WhatsApp Testing Message Limits to Combat Spam - MacRumors
Skip to Content

WhatsApp Testing Message Limits to Combat Spam

Popular Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp may soon introduce new message limits that could cut down on spam. According to TechCrunch, WhatsApp is testing a feature that restricts the number of messages that individual users and businesses are able to send to unknown people without getting a response.

Whatsapp Feature
All messages that are sent will count against the per-month limit, which has not yet been established. WhatsApp is testing different limits to determine what works best, and the testing will be conducted in multiple countries in the coming weeks.

When a person or business is close to hitting the limit, WhatsApp will display a pop-up warning with the remaining number of messages that can be sent, so users can avoid being blocked from sending messages entirely.

According to WhatsApp, the average user will not hit the limit, with the controls designed to cut down on spam messages. A message that is sent and receives a reply will not count toward the message limit.

Spam on WhatsApp is a major problem due to the worldwide popularity of the app, and the company has been working to curb spam over the last few years. WhatsApp has added tools for easily blocking someone from the Lock Screen, unsubscribing from marketing messages, and leaving unwanted groups, plus it has introduced limits for bulk messaging from new users.

Popular Stories

whatsapp carplay

WhatsApp Gets New CarPlay App

Tuesday April 7, 2026 4:32 pm PDT by
Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp was today updated with expanded support for CarPlay. CarPlay users are able to more easily call and message their friends and family members in WhatsApp directly from the car interface. WhatsApp had CarPlay integration before, but with limited Siri-based functionality. The new app has a full native CarPlay interface with a list of recent chats and call...
macOS 27 on MacBook Pro

macOS 27 Will Mark the End of an Era

Saturday April 18, 2026 6:45 am PDT by
During its Platforms State of the Union segment at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that macOS 26 Tahoe is the final major macOS version for Intel-based Macs. The upcoming macOS 27 release will be compatible with Apple silicon Macs only, meaning that you will need a Mac with an M-series chip or a MacBook Neo with an A18 Pro chip in order to install the software update. macOS 27 should be available...
macworld iphone 18 pro colors

iPhone 18 Pro's Four Rumored Colors Revealed, Including 'Dark Cherry'

Friday April 17, 2026 3:50 am PDT by
A source said to be familiar with Apple's supply chain today revealed the color options Apple is planning for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the upcoming foldable iPhone. Image via Macworld. The information comes from Macworld, which says the signature new color for this year's Pro models will be Dark Cherry, a deep wine-like red. While other sources had previously reported on a...

Top Rated Comments

artifex Avatar
26 weeks ago
Monthly limit won't do anything to stop people just making more disposable accounts when they run out.
Should have a limit on the number of messages per minute to strangers that doesn't end just because the account is no longer "new."
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
26 weeks ago
I support this. Should be a way to apply to remove the restriction.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Reason077 Avatar
26 weeks ago

I have no problem with spam with WhatsApp.
Same here. Unlike SMS, it's very rare to receive obviously commercial spam through WhatsApp. I do get the occasional "Hi" or "Mum, this is my new number", which seem like genuine wrong number messages.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Happy_John Avatar
26 weeks ago
Sounds like the first step in further monetisation. Impose limits on standard accounts but offer a paid premium tier to remove / reduce limits.

As many posters have already rightly said, this won’t be particularity effective at reducing spam on the platform, as spammers will simply automate new account generation to keep sending messages above the limit. .
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
26 weeks ago

I have no problem with spam with WhatsApp.
Thats because it isnt a problem for the most part. This is Meta setting the stage for tiered message plans that harken back to the days before unlimited text messages.

I am positively stunned reading the comment with people in favour actually imposing restrictions. And worse that they believe it’s because of spam.

We are so cooked if people are this gullible and “soft.”
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProbablyDylan Avatar
26 weeks ago
Bet they'll end up doing it like when phones had minutes. Want 50 more messages? $1 please.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)