How to Stop Someone from Adding You to a WhatsApp Group

By default, anyone can add you to a WhatsApp group. If you’d like to prevent this, follow the steps below. Note that group admins who can’t add you directly can still send you a private invite to join the group.

I’ve used a Google Pixel 4a (Android 12), Windows 11 PC, and iPhone X for this guide. Let’s begin with Android.

Stop Someone From Adding You to a WhatsApp Group (Android)

Steps:

1. Open the WhatsApp app.
2. Tap the three vertical dots at the top right.
3. Select Settings > Account > Privacy.
4. Scroll to Groups, located between "Default message timer" and "Live location," and tap it.
5. You’ll see these three options:
• Everyone: Anyone can add you to a WhatsApp group.
• My Contacts: Only your contacts can add you to groups.
• My Contacts Except: Only your contacts, except those you choose, can add you to groups.
6. Choose the option you prefer. For example, select My Contacts Except.
7. Select the contacts you want to exclude. Use the icon at the top right to select all contacts, if needed.
8. Tap the Tick icon in the bottom right to confirm.

That’s all!

Stop Someone From Adding You to a WhatsApp Group (iPhone)

Steps:

1. Open the WhatsApp app and tap Settings at the bottom.
2. Select Account > Privacy.
3. Tap Groups, located between "About" and "Status."
4. Under “Who Can Add Me to Groups,” you’ll see these three options:
• Everyone: Anyone can add you to a WhatsApp group.
• My Contacts: Only your contacts can add you to groups.
• My Contacts Except: Only your contacts, except those you choose, can add you to groups.
5. Choose the option you prefer, such as My Contacts Except.
6. Select the contacts you want to exclude.
7. Use Select All at the bottom right to exclude all contacts if needed.
8. Tap Done at the top right.

That’s it!

Stop Someone From Adding You to a WhatsApp Group (WhatsApp Web)

Steps:

1. Open WhatsApp Web and click the three vertical dots at the top of the left sidebar.
2. Select Settings > Privacy > Groups.
3. You’ll see these three options:
• Everyone: Anyone can add you to a WhatsApp group.
• My Contacts: Only your contacts can add you to groups.
• My Contacts Except: Only your contacts, except those you choose, can add you to groups.
4. Choose the option you prefer, such as My Contacts Except.
5. Select the contacts you want to exclude. Use the icon at the top right to select all contacts if needed.
6. Click the Tick icon at the bottom to confirm.

That’s all!

I hope this guide helps you take control of your WhatsApp group settings.

Thanks for reading!