WhatsApp may soon enhance user protection against messages from unknown senders, as revealed by a feature tracker. The messaging app is reportedly developing a feature that will enable users to block messages from unrecognized accounts. This new capability could boost device performance while enhancing account security. Additionally, WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new feature allowing users to “like” status updates, making it easier to react quickly to photos, videos, and text stories shared by others on the platform.
Feature tracker WABetaInfo has discovered a new “Block Unknown Account Messages” toggle in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.17.24. This update was recently made available to beta testers on Android. Since the feature is still under development, users are currently unable to test it, as it seems to have been activated through some reverse engineering methods. WABetaInfo also shared a screenshot of the new setting, which can be found under the Privacy > Advanced menu in the app’s settings. According to the feature’s description, WhatsApp will automatically block messages from unknown accounts if they exceed a certain threshold.
According to the leaked details, it seems that WhatsApp plans to block messages from unknown senders to enhance account security while maintaining optimal app performance on smartphones. However, this implies that even with the Block unknown senders option enabled in the future, some messages might still get through.
WhatsApp beta testers can now respond to status updates with a heart emoji. This feature, which lets users post text, images, and videos for 24 hours—similar to Instagram Stories—mirrors the reaction functionality already available on Facebook and Instagram. The latest beta version of WhatsApp now includes this single-tap reaction option. After updating to WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.17.21 through the Google Play beta program, a new heart icon should appear in the bottom right corner of the screen, next to the reply bar. This feature is expected to be rolled out gradually to users.
As per the details, users will be able to identify who has reacted to their status updates through a list of contacts who have viewed their stories. This means that the feature will work similarly to Instagram’s story reactions, where viewers who liked the story are visible. This functionality is anticipated to be introduced to both iOS and Android users in the forthcoming version of the app.
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