You just used our [Unsaved Number Trick] to message a delivery driver, a broker, or a random business enquiry. It was fast and easy.
But now there is a problem. That stranger has your number, and by default, they might be able to see your personal Profile Picture (DP), your About info, and exactly when you were Last Seen online.
You don’t need to block them (that’s aggressive). You just need to “Ghost” them. In this guide, we will show you how to hide your personal details from specific people without them ever knowing.
⚡ Quick Summary: The “Ghost Mode” Settings
- To hide from ONE person: Go to Privacy > Profile Photo > Select “My Contacts Except…”
- To hide from ALL strangers: Set Privacy to “My Contacts” (Best for privacy).
- Does deleting a contact work? Yes, IF your privacy is set to “My Contacts.”
Method 1: The “My Contacts Except” Trick (Best for Stalkers)
Use this if you have saved someone’s number but you don’t want them to see your face.
WhatsApp now allows you to hide your DP from specific people without blocking them. This is perfect for nosy relatives, exes, or professional contacts.
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings (Android: 3-dots > Settings | iPhone: Settings tab).
- Tap on Privacy.
- Tap on Profile Photo.
- Select the option: “My Contacts Except…”
- A list of your contacts will open. Search and Select the people you want to hide your photo from.
- Tap Done (or the checkmark).
Result: Everyone else can see your photo, but the people you selected will see a grey “No Profile” avatar. They will just think you removed your photo.
Method 2: How to Hide from “Unsaved Numbers” (The Blanket Ban)
Use this if you frequently message strangers (delivery guys, OLX/Craigslist buyers) and want to stay invisible.
This is the safest setting for 2026. It ensures that only people you trust (saved in your phonebook) can see your face.
- Go to Settings > Privacy.
- Tap on Profile Photo.
- Select “My Contacts”.
- Repeat this for Last Seen & Online.
Why this works: If you message a delivery boy using the [wa.me link trick], he cannot see your photo because you haven’t saved his number. You remain a grey, faceless ghost to him.
Method 3: Hiding Your “Last Seen” & “Online” Status
Hiding your photo is half the battle. If a stranger can see you are “Online” at 2 AM, it feels invasive.
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Last Seen & Online.
- Under “Who can see my Last Seen”, choose “My Contacts Except…” (for specific people) or “Nobody” (for total stealth).
- Crucial Step: Under “Who can see when I’m online”, select “Same as Last Seen”.
⚠️ Important Note: If you hide your Last Seen from others, you won’t be able to see theirs either. It’s a two-way street.
FAQ: Common Privacy Questions
Q: If I delete a contact, will my DP disappear for them? A: Yes, BUT only if your Privacy Setting is set to “My Contacts”. If your setting is “Everyone,” deleting them does nothing—they can still see your photo.
Q: Can they see my “About” info? A: By default, yes. You should also change your About privacy setting to “My Contacts” so strangers don’t see your bio.
Q: Will they know I hid my photo? A: No. WhatsApp does not notify them. They will simply see a grey placeholder image. They might assume you just deleted your photo or blocked them, but they can’t prove it.
🚀 What’s Next?
Now that your profile is secure from prying eyes, you can browse WhatsApp with full confidence.
- Want to see their status without them knowing? Read our guide on [How to View WhatsApp Status Anonymously].
- Need to message them without saving their number first? Use our [Free WhatsApp Link Generator].
