WhatsApp It's synonymous with fast, direct, and, above all, personal communication. Its app reigns supreme in most countries and connects millions of people every day. However, not everything we discuss or the contacts we have should be visible to anyone who picks up our phone. For various reasons of privacy, security, or discretion, a recurring question arises: Is it possible to hide contacts on WhatsApp without blocking or deleting them? The answer is complex, but in this guide, we delve into all the alternatives, tricks, apps, and mechanisms that actually work today to hide your contacts and their conversations, both on Android and iOS, and on WhatsApp Web.
Why hide contacts on WhatsApp?
The reasons for wanting to hide a WhatsApp contact can be as varied as they are personal. Some of the most common include:
- Protect privacy against those who occasionally access your mobile phone (partners, friends, family or coworkers).
- Avoid awkward situations by chatting with a specific person you'd rather not expose.
- Discreetly manage professional, personal, client, or supplier relationships.
- Prevent conflicts and arguments, especially in sensitive environments.
- Maintain an orderly digital environment free from prying eyes.
Although WhatsApp continues to add features, it still does not allow, by default, hide specific contacts or conversations at the user level. This requires searching for and combining alternative methods, some very ingenious and others official, to fill the gap in a long-requested feature.
Can you hide a WhatsApp contact without blocking or deleting them?
The confusion is common: WhatsApp doesn't offer a direct feature to hide contacts. However, there are several effective alternatives to keep those contacts or chats you want to protect out of sight without losing their data or cutting off communication. Below, we explain all the available options, how to use them, and their advantages and disadvantages.
Native WhatsApp methods to hide contacts or conversations
Before resorting to third-party apps or less orthodox tricks, it is advisable to squeeze the native functions from WhatsApp itself. Here's how to do it:
Change the name of a contact in your address book
A simple trick to discourage curious people is to edit the contact name in your phone's address book, assigning it a unsuspicious alias or a generic name. For example, you can change "Marta Trabajo" to "Client 21" or something that doesn't make sense to a casual viewer.
Steps to do it:
- Open the “Contacts” app on your phone.
- Find the person whose name you want to change.
- Edit the contact and change the name. Save the changes.
- Restart WhatsApp if the change is not reflected immediately.
The chat will appear with the new name every time you return to WhatsApp, helping to avoid prying eyes. However, if the contact is very close, consider using a name that won't raise suspicions but isn't obvious either.
Archive chats to hide conversations
El chat archiving This is the most widely used official option for hiding conversations without deleting them or blocking the contact. Archiving moves the chat out of the main view and keeps it intact, allowing you to retrieve it whenever you need it.
How to archive a chat on WhatsApp?
- On Android: Long press on the chat on your home screen, tap the folder icon with the down arrow, and you're done.
- On iOS: Swipe left on the chat and tap Archive.
- For WhatsApp Web: Hover over the chat and select the “Archive” icon.
The chat will be hosted in the "Archived" section, visible above or below the conversation list (depending on the version). unarchive, repeat the process and select the reverse option.
Advantages:
- You don't lose your history or shared files.
- The other person doesn't know that you've archived the conversation.
- You can unarchive and continue the chat normally.
Disadvantages:
- If you receive a new message from that contact, the chat may be displayed again (depending on your notification settings and WhatsApp version).
- It's not a completely invisible solution if your contacts check the "Archived" section.
Mute notifications from specific contacts
Another native method is to mute notifications from individual or group chats. This way, even if you receive messages, you won't see alerts on your home screen, pop-ups, or sounds associated with those contacts.
How to do it:
- Open the conversation to mute.
- Tap the contact or group name at the top.
- Select the “Mute notifications” option.
- Choose the period (8 hours, 1 week or Always).
- You can choose whether or not to display notifications on the dashboard.
This technique is useful for avoid interruptions and prevent others from seeing notifications on the lock screen, but the chat will still be accessible to anyone.
Protect WhatsApp with a fingerprint, PIN, or pattern
For those seeking extreme privacy and do not want anyone to access any conversation without their permission, WhatsApp includes the possibility of Protect the app with a fingerprint, facial recognition, pattern, or PIN code (depending on device).
How to activate WhatsApp blocking?
- Go to WhatsApp and tap the “Three dots” (options).
- Choose “Settings” > “Account” > “Privacy.”
- Scroll down and select either “Fingerprint Lock” or “Face Recognition.”
- Activate the corresponding switch and follow the steps to configure the protection.
From that moment on, to open WhatsApp, you'll need to authenticate with your fingerprint, face, or pattern, preventing anyone from accessing the app and reviewing your chats. Remember that this protection is global (applies to all chats) and may raise suspicions if you usually had the app accessible.
What if you want to better manage your contact list?
Advanced methods and tricks to really hide contacts
If you are looking for a more powerful and specific solution, there are Additional techniques and tricks that, used responsibly, can give you the level of privacy you desire.
Hide contacts by editing their number in the address book
This is one of the star techniques, described and tested by multiple experts and media outlets. It consists of "making" a contact invisible on WhatsApp by editing their number so that the app doesn't recognize it as valid, but you still have it in your address book.
How Does It Work?
- Open the “Contacts” app on your phone.
- Find the contact you want to hide and edit its details.
- Remove the international prefix (for example, in Spain remove the +34 and leave the rest of the number; in Mexico remove the +52, in Argentina the +54, etc.).
If the number starts without a prefix, simply add a "+" in front of it (for example, change 666XXXXXX to +666XXXXXX). - Save the changes.
Done! WhatsApp will no longer recognize that number as a valid contact, so will disappear from your WhatsApp list, but you will keep it on your mobile.
To reverse the process, simply add the full prefix again (for example, +34 for Spain). The contact will then reappear in WhatsApp, and you can continue chatting normally.
Advantages:
- You won't lose contact information, history, or associated files.
- No need to block, delete, or archive.
- It's not obvious to the other person or to anyone reviewing your calendar.
Disadvantages:
- As long as the number doesn't have a prefix, you won't be able to send messages or call them on WhatsApp.
- You will need to reverse the process to reestablish communication.
This trick is ideal for those who want a "ghost mode" for contacts without losing their number or history on their phone.
Apps to hide contacts and protect conversations
For those who want to go further and seek specialized tools to hide contacts on WhatsApp or protect specific chats, there are third-party apps that add extra layers of privacy. It's important to use only trusted apps and review their permissions and security policies.
Some highlights:
-
HiCont Hide your contacts
A free app that allows you to hide contacts in your address book and protect their access using a pattern, PIN, or even a calculator. When you hide a contact, WhatsApp will only display their number (not their name), increasing discretion. Access to hidden contacts is protected and requires unlocking. This is useful if you share your phone or have particularly sensitive contacts.
More info on privacy apps -
Chat Locker for WhatsApp
Specialized in protecting individual or group chats with a password or fingerprint, without locking the entire app. Ideal if you need to share your phone but want to keep certain conversations private. Easy to install and use:
See how to protect with blocking -
WA Hide
An app that lets you hide chats and contacts, as well as offering features like reading messages without the blue double check mark. Hidden chats only appear after entering a defined password. It includes customizable notifications and additional visual options. This app supports ads, but is powerful for those who prioritize privacy.
As many experts warn, Use only verified apps and don't provide your credentials to dubious apps. Privacy is important, but security is even more so.
Additional techniques for extreme privacy
Do you need maximum security? Here are the more advanced tricks:
- Secure folderMany Android devices (especially Samsung) offer a "Secure Folder" where you can install standalone apps protected by a PIN or fingerprint. Install a second WhatsApp account within it, with a different number, for confidential communications.
- App-wide protection: Strengthen security with fingerprint protection not only on WhatsApp but on your entire phone.
- Disable floating notificationsFrom your phone's settings, go to WhatsApp notifications and disable floating notifications, lock screen notifications, and sounds. No one will see private chat alerts on your screen.
- Two step verification: Add a security PIN to your WhatsApp account from Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification. This way, no one can register your number or restore your chats without it.
- Check connected devicesFrom WhatsApp, review linked devices and remove any unknown access. This will prevent them from using WhatsApp Web or spy apps to read your conversations.
Completely delete a WhatsApp contact
If none of the above options suit you and you want to remove all traces of a person from WhatsApp, you can choose to delete the number from your address book and delete the chat. Remember that this method is irreversible in terms of history, and that person will no longer be available to contact you unless you add their number again.
Options for WhatsApp Web and Desktop
WhatsApp Web is especially vulnerable if you frequently use it at work or on shared devices. Here are some tips to protect your privacy online:
- Browser Extensions: If you use Chrome, try extensions like WhatsHide, which allows you to hide specific chats, visually erase them, or blur them when they lose focus. Simply tap the extension icon, select the chat, and hide it. Ideal for shared workspaces.
- Always log out: Never leave WhatsApp Web open on other people's computers. Check a list of logins from your mobile device under "Linked Devices" and delete any suspicious sessions.
Chat Privacy: Other Ways to Protect Your Information
Beyond hiding one or more contacts, WhatsApp incorporates multiple layers of privacy that you can leverage to prevent information leaks, even if someone manages to access the app by accident.
- End-to-End Encryption: All WhatsApp conversations are encrypted between you and your contact. Verify encryption by opening the chat, tapping the contact's name, and clicking "Encryption" to view the QR code or the 60-digit unique code.
- Disable backups: If you're particularly privacy-conscious, disable automatic cloud backup (Google Drive or iCloud), which may not be encrypted. Go to Settings > Chats > Backup and select "Never" or manual backup only.
- Do not save media automatically: Prevent photos and videos from private chats from ending up in your phone's gallery by disabling the option in Settings > Chats > Media Visibility.
- Mute and customize notifications: Set notifications to not display content or the sender on the lock screen.
- Create coverage groups: If you need to keep a conversation secret, create a group with several members (you can add your own phone numbers or landlines) and use that group to chat. Choose a neutral name (e.g., "Work") to increase discretion.
- Temporary conversations: Enable temporary messages in chats so they are automatically deleted after the selected period.
Options to further customize your privacy
Rename your contacts and edit information
In addition to the traditional method of editing the name from the address book, you can:
- Change a contact's name within a WhatsApp chat by tapping their profile picture, pressing the "i," and using the "Edit" option.
- Rename a contact who is a member of a group by accessing the group, tapping the name, and editing it from the member list.
- Quickly access the contact from the WhatsApp search engine and edit their information.
Create temporary conversations or self-destructing messages
Temporary messages cause sent messages to be automatically deleted after a predetermined amount of time. You can activate them in the chat menu, under "Temporary Messages." This feature is useful if you don't want to leave any trace of your private conversations.
Increase privacy without blocking or deleting a contact
Nowadays, there are apps like "Hide" and similar that allow you to hide the blue double check mark, the last seen time, and the display of read messages. These are useful if you want maximum discretion without blocking or deleting the sender. Keep in mind that they often include ads.
What if you choose to block contact?
Blocking is the most drastic option: it prevents you from receiving messages or calls, hides your photo, status, and last seen time. The blocked contact won't know for sure that they've been blocked, but they also won't be able to see your updates. To block someone:
- Open the WhatsApp chat with that contact.
- Tap the three dots > “More” > “Block contact.”
Frequently asked questions and common doubts
- Does hiding a contact on WhatsApp delete my history?
No. Using methods like archiving, editing the name, or deleting the prefix does not erase the history, it just makes it less visible or inaccessible until you restore it. - Does the other person find out if I hide their contact information?
No. None of the methods explained here (except blocking/deleting) notify or give any indication to the other person. - Can I combine several methods?
Yes. For example, you can change the contact's name, mute notifications, and even archive the conversation for maximum privacy. - Is it safe to use third-party apps?
Only verified and trusted apps; never share your real password or sensitive data. Always check reviews on Google Play before installing. - Does it work the same on Android and iPhone?
Most methods (archive, edit contacts, hide notifications) work the same on both systems. Some advanced options may vary depending on the version and manufacturer of your phone.
Privacy on WhatsApp is a multi-layered issue, from built-in options to more sophisticated techniques. With the methods presented here, you can keep your contacts and conversations truly hidden and under control, adapting each technique to your level of need.
