Are you feeling overwhelmed by WhatsApp and contemplating taking a break? It’s time to find out how to disable WhatsApp for good or at least have a short social media detox. It doesn’t need to be at the cost of losing all chats and data. You should be able to come back whenever you wish to and right from where you left.
However, the challenge lies in the fact that WhatsApp doesn’t provide a straightforward way to mute messages without uninstalling the app. So, let’s dig in and find a way around it.
Why Not Just Turn off Notifications Instead?
Yes, you can keep the notifications off in WhatsApp settings. However, one can be naturally inclined out of habit to open and check. Keeping away from WhatsApp messages is the whole point, right? So, it is important to disable the whole app to avoid receiving messages altogether for a while. Even with background data turned off or the WhatsApp application closed, it still receives messages as long as your mobile data or Wi-Fi is active. Also, disabling the blue tick feature doesn’t change much, as you will keep receiving the messages anyway, and you don’t want that.
Also Read: How To Share Location On WhatsApp!
What Can You Do?
While it is easy to just log out when using WhatsApp web version, that’s not the case with mobile phones. Uninstalling is usually the last resort, especially for applications like WhatsApp, as deleting and reinstalling an app with all that massive data is daunting. So, what’s an alternative to going Invisible On WhatsApp or removing WhatsApp from your phone, or more importantly, do we have an alternative or not?
Yes, there are ways to fall off the radar without actually deleting WhatsApp from your phone. You will be silencing it or temporarily disabling your WhatsApp instead of removing it entirely from your phone.
Also read: Read This Before You Download WhatsApp- Do’s And Don’ts
In this piece, we have mentioned ways to help you go invisible on WhatsApp. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
How To Disable WhatsApp – Ways to Go ‘Invisible’
All the methods mentioned below are a notch above “hiding last seen” and disabling “Read Notifications” to go Invisible On WhatsApp. But you can always turn back to a regular WhatsApp activity when you feel like it with just a few clicks.
1. Turning OFF Notification sounds for WhatsApp
This might be the best solution for people who don’t want WhatsApp’s notification tone or go Invisible On WhatsApp to avoid disturbing them. Obviously, you can’t keep your phone on silent always. Hence, the next best thing to do is to silence the WhatsApp notifications. Moreover, this method works well for both iPhone and Android users.
Also Read: How To Send Large Video Files On WhatsApp!
• Step 1: Go to WhatsApp and open the Settings.
• Step 2: Move to Notifications
• Step 3: From the notifications, choose None.
Also Read: 7 Recommended Settings To Keep You Safe On WhatsApp!
2. Disable notifications for WhatsApp
The second method is to disable your WhatsApp notifications. Stick to the following steps to perform this method.
- Step 1: Go to your phone settings and open Apps.
- Step 2: From the list of Apps, select WhatsApp.
- Step 3: Tap on the Notifications and disable all notifications by turning off the toggle in front of Show Notifications at the top.
You can even disable particular notifications, such as Group notifications, message notifications, etc.
By performing the steps mentioned above, you can disable WhatsApp notifications. However, disabling notifications doesn’t mean that you won’t receive messages.
On the contrary, if you get a message on WhatsApp, you will not receive any notifications about the message. But you can always check on the notifications by opening the app at your convenience.
Also Read: What Is End To End Encryption In WhatsApp?
3. Disabling Notification lights for WhatsApp notifications to go Invisible On WhatsApp
It might be the case that your phone has a notification LED light that blinks in case of a new message or other notifications. Interestingly, the LED notifications can be turned ON for WhatsApp as well. In that case, you will have to turn off LED notifications for WhatsApp and regular notifications for WhatsApp. Here are the steps to do it.
- Step 1: Open WhatsApp and move to settings
- Step 2: Click on Notifications.
- Step 3: Choose the pick light option from various options available and then select “None.”
Other than turning off your notifications, you can also delete the WhatsApp shortcut from your home screen. This is helpful if you want to see the alerts only when you open the main app page. You will keep on receiving messages, but it will be your choice when you want to check them.
Also Read: How To Transfer Whatsapp Data From iPhone To Android!
4. Invisible On WhatsApp – Force Closing WhatsApp
Force-stopping WhatsApp is another excellent option to go invisible on WhatsApp. Not only will it help you get invisible, but this method will ensure you get no messages until you want. Below are the steps to do it:
- Step 1: Open the phone Settings and go to the apps.
- Step 2: From various applications, find and select WhatsApp.
- Step 3: Click on Force Stop.
What Force Stop will do is that it won’t allow WhatsApp service to run in the background. Hence, there will be no scenario of WhatsApp using your mobile data to access messages. However, this method has a problem. Everything will return to normal the next time you start using the app again. But we have already told you how to disable the notifications so you can combine that method with this method for the most optimum result.
Moreover, keep in mind that if you are not willing to show the sender the double-tick, don’t open your WhatsApp after selecting the Force Stop button.
Also Read: How To Unblock Yourself On WhatsApp!
5. Disable background data for WhatsApp to go Invisible On WhatsApp
You might already know this, but your WhatsApp keeps on working in the background. In fact, it is always running. That’s why you receive messages even when you are not using your phone. The following steps will help you to disable background data for WhatsApp. However, this method only works with Android phones.
- Step 1: Go to phone settings.
- Step 2: Go to data options.
- Step 3: From the data options, select disable background data and revoke all permissions for WhatsApp.
The steps mentioned above will kill WhatsApp without actually deleting or uninstalling it.
Also read: WhatsApp Group Features – Here’s All That You Need To Know
How To Disable WhatsApp – Conclusion
While WhatsApp stands as one of the most prevalent messaging apps globally, there are limitations when it comes to temporarily disengaging from it without uninstalling the application. Despite the challenge of continuously receiving messages even with background data turned off, users seeking a break from WhatsApp can explore alternative measures outlined in the guide to minimise disruptions. By understanding these options, individuals can effectively manage their interaction with the app, striking a balance between staying connected and taking a temporary hiatus.
Also Read: How To Recall A Message Sent On WhatsApp: Undo Your Mistakes!
FAQs
Can I turn off WhatsApp only?
Yes, you can temporarily deactivate your WhatsApp account to take a break from the app. Just go to “Settings” > “Account” > “Delete my account.” This action removes your profile and chats but saves your data. When you’re ready to come back, simply log in again with your phone number, and everything will be back as it was.
How do I temporarily mute WhatsApp?
To mute notifications on WhatsApp for a while, open the chat you want to mute, tap on the options menu, and select “Mute”. Then, choose how long you want to mute notifications. This way, you can still receive messages without being disturbed by constant alerts.
Can I turn off WhatsApp online?
Yes, if you want to hide your online status while using WhatsApp, go to “Settings”, then “Privacy”, and select “Last Seen”. Choose “Nobody” to prevent others from seeing you when you’re online while chatting.
How to set do not disturb on WhatsApp?
If you want to temporarily silence WhatsApp call notifications, go to your phone’s settings, find “Notifications,” then “Apps,” and select WhatsApp. From there, you can toggle off the option for “Show notifications” under “Call notifications.”
Can WhatsApp be temporarily disabled?
Yes, if you want to take a break from WhatsApp, you can temporarily deactivate your account. Your account will be permanently deleted if you don’t log back in within 30 days. And if you lose your phone, you can ask your mobile provider to block your SIM card to ensure your WhatsApp account stays secure.
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