8 Effective Ways to Chat with an Unknown Number on WhatsApp [2025]

10 Min Read

Written by

Raneya Selina

Published on

September 6, 2024

In today’s digital age, WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging platforms worldwide. With millions of users relying on it for daily communication, there often arises a situation where you need to chat with someone whose number is not saved in your contacts. Unlike traditional messaging apps, WhatsApp doesn’t make starting a conversation with an unknown number straightforward. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to contact someone quickly or for a one-time communication.

This guide is here to help you solve that problem. We will explore various effective methods to chat with unknown numbers on WhatsApp, whether using an Android device, an iPhone, or even WhatsApp Web. By the end of this guide, you’ll clearly understand how to initiate a conversation with an unknown number on WhatsApp without the hassle of saving it to your contacts. This will save you time and help you maintain a clutter-free contact list.

8 Effective Ways to Chat with an Unknown Number on WhatsApp

Several effective methods exist when you need to chat with someone on WhatsApp but don’t want to save their number. Below, we’ll explore different ways to talk with an unknown number on WhatsApp, making it easier for you to communicate quickly and efficiently.

1. Make a WA.me link

WhatsApp has a benefit called the “WA.me” link, which lets you share messages to any WhatsApp number without saving them on your mobile. Here are straightforward step-by-step processes to make and use this link:

Step 1:  Open the Web browser

Now, open a web browser like Google Chrome on your mobile phone or computer.
Open the Web browser
Step: 2 Copying the base link

First, copy the link with the phone number you want to message on WhatsApp.
Copying the base link

Step 3: Paste the Link

In the Google browser, paste the link and enter the phone number you wish to message, including the full phone number and country code.
Paste the Link

Step 4: Click the Enter

Then, press enter to click on the link and wait for the page to load.
Click the Enter

Step 5: Tap on the “Continue to Chat” option

After that, you will land on the WhatsApp page. So, you have to click on “Continue to Chat.”
Tap on the Continue to Chat option

Step 6: The Chat Window is Open

The Chat window for that phone number will open in WhatsApp, letting you send a message without saving the number.
The Chat Window is Open

This method works great with WhatsApp Web and applies to WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business, or WhatsApp Business API. Placing the wa.me link on your website or social media profiles makes it simple for customers to contact you, boosting engagement and satisfaction.

For a quick and easy solution, use Chatbot.team’s WhatsApp Chat Link Generator. Type in your phone number with the country code, add a message, and click “Generate WhatsApp Chat Link.” Your wa.me link is ready to share on your website or social media for customers to access quickly.

2. Click on the Phone Number in WhatsApp Groups

Another effective method to send WhatsApp messages without saving a contact’s number is a group chat. If you’re part of a group and need to privately message someone without adding their number to your contacts, follow these simple steps. Start by navigating to the group chat where the person is active. Within the group, locate a message they’ve sent where their number is visible. Tap on their number, and a small menu will appear, allowing you to start a private conversation directly with them.

This method is handy when quickly reaching out to someone without cluttering your contact list with one-time contacts. It’s a convenient way to maintain privacy while still being able to communicate effectively. By using this approach, you can send messages directly to the person without the hassle of saving their number first.

You’ll find an option in this menu that says “Message <phone number>.” Tap on it.

This will open a new chat window with the person, allowing you to send your message directly to them without needing to save their number.

This method is particularly useful in group chats where you might not know everyone personally or prefer not to add everyone to your contact list but still need to send a quick message to an individual.

3. Try Message Yourself Feature

WhatsApp’s “Message YourSelf” feature allows a workaround for sharing messages with unsaved numbers. Here are step-by-step instructions for using this feature.

Step 1:  Copy the Contact Number

First, copy the mobile number you like to send a WhatsApp message to.
Copy the Contact Number

Step 2: Launch WhatsApp

Now, Open WhatsApp on your gadget
Launch WhatsApp

Step 3: Hit “New Chat”

Then, click on the “New Chat” option.
Hit New Chat

Step 4: Click on your Name

Find and tap on your name, which should have a ‘(You)’ suffix next to it.
Click on your Name

Step 5: Paste the Contact Number

Paste the mobile number into the text box and share it as a message to yourself.
Paste the Contact Number

Step 6: Press on the Number

Hit on the Number you just shared in the chat
Press on the Number

Step 7: Choose the “Chat with” option

Now, select the “Chat with” option with that number.
Choose the Chat with option

4. Use the Truecaller App

Many Android and iOS users rely on the Truecaller app to identify and block spam calls and messages. A lesser-known feature of Truecaller is its ability to send WhatsApp messages without saving the contact number. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take advantage of this useful feature:

Step 1: Open the Truecaller app

Launch the Truecaller app on your Android or iOS device.
Open the Truecaller app

Step 2: Search for Phone Number

In the application, search for the phone number to which you want to send a WhatsApp message.
Search for Phone Number

Step 3: Display Truecaller profile

Once the search is complete, Truecaller will display the profile related to that phone number.
Display Truecaller profile

Step 4: Tap the WhatsApp Icon

On the profile page, slide down until you find the WhatsApp icon or button and tap on it.
Tap the WhatsApp Icon

Step 5: Open Chat Window

Tapping the WhatsApp button will directly open a chat window in WhatsApp, allowing you to message the person without saving their number.
Open Chat Window

This feature is helpful for easily sharing WhatsApp messages to numbers you do not want to permanently store in your contacts.

5. Using Shortcut App on Iphone

Suppose you’re an iOS user who enjoys using Siri shortcuts for tasks like ejecting water from your iPhone speakers, checking file sizes, or taking quick photos. In that case, you’ll appreciate the Siri shortcut for messaging unsaved numbers on WhatsApp. This shortcut streamlines the process, allowing you to send messages effortlessly without saving the contact. Here’s how you can make use of this convenient feature:

Step 1: Launch the Apple Shortcut

Open the Apple Shortcuts application on your iPhone.

Step 2: Click on “Add Shortcut.”

Hit on the “Add Shortcut” button to explore new shortcuts.

Step 3: Install WhatsApp Unsaved Number

Looking for and installing the “WhatsApp Unsaved Number” shortcut.

Step 5: Select Recipient

A pop-up will appear, prompting you to “Choose recipient.”

Step 6: Enter Phone Number

In the ” Choose recipient ” field, type the phone number you want to message and the country code (for example, +91 for India).

Step 7: WhatsApp Chat Window Will Open

After entering the number, the WhatsApp chat window will open, allowing you to send a message to the unsaved number.

6. By using Google Assistant on Android

Android users can leverage Google Assistant to send messages on WhatsApp without saving contact. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how you can do this:

Step 1: Activate Google Assistant

To begin, activate Google Assistant on your Android device by swiping diagonally from either bottom corner of the screen. If your phone has navigation buttons, you can activate the Assistant by pressing and holding the home button.

Step 2: Instruct Google Assistant

Next, instruct Google Assistant by saying, “Send a WhatsApp to +(country code)(phone number).” Be sure to include the country code, as Google Assistant requires it to recognize the number for WhatsApp.

Step 3: Example of a Command

For instance, if you need to message the number 869823197 in India, you would say, “Send a WhatsApp to +91869823197,” including India’s country code (+91).

Step 4: Dictate Your Message

Google Assistant will then prompt you to dictate the message you want to send. Speak out the message you wish to deliver.

Step 5: Send the Message

After you dictate your message, Google Assistant will process it and send it through WhatsApp to the specified number, all without the need to save the number in your contacts.

7. Use WhatsApp Business API

The WhatsApp Business API offers a powerful solution for businesses enhancing customer communication. This advanced tool goes beyond the traditional use of WhatsApp, allowing for large-scale, efficient, and organized interactions without the need to save contact numbers. Perfect for enterprises aiming to engage with customers more effectively, the WhatsApp Business API opens up opportunities.

The WhatsApp Business API is designed to help businesses broadcast messages to a large audience easily. Whether you’re sending transactional updates, informative content, or promotional messages, this API handles them seamlessly. A key feature is the ability to send unlimited broadcast messages to both saved and unsaved contacts (subject to messaging tier limits), enabling you to reach many recipients simultaneously without cluttering your contact list.

However, using the WhatsApp Business API requires following specific protocols. Most importantly, you must obtain clear customer consent before initiating any communication. WhatsApp requires businesses to secure opt-in permission from customers, which can be collected through various channels like your website or email, ensuring transparency and compliance.

8. Adding the Number Temporarily

One of the simplest methods to start a WhatsApp conversation with an unknown number is temporarily adding the number to your contacts. While this approach involves saving the contact, it’s a straightforward way to initiate a chat, especially if the interaction is likely to be short-term.

To use this method, follow these steps:

1. Add the Number to Your Contacts

Begin by adding the unknown number to your phone’s contact list. You can label it with a temporary name like “Temp Contact” or “WhatsApp Chat.”

2. Open WhatsApp

Once the number is saved, open WhatsApp and refresh your contact list by pulling down the screen in the ‘Chats’ tab. The newly saved contact should now appear in your WhatsApp contacts.

3. Initiate the Chat

Locate the contact in WhatsApp and start your conversation as you normally would.

4. Delete the Contact After the Chat

After the chat, you can delete the contact if the conversation is a one-time interaction. This helps keep your contact list organized and clutter-free.

This method is handy when you need to send a quick message or gather information from someone but don’t want to keep their number permanently saved in your contacts. It’s an easy and reliable communication method that doesn’t complicate your contact management.

Conclusion

Reaching out to unknown numbers on WhatsApp doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Whether using the built-in features of WhatsApp, leveraging third-party apps, or exploring creative workarounds like temporary contact saving, there are plenty of ways to start a conversation without the hassle of adding every number to your contacts. Understanding and utilizing these methods can streamline communication, save time, and tidy your contact list. We hope this guide has provided you with the tools and insights needed to effectively chat with unknown numbers on WhatsApp, making your messaging experience more efficient and convenient.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Sending a WhatsApp message without saving a number is easier than you might think. Here are a few methods:

Using WhatsApp’s Click to Chat Feature: Open your web browser and type https://wa.me/<number>, replacing <number> with the full phone number, including the country code (but without any symbols). This will directly open a chat with the number in WhatsApp.

Using Third-Party Apps: Apps like "Click to Chat" or "Easy Message" allow you to enter a phone number and start a WhatsApp chat without saving the contact.

Through Siri Shortcuts or Google Assistant: On iOS, you can use a Siri Shortcut to send messages without saving numbers. Android users can use Google Assistant by saying, “Send a WhatsApp message to [phone number].”

Via WhatsApp Web: On a desktop, you can use WhatsApp Web and manipulate the Inspect Element tool to change a saved contact's number to the unsaved number you wish to message.

These methods are handy for one-time conversations or when you want to keep your contact list uncluttered.

Introducing yourself on WhatsApp can set the tone for the conversation and establish a positive first impression. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Start with a Greeting: Begin with a simple, polite greeting like “Hello,” “Hi,” or “Good [morning/afternoon].”

State Your Name: Clearly mention who you are. For example, “My name is [Your Name].”

Provide Context: Briefly explain how you got the person’s contact and the purpose of your message. For instance, “I got your number from [source], and I wanted to reach out regarding [reason].”

Express Politeness and Interest: Show respect and politeness. You might say, “I hope you don’t mind me reaching out,” or “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Ask for a Response: If appropriate, ask for a reply. For example, “Could you please let me know your thoughts?” or “I’d appreciate it if you could confirm.”

Example: “Hello, my name is John Doe. I got your contact from Jane and wanted to discuss the upcoming project with you. I hope it’s okay to reach out here. Looking forward to your thoughts. Thanks!”

About Author

Raneya Selina

Raneya Selina

Content Marketing Strategist at Chatbot.team

Raneya is a skilled Content Writer with over two years of experience in customer experience. At Chatbot.team, she crafts insightful case studies and analyzes customer data to develop impactful strategies.

Know more about Raneya Selina

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