap Blocked contacts
- Tap on the unsaved number you want to unblock
- Tap Unblock
After unmuting or unblocking, their statuses and messages will appear in your Chats tab again as normal.
Prevent unknown numbers’ statuses from appearing
If you want to prevent any statuses from unsaved numbers appearing at all, you can change a privacy setting:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy
- Tap Status privacy
- Toggle off “My Contacts Except…”
This will make it so only your saved contacts’ status updates appear. No unsaved numbers will be able to have their status updates seen by you.
Why do unsaved numbers’ statuses appear?
WhatsApp displays status updates from unsaved numbers for a couple reasons:
- If you have their phone number in your address book, even if not saved as a contact in WhatsApp
- If you have messaged or called the number previously on WhatsApp
So even if you don’t specifically have them as a saved contact, your phone and WhatsApp still associate their number with your account somehow. This is why you are able to see their statuses.
Should I block or mute unknown statuses?
If an unsaved number is posting statuses you want to avoid seeing, the decision between blocking or muting depends on the situation:
- If the number is completely unfamiliar, blocking is safest to prevent any future messages too
- If the number seems familiar but not saved, muting may be better in case messages come later
- If the status content is inappropriate or harassing, block immediately
Use your best judgment based on your specific circumstances. The key is removing the ability for unsaved numbers to broadcast statuses to you if it makes you uncomfortable.
What happens when you block someone on WhatsApp?
Blocking someone on WhatsApp has the following effects:
- Removes all chat history with the contact
- Prevents any new messages from being received
- Stops any phone calls
- Hides all status updates
- Removes contact from any WhatsApp groups
Essentially it cuts off all communication by removing you from each other’s contact lists. They will also see that you blocked them and get an “undelivered” message if trying to contact you.
The block is limited to WhatsApp only though. Regular SMS text messages outside WhatsApp may still come through depending on phone settings.
Can a blocked contact still see your WhatsApp status?
No, when you block someone on WhatsApp they are no longer able to see any of your status updates or even your last seen/online time. You become fully hidden from their view.
They also cannot check your profile photo or any other account information once blocked. You will essentially disappear from their WhatsApp entirely.
Is there a way to hide your status from specific contacts?
Yes, while blocking unsaved numbers is the best way to hide your status from them, you can also hide your status selectively from specific saved contacts:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy
- Tap Status privacy
- Tap “My Contacts Except…”
- Select which contacts to exclude from seeing your status
This will let you post statuses and limit them only to people you choose. Anyone excluded will not know you have posted anything.
Conclusion
Status updates from unsaved numbers can appear on WhatsApp due to past communications with the number. If you want to remove these unknown statuses, blocking the number completely cuts off all communication, while muting allows messages to still come through.
You can also prevent any unsaved numbers’ statuses from appearing by updating your status privacy settings. This gives you full control over who can view your WhatsApp activity.