WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world and if you use it it will definitely add you to many groups that you don't know because the app allows anyone who has your phone number to message you or add you. Add to a group without your permission.
However, the problem is that these groups contain very disturbing content. If you leave a group, you will sometimes be re-added to that group because the owner will be notified immediately after they leave and asked to add you again.
Also, you cannot block groups in WhatsApp like you can block someone. However, there are several settings that you can enable if you don't want to join boring WhatsApp groups anymore.
Here's how to control your WhatsApp groups and get rid of their harassment
As mentioned, there is no option to block a group in WhatsApp. However, there are two options, one is to turn off group notifications and the second is to archive the group. This option would be ideal if you want to start from the home screen. The app hides groups.
If there is a group for you but you don't want to receive more notifications from it, you can mute the entire group here. This way you will not be notified of messages from the group, but they will still appear in the chat list and you can view their content at any time.
Other members of the group won't notice that you've turned it off either, and if you turn it back on and back on, the group and its messages will still be there. It is important to note that muting does not affect calls. So if someone initiates a group call, you'll get it too.
To disable a WhatsApp group, you can follow the steps below:
- Access the WhatsApp application on your phone.
- Go to the group you want to disable.
- Click on the three dots icon in the upper right corner and then click on the option to disable notifications.
- Set the snooze period for notifications: 8 hours, 1 week, or always.
If you want to hide groups from the app's home screen to better organize your conversations, here's how to archive them:
- Access the WhatsApp application on your phone.
- Press and hold on the group you want to hide, then tap on the archive icon that appears in the upper-right corner. This is a folder with a down arrow.
- If you want to hide multiple groups at once, select all groups and click on the archive icon that appears in the upper right corner.
Once the first group is archived, WhatsApp will display the Archived Conversations tab at the top of the home screen and you can simply click on it to access the group and interact with it.
However, if you find a WhatsApp group too disturbing or offensive, you can leave the group and report it. Note, however, that the notification will reach the administrator of the group you left and someone else can add it. If you don't want this to happen, you can block all group admins once they leave the group.
To prevent others from adding you to WhatsApp groups:
protect your privacy; In Settings, you can choose who can add you to the group. To do this, follow these steps:
- Access the WhatsApp application on your phone.
- Click on the three dots icon in the upper right corner and then click on the “Settings” option.
- Click on the (account) option.
- Click Privacy Options.
- Click on group options and you will see three options:
- Anyone: Anyone, including people who aren't in your phone contacts, can add you to groups without your permission.
- My Contacts: Only contacts stored on your phone can be added to groups without your consent.
- (Except for my contacts...) Except for my contacts: Only contacts stored on your phone can be added to groups without your consent, except for those that are excluded.
- Choose the option that suits you best.