WhatsApp Tests Monthly Message Limit to Cut Down Spam

New Delhi — WhatsApp is testing a major new feature designed to tackle spam and unwanted messages.

The platform is experimenting with a monthly message limit for users and businesses who send messages to people outside their contact list — especially those who don’t reply.

The goal is to give users a cleaner, quieter, and more organized inbox.

Over time, WhatsApp has evolved far beyond a simple messaging app, now powering communities, business accounts, and customer service chat channels. But this growth has also brought a rise in unwanted promotions and spam messages, frustrating millions of users.

According to a report by TechCrunch, WhatsApp’s test introduces a cap on the number of messages that can be sent to non-responding users each month.
Each message counts toward the limit — for example, sending three messages to someone who never replies uses up three of the sender’s quota.

The company hasn’t yet shared the exact message cap, saying it’s still testing different thresholds. Users nearing their limit will receive a warning, and those who exceed it could be temporarily restricted from messaging new contacts.

WhatsApp clarified that normal users chatting with friends and family won’t be affected.

This move is part of a broader anti-spam strategy, particularly in India, where WhatsApp has over 500 million users. In the past year, the app has rolled out features like marketing message limits, unsubscribe buttons for business chats, and controls on broadcast lists.

For businesses, the new rule means a stronger push toward genuine engagement rather than mass messaging. For everyday users, it promises a less cluttered, more personal chat experience.

While it may not wipe out spam entirely, the monthly message cap marks a big step toward restoring WhatsApp’s original purpose — helping people connect through private, meaningful conversations.

With inputs from IANS