Who can message me? Stop messages from strangers
You do not have to put up with unwanted messages from people you do not know. On Friendstime you decide who may send you a direct message, and ongoing conversations stay intact. Here is how to set it up in the browser and in the app.
Finding the setting
In the browser, open the settings, tab “Privacy”, and find the field “Who can send me messages?” in the “Contact & messages” section. You can choose “Everyone”, “Friends only” and “No one”. In the Android app the setting is called “Who can message me?”. The choice applies to direct messages; groups are not affected.
What the three levels do
With “Everyone”, any member can write to you. “Friends only” lets confirmed friends through. With “No one” you do not receive new direct messages. Anyone who is turned away sees a note, for example that you only receive messages from friends. There are two exceptions: if you have already written to someone yourself, that person may reply so that ongoing conversations do not break off. And staff from support and moderation can still reach you.
Handle friend requests as well
Right next to it is “Who can send me friend requests?” with “Everyone”, “Friends of friends” and “No one”. With “Friends of friends” you need at least one mutual friend. Combined with “Friends only” for messages, hardly anyone without a link to your circle of friends can reach you.
Block when enough is enough
For individual people there is “Block” in the “…” menu on their profile. A friendship and open requests between you are then removed, direct messages are no longer possible, and if the person tries anyway, the message is rejected. You undo this under “Privacy” → “Blocked users”. You can also report harassing messages; people on the moderation team review the report.
For teenagers
For accounts under 18, the privacy settings are fixed and locked in the settings; they unlock on the 18th birthday. If “Messages from strangers” is switched off, direct messages only arrive from confirmed friends. Friendships with teenagers start through the personal invite link.
Try it yourself
Signing up takes a minute and is free.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop messages from strangers?
Under “Privacy” → “Who can send me messages?”, choose “Friends only”. Then only confirmed friends can start a new conversation with you.
Does an ongoing conversation end when I change it?
No. If you have already written to the person yourself, they may keep replying.
Does the sender notice that I do not accept messages?
Yes. They see a short note, for example that you only receive messages from friends.
Does the setting apply to groups?
No. It concerns direct messages. In groups you decide whether you stay a member; you can leave a group at any time.