11 tips to protect your WhatsApp account on iPhone
Go through this quick checklist that will help you secure your WhatsApp account and protect it from hackers and unauthorized access.
WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging service in the world, and fraudsters, criminals, and other malicious players are always trying to get into other people’s accounts to steal personal conversations, get codes from businesses, impersonate and trick family members and friends into sending money, and so on.
The following solutions should help secure your WhatsApp account.
Lock the app or individual chats
If you’re worried that people around you, like your family members or coworkers, might be looking at your private conversations, just lock the entire app using the built-in iOS app locker feature.
In case you want to lock and hide a certain conversation, WhatsApp offers that option as well, which we explained in our dedicated tutorial: Lock your WhatsApp conversations on iPhone like a professional.
Turn on two-factor authentication
When you or someone who has access to your phone tries to sign in to WhatsApp on a new device, a one-time code is sent via SMS or a call to the registered phone number. You can add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication. This will ensure that even if someone has your phone or SIM card, they will need to enter your 2FA code (only you know) to complete the registration on the new device.
If you set up two-factor authentication, don’t forget to add and verify your email address to use to restore your account if needed.
If you happen to receive a code (via SMS or call) on your phone to register WhatsApp on another device and it’s not you who does it, you should never share that code over the phone or text. Remember that WhatsApp Support will never ask you for login codes. Anyone who does is a scammer trying to take over your account.
Periodically update the devices you’re signed in to
Go to WhatsApp Settings > Connected devices and review the list of phones, tablets, computers, and web browsers where you are logged in to this WhatsApp account. If you are no longer using the connected device, tap it, then follow Get out.
Enable additional encryption for your chat backups
If you back up your WhatsApp chats to iCloud, you can add an extra layer of security and privacy by enabling end-to-end encryption on WhatsApp. Settings > Discussions > Chat backup.
Do not answer random messages or intercept unknown video calls
If you receive random texts or calls from unknown numbers, do not answer or answer, even ask who they are. Just ignore them or check their number on sites like Truecaller, and decide on an action. If they feel like a fraud, it is possible that; block and report that account.
Unless absolutely necessary, don’t share your phone number with random websites, stores, people, etc. This will both reduce advertising spam and also improve your security.
Don’t buy random links
Since you are an iPhone user, you don’t have to worry about a scam tricking you into installing a spyware app on your phone by sending you an APK file (this only works for Android phones). But you can still become a victim of phishing using links and media attachments. So, if you find a suspicious link, image, video, or PDF, don’t try it. Just delete and report the message.
Update the app regularly
Another basic thing you can do is update the app regularly. In case there is a bug or open exploit in the current version of the app, WhatsApp will continuously implement a fix through an app update.
Add a PIN to your mobile SIM and protect your identity in general
eSIMs are already protected by an iPhone passcode, but if you’re using a mobile SIM, protect it with a 4-digit PIN. Going forward, a PIN will be required to use this SIM even on other phones (iPhone, Android, featured phones).
You can also consider setting a passkey for your WhatsApp account that uses Face ID or Touch ID for authentication. It is available in the app Settings > Account > Pass keys.
Protect your iPhone
And finally, WhatsApp is one of the apps on your smartphone. If you don’t take steps to protect your iPhone, it can lead to all kinds of problems, including your WhatsApp account being compromised.
On a related note: 5 optional iPhone features to strengthen privacy and security
