The popular messenger WhatsApp has an unpleasant surprise in store for its users. If you do not log in for 120 days, your account will be deleted from the platform. What sounds worrying at first glance does not have to mean the end of the digital world. Let's take a closer look.

The data octopus has a heart for data protection, at least when it comes to inactive accounts. WhatsApp has a small but potentially serious clause in its terms of service. If you don't use Messenger for 120 days, your account can be deleted without warning. The service emphasizes that this is done to protect the privacy of users. But who does this regulation affect and what does it actually mean?

Who is affected by the 120-day rule on WhatsApp?

Rare users beware

WhatsApp's 120-day rule could be a problem for those who rarely use the messenger. A quarter of a year is a long time, but if you only use the service sporadically, you should be careful. Even if you only use WhatsApp occasionally to stay in touch with old friends or rarely send messages, you should make sure to open the app every now and then.

It's not just the use that counts, but also the connection

Another nuance of this rule is that a user who has WhatsApp installed on his device but does not use an internet connection is also considered inactive. So if you don't have an internet connection for a long time, you run the risk of having your account deleted. It is therefore advisable to ensure that your smartphone is connected to the Internet every now and then to avoid this inconvenience.

What happens after deletion?

Data chaos or business as usual?

A burning question that many users will ask is: “What happens to my data after deletion?” Luckily, the answer is less dramatic than you might think. As long as WhatsApp is installed on your cell phone, the locally stored data will be retained. This means that your chats, images and links sent or received do not simply disappear into digital obscurity.

After deleting the account, it is still possible to access your content by logging into WhatsApp again on the same device. This also works with a new telephone number, for example after a contract change. When registering again, all you have to do is use the same login details and you will have access to the old messages again.

Conclusion

In summary, while WhatsApp's 120-day rule can seem daunting at first, it's easy to get around with the right preparation and a little mindfulness. Just make sure you open the app every now and then and are connected to the internet. And if your account is deleted, you can restore it relatively easily.

Key facts at a glance:

  • WhatsApp can delete accounts that have been inactive for 120 days.
  • Infrequent users and users without a regular internet connection are particularly affected.
  • After deletion, the data remains on the cell phone.
  • If you re-register with the same data, access to the content is possible again.

So stay online, stay connected and keep your digital life moving. This way you can ensure that you are not suddenly cut off from your digital platform. Because who wants to be excluded from the WhatsApp party?

Help us make our online community safer! Download the attached sharepic and share it on your Facebook feed or stories. The more people we can reach with this, the safer our digital world will become. Always remember: think first, then click!

WhatsApp 120-day rule: click or kick?
WhatsApp 120-day rule: click or kick?

More about this: https://faq.whatsapp.com/828406668498455/?locale=de_DE

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