This post began as a 2020 note about WhatsApp testing an “Always” mute choice. Its useful distinction is still worth making: muting a conversation is different from blocking a person.
What the old beta note described#
The original article reported a change from a fixed longest mute duration to an ongoing mute option. It also discussed beta interface changes. Beta behavior can differ by platform and testing group, so the old build numbers are not presented as installation advice.
For the controls available in your installed app, use the WhatsApp Help Center. Check the conversation's notification settings and confirm what a selected option actually silences.
Mute, archive and block are separate actions#
Muting concerns notifications. Archiving concerns where a conversation appears. Blocking changes how an account can contact you. Treating those actions as interchangeable can leave a reader with the wrong expectation about messages or privacy.
A notification setting is useful when it gives you predictable control over interruptions. Check its effect on the conversation you intend to silence. If you use the browser version, the linked-device guide covers signing in and reviewing sessions rather than notification settings.
