WhatsApp is the most widely used instant messaging platform on the planet, with over 3.5 billion active accounts in 2025. For many people, it has become the de facto channel for personal communication, and small businesses and even larger corporations have also adopted it as an easy way to communicate with customers.
WhatsApp’s global reach and its importance in people’s daily lives make it a high-value target for cybercriminals. For this reason, it’s essential to understand how to protect yourself and recognize the warning signs that your account may be at risk.
Recognizing the Signs Your WhatsApp Account May Be Compromised
Unexpected Activity
- Messages are marked as read without your involvement.
- Messages or media you didn’t send appear in your chats.
- New contacts or group chats appear that you don’t recognize or didn’t add.
- Your Last Seen status shows activity at times when you weren’t using the app.
Unknown Linked Devices
Linked Devices is a feature that allows you to securely access your WhatsApp account from multiple devices (such as WhatsApp Web, desktop apps, or another phone). These linked devices have full access to your chats and media, meaning they can read your messages, view your photos, and send messages to your contacts.
For this reason, it’s important to periodically review your list of linked devices and immediately remove any that you don’t recognize.
Changes to Profile Information
If your profile photo, status, or display name changes without your consent, it’s a strong indication that someone else may have access to your account.
You Receive Unexpected Verification Codes
If you receive an SMS containing a WhatsApp verification code that you did not request, it likely means someone is attempting to register your phone number on another device.
DO NOT SHARE THIS CODE WITH ANYONE. Sharing it would give them full access to your account.
You Can’t Log In or Have Been Logged Out
If WhatsApp reports that your number is “no longer registered” on your device, or if you are suddenly logged out and unable to sign back in using your phone number, your account may have been compromised.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Account Is Comrpomised
Once you identify suspicious activity, take the following steps immediately.
Step 1: Regain Control
Open WhatsApp and sign in using your phone number.
Enter the six-digit verification code sent via SMS. This will automatically log out any existing sessions on devices controlled by an attacker.
If you’re unable to receive the six-digit code because the attacker has enabled or changed two-step verification, WhatsApp typically enforces a waiting period (for example, seven days) before you can register the number again without the two-step verification PIN.
Step 2: Log Out Unknown Devices
If you still have access to your account, go to Settings → Linked Devices.
Review the list and log out of any devices you don’t recognize.
Step 3: Alert Your Contacts
Notify friends, family, and colleagues that your account may have been compromised so they do not fall for scams sent from your profile.
Practical Tips to Protect Your WhatsApp Account
Enable Two-Step Verification (2FA)
Even though two-step verification is an optional security feature, it's highly recommended enabling it as it significantly strengthens your account by adding a six-digit PIN required to register your number on a new device.
It is the single most effective defensive measure you can enable.
To enable it, go to:
Settings → Account → Two-step verification → Enable.
Then:
- Enter a six-digit PIN
- Add an email address to help you recover your PIN if you forget it
Never Share Your Verification Codes
WhatsApp will never ask you for your SMS verification code or your two-step verification PIN. Sharing either of these, even with someone claiming to be WhatsApp support, almost always results in account takeover.
Monitor Linked Devices Regularly
Periodically review the list of devices linked to your WhatsApp account and log out of any sessions you don’t recognize.
Go to Settings → Linked Devices to see the full list.
Use Strong Device Security
Protect your phone with a secure PIN, biometric lock, or strong password. This reduces the risk of someone accessing your WhatsApp account if your device is lost or stolen.
Also, make sure your phone is locked when you leave it unattended. Anyone with access to an unlocked phone could link their own device to your WhatsApp account and monitor your conversations.
Be Wary of Links, Files, and Phishing Attempts
Attackers often send malicious links or files designed to install malware or trick you into revealing sensitive information. Avoid clicking unknown links, opening suspicious attachments, or installing apps from unofficial sources.
Update WhatsApp and Your Operating System
Security updates frequently patch vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Enable automatic updates for WhatsApp and your device’s operating system.
Enable Push Notifications on your phone
WhatsApp sends a notification whenever a new device is linked to your account. Keeping notifications enabled allows you to quickly detect and remove unauthorized devices.
Avoid Unofficial Apps and Tools
Linked Devices is a feature officially provided by WhatsApp at no cost. Using unofficial or third-party apps to link your account can expose your messages and credentials, putting your account at serious risk.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp is widely regarded as a secure platform thanks to its end-to-end encryption. However, account takeovers remain common because attackers typically exploit human behavior through social engineering rather than breaking cryptographic protections.
By recognizing the warning signs of compromise and adopting strong account security practices, especially enabling two-step verification and carefully handling verification codes and links, you can significantly reduce your risk and better protect your communications.
Top comments (0)