Communication is essential in League of Legends, whether you’re coordinating ganks, planning objectives, or just chatting with teammates. But what if you want to send a private message—a quick word of encouragement, strategy talk, or even a friendly hello to someone outside your current match?
That’s where the “whisper” function comes in.
Known more formally as direct messaging, whispering in League of Legends lets players send private, real-time messages to friends without broadcasting to an entire team or match. Here’s how it works, and why it’s a powerful (and sometimes overlooked) social tool in Riot’s ecosystem.
What Does “Whisper” Mean in League of Legends?
To whisper in League of Legends is to send a private message to another player. It’s a one-on-one chat, visible only to you and the recipient.
This feature is especially useful for:
- Messaging friends in your friends list
- Talking to a teammate from a past game
- Inviting someone to play again
- Sharing strategies or feedback without spamming team chat
Whispers work outside of matches—you can’t whisper during a game to someone who’s not in the match with you.
How to Whisper in League of Legends (Step by Step)
There are two main ways to whisper:
Option 1: Through the Friends List
- Open the League of Legends client.
- Click the Friends icon (bottom right of the screen).
- Find the player you want to message from your friends list.
- Click their name to open a chat window.
- Type your message and hit Enter — you’ve whispered!
Option 2: Using the Command Line (/w)
You can also use a direct command to whisper without clicking:
- Open the chat box (by pressing Enter in the client lobby).
- Type the following command:
- Hit Enter, and the message will be sent directly to that user.
Note: Summoner names must be spelled exactly right, including capitalization and special characters. If the name is incorrect or the player is offline, the message may not send.
Can You Whisper During a Game?
No—not to players outside your match. The in-game chat only supports:
- Team chat (/all disabled by default)
- All chat (if enabled)
- Ping wheel and smart pings
To whisper someone during a game, you’d need to alt-tab to the client or use Riot’s mobile app (League+ or Riot Mobile), which supports chat features.
How to Block or Mute Whispers
If you’re receiving unwanted messages:
- Right-click the player’s name in chat and select Block.
- You can also go to Settings > Block List to manage users.
- Riot also filters inappropriate messages using automated moderation tools.
Players who abuse whispering with harassment or spam can be reported, and repeated offenses may lead to penalties or chat bans.
Whispering Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts
- Do use whispers to build friendships, organize games, and offer constructive advice.
- Don’t use whispers to flame, harass, or insult players—Riot’s systems log all chat activity.
- Do follow up with past teammates you enjoyed playing with.
- Don’t use whispering to bypass mute systems in-game.
Remember: League is a community-driven game. How you use private messaging reflects on you as a player.
Final Thoughts
Whispering in League of Legends is a small but valuable feature—perfect for staying connected, making new friends, or simply sharing a GG after a great match. Whether you’re duo-queuing with a friend or reaching out to a talented teammate from a random game, the whisper command is your direct line to better, more personal communication on the Rift.
So next time you find a kindred spirit in solo queue? Hit /w, say hi—and maybe build your next winning duo.
Written by:
Christian