WhatsApp's new blast! Now messages from unknown people will be automatically blocked, learn how this feature works.

WhatsApp is testing a new feature aimed at limiting the number of unread messages for users who don't interact with a contact or business chat. If a person or business repeatedly sends messages and you don't open them for a certain period of time, WhatsApp will temporarily block messages from that sender. This limit will automatically reset once the user reads the old unread messages.

Spam will be curbed.

This feature is being developed specifically to curb accounts that send spam and repeatedly send messages. The new message cap limit will apply to both personal and business messages. A WhatsApp spokesperson told TechCrunch that the average user will rarely reach this limit. The company is currently experimenting with different cap numbers so that it only impacts spammers and mass message senders.

The Growing Problem of Spam and Bulk Messaging

The company has long struggled with the problem of spam and bulk messaging. Although WhatsApp previously offered users the option to unsubscribe from marketing messages from business accounts, this did not completely eliminate the problem.

The platform bans millions of accounts every month. According to reports, more than 6.8 million accounts were blocked in the first half of 2025 alone for being linked to scam centers.

Testing to Begin Soon in Multiple Countries

This new auto-block feature will be launched for testing in several countries in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, to increase user engagement, WhatsApp is working on another interactive feature called Status Questions, which will be similar to Instagram's Question Sticker and is currently in development for Android users.