10 Essential Tips to Secure Whatsapp Account
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps, making it a prime target for hackers and scammers. To protect your personal chats, media, and account from unauthorized access, follow these essential security measures.
1. Enable Two-Step Verification
Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security by requiring a PIN code when verifying your phone number on WhatsApp.
How to Enable It:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy > Two-step verification.
- Tap Enable and set a 6-digit PIN.
- Add an email for PIN recovery.
This prevents hackers from accessing your account, even if they have your SIM card.
2. Use a Strong Screen Lock
Set a strong password, fingerprint, or Face ID lock on your phone to prevent unauthorized access to WhatsApp.
How to Enable It in WhatsApp:
- Go to Settings > Privacy.
- Select Screen Lock and enable Fingerprint Lock or Face ID.
- Set a lock timer for added security.
This ensures that no one can open WhatsApp without your authentication.
3. Beware of Phishing & Scam Messages
Hackers often send fake messages pretending to be WhatsApp support to steal your information.
How to Stay Safe:
- Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links in messages.
- Do not respond to messages claiming “your account will be suspended” unless verified by WhatsApp.
4. Check Linked Devices Regularly
WhatsApp Web and multi-device features allow you to use WhatsApp on multiple devices, but hackers can misuse this to spy on your chats.
How to Check & Remove Unauthorized Devices:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices.
- Review the list of connected devices.
- Tap on any unknown device and select Log Out.
This prevents unauthorized access to your account from other devices.
5. Keep Your WhatsApp Updated
WhatsApp frequently releases security updates to fix vulnerabilities.
How to Keep WhatsApp Updated:
- Android Users: Open Google Play Store, search WhatsApp, and tap Update.
- iPhone Users: Open App Store, search WhatsApp, and tap Update.
Keeping the app updated ensures you have the latest security features.
6. Customize Privacy Settings
WhatsApp allows you to control who can see your personal details.
How to Adjust Privacy Settings:
- Go to Settings > Privacy.
- Set your Last Seen, Profile Photo, and Status visibility to Contacts Only or Nobody.
- Enable Disappearing Messages for sensitive chats.
This prevents strangers from accessing your personal information.
7. Disable Auto-Download for Media
Hackers can send malicious files disguised as images or videos.
How to Disable Auto-Download:
- Go to Settings > Storage and Data.
- Under Media Auto-Download, select Wi-Fi & Cellular and uncheck all file types.
This prevents unwanted downloads that may contain malware.
8. Log Out from Old Devices When Changing Phones
If you switch to a new phone, always log out of WhatsApp from your old device.
How to Log Out Securely:
- On your old phone, open WhatsApp Settings.
- Go to Linked Devices and remove all connected devices.
- Uninstall WhatsApp before selling or discarding your phone.
How to Protect Yourself from Scammers on WhatsApp
Scammers are increasingly using WhatsApp to steal personal information, money, and even access to accounts. To stay safe, follow these essential security tips to recognize and avoid scams.
1. Never Share Your WhatsApp Verification Code
Scammers often try to trick users into sharing their 6-digit verification code, which is required to log into a WhatsApp account.
How to Stay Safe:
✅ Never share your verification code with anyone, even if they claim to be from WhatsApp.
✅ If you receive a code you didn’t request, ignore it—someone may be trying to hack your account.
2. Enable Two-Step Verification
Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to your WhatsApp account.
How to Enable It:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
- Tap Privacy > Two-step verification > Enable.
- Set a 6-digit PIN and enter your email for recovery.
✅ This prevents scammers from taking over your account, even if they get your SIM card.
3. Be Aware of Fake WhatsApp Messages
Scammers send messages pretending to be WhatsApp support, banks, or government agencies. These messages often say:
❌ “Your account will be suspended unless you verify it now.”
❌ “You have won a lottery, click this link to claim your prize!”
❌ “Your bank account has been compromised. Send us your details.”
How to Stay Safe:
✅ WhatsApp never asks for personal details via messages.
✅ Do not click on unknown links in messages, even from contacts.
✅ Report and block suspicious contacts immediately.
4. Avoid Money Transfer & Investment Scams
Scammers pretend to be friends, family, or companies asking for urgent financial help or promising quick investment profits.
Common Scams:
❌ A scammer posing as a friend says, “I lost my wallet, send me money!”
❌ Fake investment schemes promising “Double your money in 24 hours!”
How to Stay Safe:
✅ Verify requests for money by calling the person directly.
✅ Never send money to strangers or unverified businesses.
✅ Avoid investment schemes that sound too good to be true.
5. Check Linked Devices for Unauthorized Access
Hackers can gain access to your WhatsApp Web and spy on your chats.
How to Check & Remove Unknown Devices:
- Open WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices.
- If you see an unknown device, tap Log Out immediately.
✅ Regularly check and remove unknown devices to protect your privacy.
6. Adjust Privacy Settings
Restricting who can see your personal details prevents scammers from gathering information about you.
How to Secure Your Privacy:
- Go to Settings > Privacy.
- Set Profile Photo, About, and Status to Contacts Only.
- Disable Read Receipts if you prefer more privacy.
✅ This prevents strangers from using your information to scam you.
7. Disable Auto-Download of Media
Scammers may send malicious files disguised as images, videos, or documents.
How to Disable Auto-Download:
- Go to Settings > Storage and Data.
- Under Media Auto-Download, select Wi-Fi & Cellular and uncheck all file types.
✅ This prevents harmful files from being automatically downloaded to your phone.
8. Verify Business Accounts Before Trusting Them
Some scammers create fake business accounts to sell fake products or steal information.
How to Identify Fake Businesses:
❌ No verification badge (Green tick) for official brands.
❌ Poor spelling and grammar in messages.
❌ They demand upfront payment with no refund policy.
✅ Only buy from verified businesses on WhatsApp.
✅ If an offer sounds too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.
9. Watch Out for WhatsApp Call Scams
Some scammers call you pretending to be customer support, police, or banks and try to trick you into sharing sensitive details.
How to Stay Safe:
✅ Never share passwords, PINs, or personal details over calls.
✅ Hang up if the caller asks for money or verification codes.
✅ Block and report suspicious callers in WhatsApp.
10. Keep Your WhatsApp Updated
WhatsApp regularly updates security features to protect users from new scams.
How to Update WhatsApp:
- Android: Open Google Play Store, search WhatsApp, and tap Update.
- iPhone: Open App Store, search WhatsApp, and tap Update.
✅ Keeping the app updated ensures you have the latest security protections.
Final Thoughts
Scammers are always coming up with new tricks, but staying alert and using WhatsApp’s security features can protect you.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Enable two-step verification to secure your account.
✔️ Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone.
✔️ Avoid clicking on unknown links or messages.
✔️ Check for unauthorized devices in Linked Devices.
✔️ Never send money to strangers or unverified contacts.
