How to configure WhatsApp to be more secure

WhatsApp It is, let's not deny it, the messaging app we use most on a daily basis. Besides being fast and convenient, it encrypts all your conversations end-to-end.So, no one intercepting the traffic (not even the platform itself) can read your messages. Even so, there are a number of settings and habits you should activate to further protect your account and personal data.

In this practical and comprehensive guide you will find everything you need to configure the app like a pro: From privacy and two-step verification, to encrypted backups, chat blocking, and control of linked devicesYou'll see it's not complicated, and with a little tweaking, your WhatsApp will be much more secure.

The basics you should know about WhatsApp security

The foundation of security in WhatsApp is end-to-end encryption based on Signal protocol, an open standard audited by the communityThis means that messages, audio, photos, videos, documents, and calls are encrypted on your mobile phone and only decrypted on the recipient's phone.

This approach prevents unauthorized access during data transport and also makes it impossible for third parties to spy on your conversations from the servers. It's a stricter approach than others apps where encryption is not the default optionSo, to begin with, you're better covered.

Visible privacy: decide what you show and to whom

First of all, it's a good idea to check what others see about you. Go to Settings > Account > Privacy (in iPhone(from WhatsApp Settings) and review these sections. The goal is to limit the information displayed without sacrificing comfort..

• last time once and onlineYou can choose Everyone, My contacts, My contacts except… or Nobody. Additionally, you can set the "Online" status to "Same as last seen time". The less visible your online habits are, the fewer clues you'll give away..
• Profile picture and infoConfigure these fields as “My contacts” or “Nobody”. You prevent strangers from downloading your image or collecting personal data.
• State: filter with “My contacts”, “My contacts, except…” or “Only share with…”. Very useful for excluding those who shouldn't see your stories.
• Groups: sets “My contacts” or “My contacts, except…”. This prevents anyone from adding you to groups without your permission..

If you change these options to hide your last seen time or confirmations, remember the mirror effect: You won't see the same information in others either.It's a reasonable trade-off in favor of your privacy.

Confirm readings and manage the famous double blue tick

In Settings > Privacy you will find “Read receipts”. Turn it off if you don't want the blue ticks to appear. When you read a message. Note: in group chats, they will still be shown even if you have this option disabled.

This preference also affects what you see: If you don't send confirmations, you won't receive them from others in individual chats either.Consider what you prefer; many people disable it for peace of mind.

Strengthen your account: two-step verification, passkeys, and linked devices

The biggest risk to your account is that someone gets hold of your number (SIM duplication, theft, line recycling) and wants to register it on another mobile phone. Two-step verification nips that attempt in the bud.

Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification and create a 6-digit PIN. Also activate a recovery email.If you forget your PIN, WhatsApp can send you a message with a link to reset it. If you don't use it, your account could be locked for up to 7 days as a security measure. If that happens, check How to unlock your account.

In addition to the PIN, WhatsApp offers "passkeys" to confirm logins. You can activate them in Settings > Account > Access keys to log in using modern methods that are more resistant to phishing.

It is advisable to frequently check connected devices: Settings > Linked devices. If you see anything unusual, select the device and log out immediately.Doing this cleaning regularly is a good habit. Learn how. View and close open sessions to keep control.

Screen lock and app lock: the physical barrier

Start by protecting your phone: activate a secure code, fingerprint, or Face ID in the system itself. Remove message previews in the lock screen from your mobile notification settings so that no one can read it at a glance.

Next, protect the WhatsApp app itself: Settings > Privacy > App Lock (iPhone) or Fingerprint Lock (Android). En iOS You can choose when to request Face ID/Touch ID: immediately, in 1 minute, 15 minutes, or 1 hourOn Android, adjust the fingerprint unlock when opening the app.

This double barrier is key if you tend to leave your mobile phone on the table or move around a lot on public transport. A moment of inattention without blocking can expose all your chats..

Chat lock, secret codes, and hidden folder

For sensitive conversations, you can lock chats. Tap and hold a chat and select "Lock chat". The chat will move to a separate folder and ask for your fingerprint or Face ID. To access.

You can create your own secret code (on iOS you can also assign a different code than the one on the phone). If you prefer, hide the blocked chats folder so that it only appears when you type your secret code into the WhatsApp search bar.

Important: Blocked chats are not protected on linked devices. And if you forget the secret code, you'll have to go to Privacy Settings > Chat Lock > “Unlock and clear all”You will regain access, but you will lose previous messages in that folder.

If you need to delete everything locked at once, WhatsApp allows you to do so from Settings > Privacy > Chat Lock. The "Unlock and delete locked chats" option clears the content and settings from that folder..

Security notifications and code verification

Encrypted chats have a unique security code. From the contact's information (enter the chat, tap their photo, and tap "Encryption"), you can compare it with your conversation partner via a call or another channel. If it matches, you confirm that there is no impersonation in that conversation.

To go a step further, enable “Security notifications” in Settings > Account > Security. The app will notify you if a contact's security code changes.This can happen when reinstalling WhatsApp or changing phones. It's a useful alert against potential scams.

Control who can be added to your WhatsApp (groups, calls, and blocking)

Groups can be a breeding ground for spam or strangers. In Privacy > Groups, adjust "My contacts" or "My contacts, except…" to decide who can invite you. Reducing random invitations minimizes risks.

To stop the barrage of calls from numbers you don't have, go to Privacy and activate "Mute unknown calls". They will continue to come in, but they will not make a sound or vibrate.and you'll see them in the list in case any of them were legitimate.

If a contact bothers you, sends you strange links or advertising, block them from the conversation (three dot menu > More > Block) or from Settings > Privacy > Blocked. Blocking cuts off contact, and you can also report if you suspect malicious activity.If you need to reverse course later, here's how. unblock a contact.

Temporary messages and one-time content

Disappearing messages help you reduce your digital footprint. Open the chat, tap "Disappearing Messages," and choose the duration. You can also set a default duration for new chats in Privacy > Default duration.

Remember the limitations: even if the message disappears, The files you saved are still on your device.And anyone can take screenshots while the content is visible. Use it as a bonus, not as a substitute for good practices.

For sensitive content, you have the "View Once" option when sending photos, videos, or voice notes: tap the icon with the number 1 before sending. That file will only be opened once and will not remain in the chat..

Real-time location and IP protection on calls

WhatsApp lets you share your live location in individual or group chats. Check your active sessions in Privacy > Live Location. Turn off any location in use if you no longer need it..

By default, calls attempt to connect directly between devices to improve audio quality, which could expose your IP address. If you're concerned, go to Privacy > Advanced and turn on "Protect IP address on calls".You'll gain privacy with a potentially minimal cost to quality. You can also review the use of a whatsapp proxy to manage IP addresses.

End-to-end encrypted backups

Backups are not sent to WhatsApp servers, but to iCloud (iPhone) or Google Drive (Android). To protect them, activate “End-to-end encrypted backup” In Settings > Chats > Backup, you'll need to create a password or save a 64-digit key. Keep it safe.

If you prefer, you can start the setup from “Privacy Review” (in Privacy > Privacy Review > “Add more privacy to your chats” > Encrypted backups). A step-by-step wizard guides you through activating encryption..

You can also transfer your chats between devices without relying on the cloud: On iPhone, go to Settings > Chats and use “Transfer chats to iPhone” or “Transfer chats to Android”On Android, you'll find "Transfer chats" to move to another Android device.

Storage and data: automatic headless downloads

Avoid downloading malware due to inadvertently adjusting the automatic download. In Settings > Storage And for data, check which media can be downloaded using mobile data, Wi-Fi, or roaming. My recommendation: limit automatic downloads to photos over Wi-Fi and leave documents, audio, and videos to manual.If you have doubts about the security of a file, check if it is secure. Download APK files on Android before opening executables.

In work chats or large groups, this measure makes all the difference. By manually checking before downloading, you reduce your exposure to malicious files. And, in addition, you control the space they occupy.

Request your account report

WhatsApp allows you to request a report with your account details and settings: Settings > Account > “Request account info”. You will receive the report to download in about three days.It includes data such as configuration, groups, number, devices, operating system, IP address of the last connection, etc.

It's a quick way to find out exactly what information the app has and save a copy of your settings. It's very useful for personal audits or migrations..

Best practices in chats, groups and video calls

No matter how many settings you activate, your judgment is paramount. In video calls, avoid showing intimate content or documents with personal information (ID cards, bills, addresses). Sextortion and identity theft make use of this type of material..

In groups, don't share links that seem "too good to be true" and alert your contacts if you detect suspicious campaigns. The more digitally literate everyone is, the less likely someone is to fall for it..

Update the app and be careful with third-party applications

Always keep WhatsApp updated to the latest version from the official store (App Store or Google Play). The updates include security patches and privacy improvements which should not be overlooked.

Regarding third-party apps for setting passwords or locking apps (like “AppLock”), be very cautious. Although they exist and can be useful on certain mobile devices, they add an attack surface and require sensitive permissions.If you decide to use them, install only from official stores, check ratings and privacy policies, and be wary of unofficial WhatsApp features.

Quick steps for security emergencies

If you suspect that someone has tried to register your WhatsApp account, that your SIM card has been duplicated, or you see unknown devices in "Linked Devices," act immediately. Re-register your number, change your two-step verification PIN, check devices, and block suspicious contacts.Also check the Words that can block your account If you receive strange messages that seem to induce suspension.

And if you think your conversations might be at risk because your phone is unlocked and accessible to third parties, prioritize: Activate app lock, remove notification previews, and set a strong screen passwordThat raises the bar considerably.

Biometric lock on Android and Face ID/Touch ID on iPhone

On Android, go to Settings > Privacy > “Fingerprint lock” and follow the steps to register your finger if you haven't already set it up. The app will ask for your fingerprint when you open WhatsApp after There of inactivity that you define.

On iPhone, Settings > Privacy > “Screen Lock” allows you to require Face ID or Touch ID with a time limit: immediately, after 1 minute, 15 minutes, or 1 hour. Choose a comfortable balance; 1 minute is usually a good option.

Extra tips for your daily life

Avoid opening links you weren't expecting, even if they're sent by a known contact; attackers compromise accounts and spread scams from there. Check the context through another channel if something seems suspicious..

When sharing locations, set short durations and turn them off when finished. Real-time sharing is useful, but it should only last as long as necessary..

If you handle professional or sensitive data, create habits: block relevant chats, use temporary messages, and back up with an encrypted copy. Combining multiple layers reduces the impact if something fails.

With all of the above applied, WhatsApp becomes a much more robust tool for your personal and professional life. You've limited what you show, strengthened access, encrypted your copies, and added barriers against prying eyes.Now the key is to maintain discipline: check devices, update the app, and be wary of anything suspicious. This way, your privacy depends not on luck, but on a well-thought-out configuration.

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.