Sending WhatsApp messages without saving a number is a surprisingly common need, and thankfully, there are several methods to achieve this. Whether you’re connecting with someone new for a quick message or want to avoid cluttering your contacts, this article will explore five effective ways to send WhatsApp messages to unsaved numbers. Let’s dive into the simple and efficient methods that empower you to communicate instantly, regardless of whether a number is stored in your phonebook.
Method 1: Sending WhatsApp Messages Directly Through the App
This is perhaps the simplest method, leveraging WhatsApp’s built-in functionality. It’s a straightforward approach that works on both Android and iOS devices.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone.
- Copy the Number: Obtain the phone number of the recipient you wish to contact. Make sure you’ve copied the complete number, including the country code (e.g., +1 for the US, +44 for the UK).
- Initiate a New Chat: Tap the "New Chat" button (usually located in the bottom right corner). You might see your contacts; ignore these for now. On some versions, you may find ‘New chat’ underneath your name in your contact list. Look for it!
- Paste and Send: Paste the copied phone number into the text field where you’d normally type a contact name or number. Hit "Send" or the equivalent button.
- Confirm and Chat: If the number is a registered WhatsApp user, a chat window will open. If not, you may receive a prompt, or nothing might happen. From here, you can proceed to send your message.
This method eliminates the need for saving the contact, allowing for immediate communication but may not always work and may depend on phone versions.
Method 2: Using a WhatsApp Web Link
This method utilizes a specially formatted URL to directly open a WhatsApp chat window in your browser. The key is creating this URL correctly with the recipient’s phone number.
Constructing and Using the WhatsApp Web Link
Understand the Link Structure: The basic format is:
https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=+COUNTRYCODEPHONENUMBER
. Replace+COUNTRYCODEPHONENUMBER
with the complete phone number, including the country code. For example, to send a message to +1 555-123-4567, you’d use:https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=+15551234567
. Ensure that there are no spaces or hyphens in the phone number within the URL.Create the Link: You can either manually type the correctly formated URL into your browser’s address bar or copy and paste it from a text editor.
Open the Link: Press Enter or click "Go" to load the link.
Continue to Chat: WhatsApp will prompt you to open the chat in the WhatsApp app. Tap "Continue to Chat" or a similarly worded button. You are then in the chat with the unsaved number, ready to send your message.
- Alternative URL: You can also use a shorter version:
http://wa.me/+COUNTRYCODEPHONENUMBER
.
- Alternative URL: You can also use a shorter version:
This method is particularly useful if you regularly need to message unsaved numbers or prefer the convenience of a direct link. Use this carefully; typos in the phone number will prevent successful message delivery.
Method 3: Leveraging Truecaller
If you are a Truecaller user, you can directly send a WhatsApp message via this app. Truecaller is a caller ID and spam detection app that offers integrated WhatsApp messaging features.
Using Truecaller’s WhatsApp Integration
- Open Truecaller: Launch the Truecaller app on your device.
- Search for Number: Search for the unknown phone number.
- Locate WhatsApp Button: After the search results display the contact information, look for the dedicated WhatsApp button (typically an icon of the WhatsApp logo).
- Send Message: Tap on the WhatsApp button, and Truecaller will directly open a WhatsApp chat enabling you to chat with the person without having to save their contact details.
This requires having Truecaller already installed or readily available on your phone and relies on Truecaller’s ability to identify a valid number.
Method 4: Using Google Assistant
Google Assistant provides a voice-activated way to send WhatsApp messages to unsaved numbers, making it a hands-free option.
Using Google Assistant for WhatsApp Messaging
- Activate Google Assistant: Open Google Assistant (voice command "OK Google" or tap the Assistant icon).
- Voice Command: Use the following format: "Send a WhatsApp message to +COUNTRYCODEPHONENUMBER." Remember, you must accurately pronounce the entire phone number, including the country code.
- Dictate Your Message: Once you’ve stated the number, Google Assistant may ask you to dictate your message. Speak clearly and concisely.
- Confirmation: Google Assistant will confirm the recipient number and prompt a final confirmation before sending the message to the unsaved contact.
This method is quick and beneficial for users who prefer a hands-free approach. Accurate pronunciation and clear diction are crucial for successful message delivery.
Method 5: Siri Shortcuts (iOS Only)
For iPhone users, the power of Siri Shortcuts can be harnessed:
Creating and Using a Siri Shortcut for WhatsApp Messaging
Enable Untrusted Shortcuts: Open the Shortcuts app, follow settings>shortcuts and enable "Allow Untrusted Shortcuts" for security reasons. This is important for using third-party shortcuts.
Download a WhatsApp Shortcut: Search for a "WhatsApp to Non-Contact" shortcut online. Many are available; carefully review the app’s permissions before approving downloads. Caution: Always download shortcuts from reliable sources to avoid potential malware. Many pre-built options streamline operation, but take caution and ensure the shortcut’s reputation before use. Alternatively, you may find a link to a pre-made shortcut like this: [link to an example shortcut, to be filled in by the developer].
Add Shortcut: Install the downloaded shortcut through the shortcuts app.
- Use the Shortcut: Launch the shortcut, enter the phone number with the country code, and it will create a WhatsApp chat.
This method requires a bit of initial setup but offers a convenient, readily-available method for subsequent uses. Due diligence in selecting the shortcut and understanding its permissions is of chief importance.
These five methods offer a variety of ways to bypass the contact-saving step when sending WhatsApp messages. Choose the method that best suits your needs and technological comfort level. Always remember to prioritize accuracy in entering phone numbers to ensure successful message delivery.