WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a powerful new privacy enhancement known as the Request Folder Feature, designed especially for managing messages from unknown contacts. As unwanted messages, spam, and scam attempts continue to increase on messaging platforms, WhatsApp aims to give users stronger control over who can contact them. This new update will make conversations more organized, reduce clutter, and help users stay protected from suspicious messages.
With over 2.7 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has long been focusing on security and privacy. However, the need for better message filtering has grown rapidly. Users often receive unwanted texts, promotional messages, phishing attempts, or unknown contact pings. The new request folder system will solve this problem by filtering such messages into a separate section, similar to how Instagram and Facebook manage message requests.
This upcoming feature is currently under development and is being tested in beta versions, indicating that a stable release may arrive soon. It will not only improve privacy but also offer a smoother, safer, and cleaner messaging experience for everyone.
What Exactly Is the WhatsApp Request Folder Feature?
The request folder feature is WhatsApp’s new approach to dividing conversations between known and unknown contacts. Until now, anyone who had your number could message you, and their chat would instantly appear in your main inbox. This caused unnecessary clutter, increased exposure to spam, and sometimes led to safety concerns.
With the new feature, WhatsApp is changing how unknown messages are handled. Any message from someone not saved in your contact list will go directly to a dedicated “Requests” section instead of appearing in the main chats tab. This ensures that your primary inbox includes only people you know or trust.
Users can freely open the Requests folder anytime, review messages safely, and choose how to respond. It gives them more control without completely blocking communication from new people who may genuinely need to reach them.
New Privacy Option: “Who Can Message Me”
A major part of this update is a new privacy setting called “Who can message me”. This option will have only two choices:
- Everyone
- My Contacts
If you select “Everyone”, WhatsApp will continue to function normally. Any unknown person can send you a message, and it will appear in your main chat list instantly.
If you select “My Contacts”, WhatsApp will apply stricter privacy filtering. Anyone who is not saved in your phone contacts will be restricted, and their messages will move directly to the Requests folder instead of your main chat list.
A Safer and More Organized Messaging Experience
The purpose of the request folder is to create a much cleaner chat interface. Many WhatsApp users complain about their inbox filling up with:
- Marketing promotions
- Unknown business messages
- Unwanted texts
- Spam messages
- Scam attempts
This feature eliminates that annoyance and improves focus by keeping personal conversations separate from unknown ones. It is especially beneficial for users who receive many messages daily.
How the New Request Folder Will Work
The behavior of the new folder is very similar to the Message Requests feature on Instagram and Messenger. When someone who is not saved as a contact sends you a message, WhatsApp will quietly move the chat to the Requests folder.
Inside this folder, you will see all messages from unknown senders grouped together. You can tap any message to open it safely, read its content, and decide whether to respond. WhatsApp will provide three clear action buttons:
1. Accept
If you trust the sender or want to communicate, you can accept the chat. Once accepted:
- The chat will instantly move to your regular inbox
- Future messages will appear normally
- The person will not be notified that they were in your Requests folder
2. Block
If you think the person is a spammer or you do not want contact from them, you can block them permanently. Once blocked:
- They cannot message you again
- They cannot call you
- You will not see future attempts from them
3. Report
If the message looks dangerous, suspicious, or illegal, WhatsApp gives you the option to report it. Reporting helps strengthen WhatsApp’s anti-scam system.
Notifications Will Still Appear
Even with this filtering, WhatsApp will continue sending notifications for unknown messages. This ensures you don’t miss anything important, such as:
- Delivery confirmation messages
- New business contacts
- Lost connections trying to reach you
After opening the notification, the message will take you to the Requests folder instead of your main chat tab.
Automatic Handling When You Save the Contact
If you decide to save a sender’s name in your contact list, WhatsApp will automatically move their conversations from the Requests folder to your main inbox. This creates a seamless experience and reduces manual work.
Why WhatsApp Is Introducing the Request Folder Feature
WhatsApp’s decision to introduce this feature comes from increasing global concerns about digital security. The platform wants to protect its users from scams, spam, and unwanted messages.
Here are the major reasons behind the update:
1. Protecting User Privacy
Millions of users receive spam, fraudulent links, malware attempts, and scams from unknown numbers. The new feature isolates such messages, reducing the risk of falling into digital traps.
2. Fighting Spam and Scams
Scammers usually message from numbers that are not saved in your contacts. By placing these messages into a safe request folder, WhatsApp significantly lowers the chances of users clicking harmful links.
3. Creating a Cleaner Chat Experience
Users often complain about their inbox getting crowded with unnecessary messages. Separating unknown chats brings better organization and helps manage communication effortlessly.
4. Giving Users More Control
Users can now decide:
- Who can message them
- How messages from unknown people are handled
- When to review unknown messages
5. Increasing Trust in the Platform
WhatsApp wants users to feel completely safe while using the app. With this update, the platform strengthens its position as a secure and user-friendly messaging app.
Other WhatsApp Privacy Enhancements Under Development
Along with the request folder, WhatsApp is also testing several new privacy and security improvements. These updates show Meta’s long-term commitment to user safety.
Some of the upcoming features include:
1. Automatic Blocking of Suspicious Messages
WhatsApp is developing AI-based spam detection tools that can automatically block repeated messages from unknown or suspicious numbers.
2. Safety Overview for Group Invitations
Before joining a group, users will see details like:
- Who added them
- Group members
- Group purpose
This helps avoid joining dangerous or unknown groups.
3. Usernames for Privacy
WhatsApp is also planning a username system where users can chat without revealing their phone numbers. This will add a new layer of identity protection.
4. Improvements to Message Reporting Tools
WhatsApp is making it easier to report:
- Spam chats
- Scam attempts
- Fake profiles
- Harassment messages
These features aim to create a more trusted environment for users of all age groups.
Impact of the Request Folder on Businesses
This update will also influence how businesses interact with customers. Many businesses reach out using unsaved numbers for offers, confirmations, or support. With the new folder:
- Business messages may go into the Requests section
- Customers will have the option to accept or reject
- Spam businesses will be filtered automatically
- Trusted businesses can still build relationships by being transparent
Businesses must adapt by improving communication quality and reducing spam-style marketing.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s upcoming Request Folder Feature is a major step forward in user privacy and message control. With this update, users will finally have the ability to separate unknown messages from personal chats, making the inbox safer, cleaner, and more organized. The feature gives users full control over who can message them while still allowing essential communication from new contacts when needed.
As WhatsApp continues adding anti-spam tools, username support, automatic blocking, and group safety enhancements, one thing is clear: the platform is deeply committed to improving digital privacy. The Request Folder Feature is just one part of a bigger plan to make messaging safer for billions of people worldwide.