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How to send a WhatsApp message to someone without saving their number

Whasapp 07
© nextpit

With the popularization of WhatsApp, it is already quite common to use the app to exchange messages with people we don't know, including companies and contacts for temporary situations. It is possible to send messages in the app to people outside your contact list, without having to add the number to the phone's address book. Learn how in the guide below.

Whether it's a service provider, a travel companion you need to message on the go, there are a lot of situations where you don't need to add your number to your phone - not to mention secret contacts, but that's a topic best left untouched...

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How to send messages in WhatsApp without adding the number to your phonebook

With the person/company's number written down, just open your phone's browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc) and follow these steps

  1. Go to the page: https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=[contact-number]
    1. Complete the address with the number with the country code.
    2. For example, for the COVID's FAQ from the World Health Organization, the address is  this: https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=41798931892
  2. Confirm the number/contact name shown on the WhatsApp page and click Continue to chat.
WhatsApp without contact 01
Some colleagues would say that "WhatsApp is now contact-less"... / © NextPit

That's it. For some professional WhatsApp accounts - such as the hotline in the example above - the app shows the profile name. In the case of individuals, WhatsApp simply shows the phone number, with the country code, since the contact's number was not added to the phone book.

How to send WhatsApp messages from PC to non-contacts

The same tip can be used on your computer as long as you have already opened WhatsApp Web on your PC. The trick works a little better if you have WhatsApp desktop installed on Windows or macOS, but it can also be used in the browser on your computer.

If you have WhatsApp Desktop installed and running on your computer, open your PC web browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox, etc) and follow basically the same steps as on mobile:

  1. Go to the page: https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=[contact-number] (complete with the country code).
  2. Check the number shown on the WhatsApp page and click Continue to chat.
WhatsApp without contact 02
The shortcut opens WhatsApp Desktop / © NextPit

By clicking the button, the WhatsApp app installed on the PC will open, allowing you to chat normally with the other person or company without adding the number to the phone's contact list.

If you do not have WhatsApp Desktop on your computer - for example if you use Linux or opened WhatsApp Web on your tablet - you can send the web address you created - https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=[contact number] - to yourself (learn how below) and then just click the link in the WhatsApp Web window itself.

Use the feature to take notes in WhatsApp

The trick to send messages on WhatsApp to numbers outside your contact list allows you to use the app in a new way - similar to a feature in Telegram and Signal - the option to save personal notes on WhatsApp itself.

WhatsApp mensagens nao contato bonus
Write down numbers, addresses, and other things by sending messages to your own WhatsApp / © NextPit

To do this, just link to your own phone number, and WhatsApp will open a conversation screen with your number. To avoid confusion, before sending a message, confirm that it really is your account by checking the number shown and your profile picture.

Did you like the gimmick? Just don't forget to delete compromising notes from time to time. Do you have any suggestions on how to make even better use of this feature? Share your tip in the comments!


The purpose of this article is to gather in one place all the information about how to send messages on WhatsApp to numbers outside your contact list. So, from time to time the instructions will be updated as WhatsApp changes or releases new options. Comments prior to the last update may refer to outdated steps or settings.

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Go to comment (38)
Rubens Eishima

Rubens Eishima
Writer

Having written about technology since 2008 for a number of websites in Brazil, Spain, Denmark, and Germany, I specialize in the mobile ecosystem, including various models, components, and apps. I tend to not only value performance and specifications, but also things like repairability, durability, and manufacturer support. I tend to prioritize the end-user's point of view whenever possible.

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38 comments
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  • David Kolton 7
    David Kolton Jan 6, 2022 Link to comment

    Even there are many sites offering services to generate the WhatsApp message link. I think WhatsApp should have this feature in app.

    Zois Bekios Zannikos


  • 2
    RKP Nov 25, 2021 Link to comment

    whatsapp.ovh i preferred to use

    Zois Bekios Zannikos


  • Paulo zOiO zuLLu 17
    Paulo zOiO zuLLu Aug 10, 2020 Link to comment

    I prefer to use the shortcut wa.me/PHONE_NUMBER

    Zois Bekios ZannikosDavid KoltonAdrian JarquinSorin


  • 3
    inbox Apr 29, 2020 Link to comment

    whatsapp.ovh easy way

    Zois Bekios ZannikosRKPSorinEzra Shapiro


    • 2
      RKP Nov 25, 2021 Link to comment

      yes its easy to use and remember path


  • 2
    Johnny Apr 25, 2020 Link to comment

    I use easymessage.app for years!
    They have app for Android & iPhone and also for web.

    Sorin


  • 2
    edward Feb 22, 2020 Link to comment

    I found the website wha.one very useful. Simple website with one click to open Whatsapp chat without saving to the contact.

    Sorin


  • 7
    berry johnson Jan 16, 2020 Link to comment

    I have read this full guide but is this way is secure?

    Sorin


  • 1
    Pritesh Jan 9, 2020 Link to comment

    Can I know through this link from among the many numbers, which numbers are on Whats App and which are not?


  • 1
    Damian Jan 5, 2020 Link to comment

    After comparing the different tools, i find the following the cleanest UI and easiest to use. www.sendwhatsappmsg.com


    • 1
      Damian Mar 28, 2020 Link to comment

      You can download it as an app on your mobile too


  • Tyler Rat 2
    Tyler Rat Dec 15, 2019 Link to comment

    Hey, I am using Wand.ga tool to whatsapp anyone without saving number, and surprisingly they are not annoying me

    Rohanrobert reyen


    • 2
      robert reyen Dec 15, 2019 Link to comment

      This worked man!

      eSparkBiz


      • 1
        Rohan Dec 15, 2019 Link to comment

        Thanks Wand.ga really this is not annoying


      • eSparkBiz 14
        eSparkBiz Jan 21, 2020 Link to comment

        Yeah! It worked :D


  • 2
    Rene Dec 9, 2019 Link to comment

    Hello, I always use this web tool:
    www.rainer.li/whatsapp
    Just enter the number and chat with the person you want.

    berry johnson


  • 1
    Murari Jul 11, 2019 Link to comment

    I tried this trick and it worked for some days......after that when I hit message button..the link is redirecting to playstore instead of whatsapp application.......I checked the permissions as well everything is cool.....but I'm not sure how to fix this.......please help


  • 1
    SDDave Jul 4, 2019 Link to comment

    This doesn't work. Is it because I don't allow whatsapp access to my contacts? I don't want whatsapp to have access to my contact list. I just want to send a message.


  • eSparkBiz 14
    eSparkBiz Jul 1, 2019 Link to comment

    We don't want to save every contact on our phone then this trick would be advantageous.


  • Mubashar rehman 1
    Mubashar rehman Jun 30, 2019 Link to comment

    My WhatsApp number has been bunned please turn on again my WhatsApp number

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