Boost Your WhatsApp Security: 6 Essential Privacy Features You Should Enable

WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, offers end-to-end encryption for secure conversations. However, safeguarding your account and personal data remains your responsibility. To keep your WhatsApp account secure from digital threats, you need to manually activate several privacy features.

Two-Step Verification

This feature adds an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp account. It requires a six-digit PIN whenever you log into your WhatsApp account from a new device.

To enable two-step verification:

1. Open the WhatsApp app.

2. Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner.

3. Go to Settings.

4. Select Account.

5. Tap Two-step verification.

6. Create a six-digit PIN and enter your email address associated with your WhatsApp account.

Biometric Protection

Enhance your WhatsApp security by locking your app with fingerprint or Face ID. After enabling this feature, you'll need to use your fingerprint (for Android) or Face ID (for iPhone) to access your messages.

To enable biometric protection:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Select Privacy.

3. Scroll down and choose Fingerprint Lock.

4. Activate Unlock with Fingerprint.

5. You can choose to lock WhatsApp manually or automatically after 1 minute or 30 minutes.

Group Privacy Control

Gain control over who can add you to WhatsApp groups with this feature.

To manage group privacy control:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Click Account > Privacy > Groups.

3. Choose one of the following options:

Everyone: Anyone can add you to a group.

My Contacts: Only contacts saved on your phone can add you to a group.

* My Contacts Except: Only contacts saved on your phone can add you to a group, except for a few contacts that you exclude.

Disappearing Messages

This feature allows you to set messages to automatically delete after a specific time. It can be activated for both private and group chats.

To enable disappearing messages:

Private Chat:

1. Open the WhatsApp app.

2. Select the chat you want to activate disappearing messages for.

3. Click on the user's profile.

4. Tap Disappearing messages.

5. Choose an available time option: 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.

Group Chat:

1. Open the WhatsApp app.

2. Go to the group you want to activate disappearing messages for.

3. Click on the group profile.

4. Click Disappearing messages.

5. Select an available time option: 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.

Hide Profile Picture

Keep your profile picture private by enabling this feature. It prevents other WhatsApp users from seeing it.

To hide your profile picture:

1. Open the WhatsApp app.

2. Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner, and click Settings.

3. Select Account.

4. Click Privacy.

5. Choose the Profile Photo option.

6. Check the Nobody option.

Mute Unknown Callers

Block calls from numbers not saved on your phone to avoid unwanted calls.

To mute unknown callers:

1. Open WhatsApp.

2. Tap the three dots at the top, then go to Settings.

3. Click Privacy.

4. Select Calls to enable the Mute Unknown Callers feature.

5. Slide the toggle to the on position.

How does WhatsApp protect its users from digital threats?

WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to secure its users' messages and personal information. However, users are still responsible for protecting their accounts from digital threats. WhatsApp offers a variety of privacy features that need to be activated manually for enhanced security.

What features can be used to enhance WhatsApp security?

WhatsApp offers several features that enhance account security, such as Two-Step Verification, Biometric Protection, Group Privacy Control, Disappearing Messages, Hide Profile Picture, and Mute Unknown Callers.

How can I prevent unauthorized access to my WhatsApp account?

To prevent unauthorized access to your WhatsApp account, you can enable Two-Step Verification which requires a six-digit PIN to log in from a new device.

How does WhatsApp allow users to control who can add them to groups?

WhatsApp allows users to control who can add them to groups through its Group Privacy Control feature. Users can choose between "Everyone," "My Contacts," or "My Contacts Except," allowing them to customize group join requests.

How can I hide my WhatsApp profile picture from other users?

You can hide your profile picture from other WhatsApp users by enabling the "Hide Profile Picture" feature in the Privacy settings. This allows you to control who can see your profile picture.

How can I prevent unwanted calls from unknown numbers on WhatsApp?

The Mute Unknown Callers feature allows you to block calls from numbers not saved on your phone. By enabling this feature in the Privacy settings, you can prevent unwanted calls.

Secure Your WhatsApp Account Today

By enabling these security and privacy features, you can significantly strengthen your WhatsApp account's security and protect your personal information from various digital threats. Regularly review and adjust these settings as needed to maintain the best level of protection for your WhatsApp experience.