- Managing linked devices is essential for your privacy on WhatsApp.
- You can check and close open sessions from your mobile phone or browser.
- Strengthening your account security prevents unauthorized access and risks.
Nowadays, WhatsApp has become the star messaging app in the daily lives of millions of people in Spain and the rest of the world. Its ability to log in from different devices such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones has revolutionized our way of communicating, allowing us to always carry our conversations with us, regardless of the device we use. However, this convenience can also represent a risk to privacy if we forget to close a session or if someone accesses one of our open sessions without our consent.
Maintaining control over the devices where we have the active WhatsApp session is essential for prevent intruders, protect our messages and personal data and, of course, prevent awkward or even dangerous situations like identity theft. If you're worried that someone might be reading your chats without you noticing, or want to make sure you haven't left any sessions open on someone else's computer, in this article I'll explain how you can view and close all your active WhatsApp sessions, whether from a mobile device or a computer. Android, iPhone or directly from the website. You'll also find some extra tips to strengthen your account security.
Why is it important to review open sessions on WhatsApp?
The option of having WhatsApp open on multiple devices makes work and communication much easier., allowing you to type from your computer or tablet. However, every time you leave a session open on a device that other people can access, Our messages, files and personal data may be exposedThis not only poses a risk of unwanted gossip, but also opens the door to fraud, identity theft, and information theft.
There have been cases where Coworkers, family members, or even strangers have accessed WhatsApp accounts Simply by taking advantage of the fact that the user left the session open on a public or shared PC. Furthermore, with the emergence of WhatsApp Web and Desktop, the possibility of a session remaining active on someone else's computer is higher than it seems.
Therefore, it is vital Check from time to time which devices you have WhatsApp active on and close sessions you no longer use or don't recognize. This way, you'll avoid unpleasant surprises and keep your privacy safe.
How to view open WhatsApp sessions step by step
WhatsApp has been improving and simplifying the process for viewing and managing devices where your account is active. This feature is called Linked devices and is available on both Android and iOS, as well as the browser version. With it, you can consult which devices have access to your account and when each one was last used.
From Android
- Open the WhatsApp application on your mobile.
- Press the icon three points vertical located in the upper right corner.
- Choose "Linked devices" in the menu that appears.
- You'll see a list of all the devices where your account is active, along with the device type, browser used, and last connection time.
From iPhone (iOS)
- Open WhatsApp and go to "Configuration" (gear icon at the bottom right).
- Press on “Linked devices”. All devices connected to your account will appear here.
- You will be able to check details such as the type of device y the last time it was in use.
From WhatsApp Web or Desktop
- If you have an active browser session, go to web.whatsapp.com.
- Click on the three point icon next to your profile picture in the left column.
- Choose "Sign off" if you just want to exit that browser, although to see the full list of sessions you'll have to open the app on your mobile.
This Paired Devices screen It's your primary tool for controlling access to your account. If you've never used WhatsApp Web or Desktop before and you see an active session, or if a device you don't recognize appears, it's a sign you should act quickly.
How do you know if someone has accessed your WhatsApp without your permission?
In addition to reviewing open sessions, WhatsApp provides login notifications every time a new device is linked to your account. However, These alerts may go unnoticed or arrive late., and they don't work if the session has been active for a while. Therefore, it's recommended to manually check your linked devices.
Signs that someone might be using your WhatsApp without permission include:
- Active sessions on devices you don't recognize or in OS different from the ones you usually use (for example, a session in Mac if you only use Windows).
- Last anomalous connection time, that is, activity when you know for sure that you were not connected.
- you receive WhatsApp Web notifications indicating new connections.
- You notice messages sent without your consent or strange activity in your chats.
Detect these clues in time You can prevent someone from further accessing your private information. It's a good idea to get into the habit of checking this section from time to time, especially if you use WhatsApp Web in public or shared locations.
How to close open WhatsApp sessions: the different options
WhatsApp allows close open sessions on remote devices directly from the mobile app. This way, you can remove access to your account on any device, even if you're not physically in front of it. There are two options: close a specific session or close all open sessions (This last option may vary depending on the version of the app you are using.)
Log out from Android
- Accede to “Linked devices” following the steps above.
- In the list of connected devices, select the one you want to close by tapping on it.
- The option will appear "Sign off". Confirm the action and that device will be unlinked from your account.
- In some versions, you can use the button “Close all sessions” to close them all at once.
Sign out from iPhone
- Sign in “Linked devices” from the app settings.
- Select the suspicious device or the one you want to shut down.
- press "Sign off" to unlink it.
- If you have several sessions open and you want to close all of them, you can use the option “Close all sessions” if available.
From the Web or Desktop version
- Access WhatsApp Web or Desktop in the browser where you are currently logged in.
- Press the three point icon and select "Sign Out." This will only log out that specific session.
- For other devices, you'll need to use the mobile app.
Depending on your version of WhatsApp and operating system, you may experience issues with your device. the option to close all sessions at once does not appear and you have to unlink them one by one. Although it may be more tedious, it gives you greater control and you can leave open only the ones you really need.
Security tips to prevent unauthorized access to WhatsApp
In addition to reviewing and closing open sessions periodically, it is advisable Implement some additional security measures on your WhatsApp account To reduce the risk of unwanted access:
- Activate XNUMX-Step Verification: Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification and set up a PIN. This way, even if someone gets your verification text, they won't be able to access your account without that extra code.
- Do not share your verification code with anyone, not even people you trust. WhatsApp will never ask you to do this via text or call.
- Protect your mobile with a secure password, fingerprint, or facial recognition. If you lose your phone, get your carrier to lock your SIM card as soon as possible to prevent anyone from accessing your WhatsApp.
- Avoid connecting your mobile phone to public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. to use WhatsApp, as they can intercept your information.
- Keep Always keep WhatsApp and your device up to date to the latest version to have all the security improvements.
- Do not click on suspicious links or give in to messages pretending to be from WhatsApp.. Always use the official app and be wary of websites and apps Of third parties.
- Periodically check the linked devices to your account. If you notice anything strange, unlink that device and change your passwords.
If for any reason you lose access to your primary phone, you can install WhatsApp on another phone using your number; doing so will automatically log you out of any active sessions on other devices. Activate two-step verification immediately to strengthen your protection.
What to do if you suspect you're being spied on via WhatsApp Web?
If you detect an active session on an unknown computer or receive suspicious notifications, act as soon as possible:
- Close the suspicious session (or all sessions) from your mobile.
- Check your chats for strange messages or activity.
- Turn on two-step verification if you haven't already.
- Consider changing your phone's unlock password and review any fraudulently installed apps.
- If you think your account has been compromised, contact WhatsApp support and block your SIM card if you've lost your phone.
Remember that after closing a session, The next time you want to use WhatsApp Web or Desktop on that device, you'll have to scan the QR code with your mobile phone.This way you can ensure that no one else can access it without your permission.
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.