WhatsApp privacy guide

WhatsApp privacy guide (Image: Unsplash)

Guide to improving your privacy on WhatsApp

  1. Update your app regularly: Make sure you are always using the latest version of WhatsApp to close possible security vulnerabilities.

Instructions: Regularly check for updates to WhatsApp by checking App Updates in Settings.

  1. Use a strong PIN or fingerprint: Protect access to your app with a strong PIN or fingerprint to prevent unauthorized people from accessing your messages.

Instructions: Go to WhatsApp settings and select “Account”. Then click on “Privacy” and activate the “Fingerprint lock” option. Follow the instructions to set up your PIN or fingerprint.

  1. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication is an additional layer of security that protects your account from unauthorized access.

Instructions: Go to WhatsApp settings and select “Account”. Then click “Two-Step Verification” and follow the instructions to enable two-factor authentication.

  1. Disable online status display: Disable the feature that shows your online status to other users to protect your activity on WhatsApp.

Instructions: Go to WhatsApp settings and select “Account”. Then click on “Privacy” and deactivate the “Last online” option.

  1. Turn off read receipts: Prevent other users from seeing whether you have read their messages by turning off read receipts.

Instructions: Go to WhatsApp settings and select “Account”. Then click on “Privacy” and deactivate the “Read receipts” option.

  1. Avoid unknown contacts: Avoid joining groups you don't know or being contacted by unknown numbers to protect your privacy on WhatsApp.

Instructions: Be careful if you receive messages from unknown numbers or are invited to groups you don't know. Do not open links from unknown senders.

  1. Don't use public Wi-Fi networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to send or receive messages as they may be unsafe.

Instructions: Use only safe and trusted Wi-Fi networks to protect your privacy on WhatsApp.

  1. Delete old chats and media: Delete old chats and media regularly to free up space and prevent unwanted access to your private messages or media.

Instructions: In WhatsApp, go to the chat you want to delete. Then click the menu icon and select “Delete Chat.” Select “Delete for All” to delete the messages for the recipient as well.

  1. Don't use third-party apps: Avoid using third-party apps to access WhatsApp as they may be unsafe and can access your private data.

Instructions: Use only the official WhatsApp app to protect your privacy on WhatsApp.

  1. Use end-to-end encryption: WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption by default to protect your messages and calls. To protect your privacy on WhatsApp, make sure you only communicate with trusted contacts.

Instructions: To protect your privacy on WhatsApp, only use WhatsApp contacts you know and trust.

  1. Turn off auto-saving media: If you don't want the media you receive to be automatically saved to your gallery, you can turn off this feature.

Instructions: In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Disable “Automatically download media.”

  1. Hide your profile picture: You can prevent strangers from seeing your profile picture.

Instructions: In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Select Profile Picture and select Nobody.

  1. Hide your last seen status: Prevent other users from seeing your last online status.

Instructions: In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Select Last Online and select Nobody.

  1. Hide your status: You can control who can see your current status.

Instructions: In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Select Status and choose who can see your status.

  1. Hide your “About” info: You can also set who can see your About info.

Instructions: In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Select About and choose who can see your About Info.

There are many ways to protect your privacy on WhatsApp. By regularly updating your app, using a strong PIN or fingerprint, enabling two-factor authentication, disabling online status and read receipts, and avoiding unknown contacts and public Wi-Fi networks, you can ensure that your personal information on WhatsApp are protected. It is also important to regularly delete old chats and media and only use the official WhatsApp app. By following these steps, you can communicate safely and privately on WhatsApp.

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