If your WhatsApp inbox is cluttered with unread messages from unfamiliar numbers—many of which are promotional or spam—there’s promising news ahead. WhatsApp is trialing new limitations that could provide relief to users frustrated by persistent greetings and unwanted offers. The Meta-owned messaging service is testing a monthly message cap for users and businesses that communicate with individuals outside their contact lists. Each time a message is sent to an unknown number that does not respond, it counts towards this monthly limit. For example, if you meet someone at an event and send them three messages without a reply, that counts as three against your monthly allowance. WhatsApp has not revealed the specific limit at this time.
“WhatsApp hasn’t specified what the limit will be, as it is currently testing various thresholds,” the company informed a widely-read publication. To ensure users are aware, those nearing their limit will receive a notification—an in-app alert indicating their proximity to the cap. If overlooked, they may face temporary restrictions on messaging new contacts. This new feature is anticipated to launch in several countries in the upcoming weeks. However, WhatsApp has assured regular users that these limitations are primarily targeted at reducing spam and mass messaging. “Average users are unlikely to reach the limit, and their messaging experience will remain largely unaffected,” a company spokesperson emphasized. The initiative aims to diminish spam, not inhibit genuine conversations.
This effort builds on WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to enhance platform safety and reduce clutter—particularly in regions like India, which supports over 500 million users. The app has transformed from a basic chat application to a comprehensive communication hub for personal, professional, and business exchanges. Nonetheless, this expansion has also resulted in a rise in unwanted messages and marketing communications. In 2024, WhatsApp began rolling out several anti-spam measures to tackle these concerns. In July, it introduced limitations on business marketing messages, capping the number of promotional texts a company could send each month. Later that year, an unsubscribe feature was implemented, permitting users to opt out of promotional content while remaining connected for critical updates and support.
Earlier in 2025, WhatsApp also trialed restrictions on broadcast messages, which enable users to send identical messages to multiple recipients simultaneously. This trial has since broadened to over a dozen countries, including India, where controlling spam is a primary focus. The latest message limitation signifies another advancement in reinforcing the platform’s spam defenses. By making each unsolicited message “count,” WhatsApp aims to deter businesses and individuals from inundating inboxes with irrelevant information. Instead, companies will be encouraged to engage in more thoughtful, targeted communication. For users, this could lead to a quieter, more organized inbox—transforming it into a space for personal connections rather than a repository for digital clutter.
While this update may not completely eradicate spam, it represents a significant step toward restoring a personal touch to WhatsApp.
